KOTA KINABALU: Founder of the Society of Hope Sabah, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, has voiced her support for Junior Chamber International (JCI) Intan’s Golden Jubilee celebration on 18 September.
She said she believes in the concept of one non-governmental organisation (NGO) supporting another for a good cause.
“Congratulations. For JCI Intan to celebrate 50 years of women’s leadership and service with charity in mind is a good and meaningful deed. The act of giving to those in need is a joyful and rewarding experience. I wish them every success,” said the former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment after a courtesy call by JCI Intan Golden Jubilee Celebration Organising Chairperson, JCI Senator Chai Moi Len, recently.
Chai told the Society of Hope Sabah founder that the golden jubilee would be more than just a celebration, as it will include a charitable donation aimed at making a difference in the lives of those in dire need.
According to her, the Society for the Sabah Heart Fund (SOS Heart Fund) will be the sole beneficiary of funds raised from the event.
“As JCI Intan, Sabah’s pioneering all-ladies JCI local organisation, commemorates the formation of this chapter half a century ago, we have not forgotten the plight of the less fortunate.”
“We are donating a proportion of the proceeds to SOS Heart Fund to boost its coffers so that more heart patients can undergo corrective surgery,” Chai said in a statement on Sunday.
Theme reflects heritage and future leadership
The Organising Chairperson said the Golden Jubilee Celebration’s theme, “Strengthening Youth Leadership in a Global Ecosystem”, reflects both its proud heritage and its continuing commitment to encouraging the next generation to step forward, lead with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“JCI Intan’s enduring legacy extends beyond the programmes and initiatives it has undertaken. More importantly, it is reflected in the generations of women whose lives have been shaped by the values of leadership, service, fellowship, and personal development.”
“The celebration will bring together the founding mothers, past and present leaders and members, fellow Jaycees, partners, supporters, and distinguished guests to commemorate five decades of leadership, service, friendship, and sisterhood, while looking towards a new chapter of growth, purpose, and meaningful impact,” Chai said.
Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his Consort, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, are expected to grace the occasion at the Pacific Sutera Hotel here.
Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, will also be present.
A trailblazing chapter since 1975
In retrospect, Chai, a past president (1982–1983), said trailblazing JCI Intan, a household name in the 1980s, was registered as Kota Kinabalu Jayceettes on 4 March 1975 under the auspices of KK Jaycees, with the belief that women, when given the opportunity to lead, learn, and serve, can make a meaningful difference in society.
Officially, the chapter became known as JCI Intan after its affiliation to JCI via Junior Chamber International Malaysia (JCIM) in 1976.
“At a time when the idea of women leading their own organisation was still unfamiliar and challenging, JCI Senator Jovinia Solibun, the Charter President, and her team showed courage and determination in breaking new ground and laying the foundation for the organisation JCI Intan would become,” Chai recalled.
Other members of the inaugural Board of Directors comprised Adeline Leong (now Datuk), Irene Pritchard (who later became Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad and Sabah’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister), Amisah Yassin (now Datuk), Masrah Abidin (now Puan Sri), Susanna Chiu, Teresa Soon, and Grace Lim.
According to Chai, over the past 50 years, JCI Intan has provided generations of women with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and make a difference beyond the organisation.
Notably, among those who have carried this spirit of leadership forward are JCI Senator Datuk Adeline Leong and JCI Senator Teresa Alberto, who served as JCI Executive Vice-Presidents; and JCI Senator Jovinia Solibun, JCI Senator Li Yo Wei, and JCI Senator Arlena Awang Chee, who served as JCI Malaysia Presidents.
“The fivesome have gone on to hold significant leadership positions within Jaycees Malaysia and on the international stage. For example, Jovinia went on to represent Sabah women in the National Advisory Council for the Integration of Women in Development (NACIWID) for a number of years, while Adeline rose to be the first woman president of a municipal council in Malaysia, and subsequently served as Malaysia’s Head of Mission to Taiwan from 2016 to 2018.
“Others, including JCI Senator Datuk Christine Vanhouten, a former member of the Malaysian Senate and founder of the KKIP Investors’ Council, and JCI Senator Datuk Nancy Ho, founder of the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (SWEPA), have made their mark as pioneers and leaders in the professional, business, community, and women’s sectors,” Chai noted, adding, “Together, their journeys reflect the breadth of JCI Intan’s influence and the opportunities it has created for women to grow as leaders, serve their communities, and contribute beyond the organisation.”
Chai is a veteran hotel human resources practitioner with extensive global experience, having last served as Director of Recruitment, China, with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. JCI Senator Chiu served as Group Financial Controller of Innoprise Corporation Group (the commercial arm of Yayasan Sabah), scaling the career ladder to become Group General Manager of Innoprise Corporation Group until her retirement in 2007.
JCI Senator Amisah was appointed as a nominated member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly from 2020 to 2025.
More than a celebration
Against this illustrious backdrop, the Organising Chairperson stressed that the Golden Jubilee is therefore more than a celebration of five decades.
“It is a great opportunity to honour the pioneers who tirelessly laid the foundation, recognise the invaluable contributions of past presidents and members, and celebrate the long and winding journey that has shaped JCI Intan into what it is today. It is also a time to look ahead with renewed purpose and commitment to the values that will guide a respected organisation into its next promising chapter,” Chai concluded.
Founder President Solibun, described the golden jubilee as a major milestone for leaders and members to take stock of past achievements and strive for a better tomorrow, not just for the chapter but also for the good of Sabah’s communities as a whole.
The former RTM Sabah News Controller reiterated that JCI, a global leadership training organisation, prioritises the tenets of personal growth, leadership development, and skills training, which can be enhanced and honed through active involvement in community-based programmes.
Solibun urged all women aged 18 to 40 to join JCI Intan as part of their life’s progressive journey for personal advancement, career development, and community service. Those interested may contact JCI Senator Janet Boyou at 012-8488278.-pr/BNN
