Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia yesterday (8 March) held one of its most inspiring Annual General Meetings (A.G.M.) since establishment. The 12th A.G.M. was held in a joyous and celebratory spirit as members gathered at the newly-completed Nalanda Centre to acknowledge the support of donors, the hard work put in by the Building Committee, as well as the contribution by Nalanda members from near and far!
Nalanda President Bro. Lee Kong Foo set the tone for the meeting with deep appreciation for the kind support from our benefactors, and for the diligent effort of Nalandians in carrying out various educational and Dhamma-outreach programmes to benefit the entire Malaysian Buddhist community. He also acknowledged the tremendous contributions of the outgoing Board of Management, EXCO Members, Nalanda’s education divisions, staff and volunteers.
Founder Bro. Tan took time to attend the opening of the A.G.M. where he was warmly welcomed by members. Bro. Tan advised Nalandians to continue striving diligently in Dhamma learning and practice, and to be ‘kalyana mitta’ (good spiritual friends) to one another.
The Honorary Secretary Sis. Buddhini Tan then tabled the Society’s annual report at the meeting, followed by the tabling of Nalanda’s financial report by Honorary Treasurer Sis. May Wong. Both reports were received by members with joyful appreciation, reflecting the great work done by both officers who headed the Secretariat and Treasury teams respectively.
President Lee thanked all the officers who served with him on the Board of Management for the past 5 years and then declared the dissolution of the Board. Following nominations and voting, the A.G.M. elected a new Board of Management for 2015-2017, headed by in-coming President Sis. Evelyn Chow and her Deputy, Bro. Charlie Teng. Bro. Pee Che Yong is the new Honorary Secretary; while Sis. Margaret Ng took over as Honorary Treasurer. 7 other Nalandians were elected to complete the 11-member Board.
The A.G.M. also voted unanimously to amend the Society’s Rule and Constitution to further improve the management structure of the organization. The meeting concluded on a high ‘family’ spirit of loving-appreciation and encouragement. With the 12th A.G.M. accomplished, Nalandians can now fully concentrate on preparing for the upcoming Wesak Buddha-Day programmes in early May.