What an unforgettable evening! On Saturday, November 16th, more than 100 members, friends, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the Hong Kong Toastmasters Club’s 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
Among the attendees were our three inspiring keynote speakers: marathon swimmer Edie Hu, beauty pageant champion Cindy Chan, and the 2024 World Champion of Public Speaking Runner-up Hannah Cheng.
Founded in December 1954, the first Toastmasters club in Asia and the No.2 club in the world as of 1999, our club has been a pioneering force in the Toastmasters movement across Greater China. Our members proudly established 21 clubs throughout Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.
The theme of the celebration, “Thank you for being part of our legacy,” resonated throughout the evening, celebrating the incredible journey of the Club while acknowledging the dedication and contributions of every member and fellow Toastmaster, past and present, who helped build our vibrant community.
Many sister clubs and fellow Toastmasters from District 89 gathered to honor our enduring influence. We were thrilled to welcome our ten past club presidents, dating back to 1986, who shared their experiences and celebrated our rich history.
Our keynote speakers truly captivated the audience with their incredible stories. Edie Hu shared her thrilling adventures as a marathon swimmer, revealing how she conquered the fear of the unknown in open waters. Her tales of resilience left us all inspired.
Cindy Chan brought laughter to the room with a delightful “Beauty and the Beast” skit featuring master humorists Talis Wong and Eddie Lee. Their comedic timing had everyone in stitches, proving that laughter is the best medicine.
Hannah Cheng, our Hong Kong’s first-ever Public Speaking Champion, reminded us of her winning speech message “Just start, you will find the way!” by challenging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and explore new possibilities behind the label that given by ourselves and others, motivating the audience and energized.
One of the evening’s highlights was the exhilarating “Music Time Machine” game. This lively performance by our emcee team took us on a nostalgic journey through dance, featuring iconic hits in the 70s like YMCA and Gangnam Style in the present day. The energy in the room was electric and infectious enthusiasm.
The real surprise came when we invited the audience to join us on stage. Guests eagerly jumped in, showcasing their dance talents and adding their own flair to the mix. The stage was alive with laughter, joy, and incredible dance-offs, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.
A special shoutout to our dedicated organizing committee for their meticulous planning and creativity, ensuring every aspect of the evening was flawlessly executed.
Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who are being part of this remarkable milestone celebration. Together, we honor our legacy and look forward to an inspiring future for the Hong Kong Toastmasters Club!
We hope to see you all again at our 75th Anniversary dinner in 2029.