28/03/2026
Saturday, 28th March 2026
President’s Speech at today’s AGM
Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members, fellow EXCO members, members of the secretariat, staff, volunteers, and friends of the Melaka Cancer Society.
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you for being here today for this Annual General Meeting.
As the outgoing President of the Melaka Cancer Society, I would like to begin by recording my sincere appreciation to our EXCO members for their service, commitment, and support throughout this term. Serving in a society such as ours is never easy. It requires not only time and energy, but also heart, patience, and a willingness to serve a cause greater than ourselves. For that, I truly thank each and every one of you.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to our secretariat for their dedication and hard work. Much of what the Society does on a daily basis often happens quietly behind the scenes, but it is this work that keeps the Society functioning. Your efforts, discipline, and commitment are deeply appreciated.
For the record as well, I would like to place on record our appreciation to Elena for her service to the Melaka Cancer Society. She has recently tendered her resignation, and her last date will be in the middle of April. We thank her for her contributions, her service, and her commitment, and we wish her all the very best in her future undertakings.
I would also like to thank donors, supporters and all that had assists the Society in donation and in kind. That reflected in our audited financial account last year at RM128,238.00.
I would also like to thank members contribution whether in attending classes, membership fees and handicraft works. I personally appreciate it.
As many of you already know, I informed the committee last week that I had intended to step down from the position of President, as I believe leadership should always allow room for others to come forward and serve. Accordingly, anybody who is willing may be nominated as President or as part of the EXCO. However, if the floor wishes for me to continue serving as President, I remain willing to do so in the best interest of the Society, with the support and cooperation of the committee. Above all, my hope is for the Melaka Cancer Society to continue to move forward well and with unity.
Moving forward, there are several matters which I believe the new committee should take note of.
Number 1, we must always remember who we are as a Society. We rely heavily on donations. We are not an organisation that generates profits from business activities in the ordinary sense. We are sustained by the generosity of donors, supporters, members, and the goodwill of the community. Because of that, financial prudence is extremely important.
A few years ago, I shared that I never wanted to be the President who would have to break our fixed deposits. Sadly, due to Covid and the difficult period that followed, we had no real choice but to do so in order to sustain the office, support our staff, and continue assisting the wellbeing of our patients and members. It was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. Because of that experience, I strongly believe that the Society must continue to remain in a careful and saving mode.
This also affects how we look at staffing and administration. In that regard, I am proposing that, following Elena’s departure, the Society may consider a part-time arrangement for the replacement, at least for the time being. Nevertheless, I must also say that Marian is doing fine work right now, and her contribution is very much appreciated.
I would also like to propose that, going forward, any dealings involving money should increasingly be done through QR Code and cashless methods. This would include payment of membership fees, weekly classes, and donations. Such a system would make our collection process more efficient, transparent, and easier to monitor and record.
Number 2, during our previous AGM, it was raised that some members did not received the minutes. As such, I wish to propose to the floor an amendment to our Constitution to bring it in line with present-day technological developments, particularly with regard to the service of documents. The proposed amendment should expressly recognise electronic and wireless transmission of documents, thereby enabling notices, communications, and other relevant documents to be served in a more efficient, practical, and modern manner.
Number 3, the role of the EXCO itself. I believe the next committee should move towards a more active and functional division of responsibilities, where every EXCO member plays a clearer and more hands-on role and at the same time the establishment of several bureaus either headed by a member of the Exco or any of our members.
For example, I believe the President should not only serve as the head of the Society, but also the role of liaison officer with governmental bodies and private sector, with the Secretary providing close support in administration, correspondence, and coordination.
The Vice President should support the President in the discharge of his duties and be ready to step in whenever necessary. At the same time, the Vice President may also play a supporting role in external engagement and continuity in the Society’s relationships and activities.
The Treasurer should not only keep and manage the accounts of the Society, but should also pay close attention to the financial position of our weekly classes, activities, and programmes, so that the Society remains prudent, sustainable, and accountable in all financial dealings.
Likewise, every EXCO member should be encouraged to take ownership of specific areas, whether in fundraising, welfare, membership, events, hospital relations, publicity, programme coordination, donor engagement, or survivor support. In this regard, I believe we should also establish dedicated bureaus within the Society so that our work can be better organised and more effectively carried out. By structuring ourselves better, we will be in a stronger position to serve our community and to grow the work of the Society in a sustainable way.
A society like ours cannot depend on only one or two people. It must function through shared responsibility, commitment, and teamwork.
Ultimately, the Melaka Cancer Society exists for a noble purpose. We are here to serve patients, support families, care for members, and do our small part in bringing hope and help to those facing difficult journeys. That mission must remain bigger than any individual position.
Number 4, as MCS is the only cancer-focused organisation in the State of Melaka, I believe we should work towards creating a stronger and more structured support group network for patients, survivors, caregivers, and families, so that emotional support, practical guidance, and fellowship may be more effectively extended to those who need it.
Number 5, I believe MCS can explore the opening of a thrift shop or charity shop, including the sale of donated clothing and other suitable items. This may create an additional source of funds for the Society and, at the same time, open up employment opportunities for cancer survivors and others who may need such opportunities. Of course, there are many hard works here and require a more detailed elaboration and discussion. And maybe we can have an initial debate and deliberation when I open up under other matters arising at the close of the AGM.
In closing, I would once again like to thank the EXCO, the secretariat, the staff, our volunteers, donors, members, and everyone who has supported the Melaka Cancer Society throughout my term. It has been an honour to serve as President. I leave this position with gratitude, humility, and hope that the Society will continue to move forward with wisdom, compassion, and unity.
Thank you very much, and I wish the Society and its leadership all the very best.
Damian Yeo Shen Li
President
Melaka Cancer Society
