NTU Alumni Toastmasters Club, Singapore

15/06/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to NTU Alumni Toastmasters Club for our amazing achievements at Division J Achievers Day! 🎉

We are proud to share that NTU Alumni Toastmasters Club has earned the prestigious Smedley Distinguished Club award, and a big shoutout to Jie Xiang for winning the Division J VP Education of the Year Award! 🏆👏

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

14/06/2026

🎤 Event Recap: Project Speech Day – Reflect & Refocus
📍 Zoom

Our latest Project Speech Day invited members to reflect on the choices we make, the skills we develop, and the habits that help us navigate an ever-changing world.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches

🤖 Xu Xiaomeng – Beyond AI: Building Human Advantage in a Changing World
As AI continues to transform industries and workplaces, Xiaomeng encouraged us to focus on developing uniquely human strengths. She suggested that entrepreneurship may offer new opportunities in the AI era and encouraged everyone to discover passionate niche areas where they can create meaningful value.

🎤 Jayee Lee – Practice Paradox
Jayee challenged the common belief that speeches should be memorised word for word. Introducing the framework of Script – Sense – Spontaneity, she demonstrated how speakers can prepare thoroughly while remaining present, natural, and connected with their audience.

☎️ Ankitha Anil – The 5-Min Call
Ankitha explored the importance of setting healthy workplace boundaries. Through a relatable workplace scenario, she shared a practical approach: pause to identify what is bothering us, then respond clearly, calmly, and concisely without over-explaining or becoming emotional.

💬 Table Topics Session
Led by Meng Yuhan, the session encouraged members to think on their feet through a series of impromptu speaking challenges. Beyond preparing the slides, Yuhan also offered warm and relatable comments after each speaker, creating a more interactive and engaging experience for everyone.

🏆 Awards
🥇 Best Speaker: Ankitha Anil
🎯 Best Table Topics Speakers (tie): Jayee Lee & Lin Ruixiong
🧠 Best Evaluator: Oong Jie Xiang

👏 Thank you to Ice Breaker Master Lin Ruixiong, Toastmaster of the Day Atikah Alsagoff, Table Topics Master Meng Yuhan, Timer Dexter Yao Yao, Ah-Counter Li Yishan, evaluators, speakers, and all appointment holders for another engaging learning experience.

👏 A special mention to Atikah Alsagoff for taking on the role of Toastmaster of the Day for the first time. As one of the most challenging meeting roles, the TMD is responsible for guiding the entire meeting and ensuring a smooth flow from start to finish. It was wonderful to see Atikah step up to the challenge and lead the meeting.

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

🎤 Event Recap: Project Speech Day – Thank You Mum and Dad ❤️
📍 Zoom

Our latest Project Speech Day featured inspiring stories, personal reflections, and valuable learning moments as members continued developing their communication and leadership skills.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches

⏰ Jolene Fu – Why Do We Always Wait Until the Eleventh Hour?
Jolene explored procrastination and how perfectionism or overly ambitious goals can sometimes hold us back. Through personal stories, she reflected on why we delay action and the importance of taking the first step.

👨‍👧 Meng Yuhan – The Way We Bond
Yuhan shared a heartfelt speech about her relationship with her father and the advice he gave during difficult moments at work: don't be shy, don't be afraid, and don't rush.

🐬 Li Yishan – Like Dolphins, Like Humans
Yishan compared human communication styles to dolphin dialects, sharing the strengths and challenges of her supportive communication style and her desire to learn from the other styles.

💪 Atikah Alsagoff – Built After the Storm
Atikah delivered a touching story about the strength her mother displayed after her father's passing and how it inspired her own growth and perseverance.

🤝 Karthikeyan Velayudam – The Mentors Who Shaped Me
Karthikeyan reflected on the mentors who influenced his growth, sharing lessons and experiences that shaped his thinking and leadership journey.

✈️ Gary Ang – My First Flight at 28
Gary shared his memorable experience of taking his first flight at age 28, including amusing discoveries in Australia and the excitement of stepping beyond his comfort zone.

📚 General Evaluation Session
A special highlight was the dedicated General Evaluation session led by Oong Jie Xiang, who shared practical tips for excelling in meeting roles.

Key takeaways and recommendations included:
• Evaluators are reminded to align feedback with project objectives and provide specific observations and actionable suggestions.
• Table Topics Masters can consider techniques such as adapting to timing, preparing participants to ensure smooth transitions.
• All members are encouraged to take on Timer and Ah-Counter roles to sharpen observation skills through regular practice and experience.
• Toastmasters of the Day can consider techniques such as repeating the speech title and speaker's name, as well as thoughtful touches like background music during breaks.

🏆 Awards
🥇 Best Speaker: Gary Ang
🎯 Best Table Topics Speaker: Foo Kok Jin
🧠 Best Evaluators (Tie): Sharon Foong, Roy Chew & Joseph Yap

👏 Thank you to Ice Breaker Master Sharon Foong, Toastmaster of the Day Yuan Zijing, Table Topics Master Gary Ang, Timer Sebastian Su, Ah-Counter Foo Kok Jin, General Evaluator Oong Jie Xiang, evaluators, speakers, and all appointment holders for making the session engaging, educational, and memorable.

10/05/2026

🎤 Event Recap: 245th Chapter Meeting cm 22nd Anniversary
📍 NTU@One-North

Our latest chapter meeting celebrated the club’s 22nd Anniversary through stories of resilience, courage, growth, and personal transformation.

📖 Word of the Day – Illuminate
Introduced by Norizah Riduan, reminding us to bring light, clarity, and insight through our words and actions.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches

🏃 Sebastian Su reflected on his marathon journey. Reflecting that he finished 30 seconds slower than before, he realised the goal was not to run faster, but to run better.
Feedback highlighted his thoughtful structure and preparation, with suggestions to further strengthen stage presence.

🌟 Vony Renfia shared meaningful encounters in Singapore from volunteering at a funeral to meeting a landlord who survived cancer. Her speech encouraged us to notice people quietly carrying burdens and offer help whenever we can.
Feedback highlighted her clarity and heartfelt delivery, while encouraging stronger vocal variety and emotional pauses.

🗣️ Karthikeyan Velayudam explored the hesitation many feel before speaking up in meetings, and how he overcame the discomfort. His message left the audience reflecting: Will we regret staying silent?
Feedback encouraged more deliberate gestures and stronger stage confidence.

🎤 Joseph Yap reflected on his public speaking journey from addressing 200 people in 2016 to progressing through all five levels of the Presentation Mastery pathway.
Feedback highlighted his confident delivery and inspiring growth journey.

🗣️ Table Topics
Led by Ankitha Anil, the session featured interesting and engaging questions, sparking lively sharing and spontaneous speaking from members and guests.

📚 Language Evaluation
Norizah Riduan delivered a perfectly detailed sharing supported by a well-prepared PPT, providing practical and insightful learning points for everyone.

🏆 Awards
✨ Phoenix Award: Vipula Manukularatne
💰 Highest ROI Award: Yuan Zijing, Chua Seng Cheong & Mok Pei Han
❄️ Arctic Destroyer Award: Sharon Foong
🎤 Pitch Perfect Award: Ankitha Anil
🧐 Critic Award: Foo Kok Jin
🍬 Sweet Talker Award: Roy Chew
😂 Joker Award: Roy Chew
✈️ Permanent Tourist Award: Michael Wee

🥇 Best Speaker: Joseph Yap
🎯 Best Table Topics Speaker: Azizah Sapari
🧠 Best Evaluator: Azizah Sapari

🎂 The meeting also featured a photo montage, anniversary cake-cutting, and celebration moments honouring the club’s 22-year journey of learning and growth together.

👏 Thank you to all members, guests, speakers, evaluators, and appointment holders for making the anniversary meeting warm, meaningful, and memorable.

10/05/2026

Congratulations to Joseph Yap on completing the Presentation Mastery pathway! 🎉👏

25/04/2026

🎤 Event Recap: 244th Chapter Meeting – New Perspectives

Our 244th Chapter Meeting explored the theme “New Perspectives” — through reflections, stories, and thought-provoking discussions.

🧊 Ice Breaker
DTM Ruixiong Lin opened with the question: “What new perspective have you gained recently?” — setting the tone for a morning of reflection and sharing.

📖 Word of the Day – Vantage, introduced by Oong Jiexiang.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches
Vivi Zhu explored the trade-off between sharing private health data and receiving better, more timely healthcare.

Jutta Werner shared the importance of mentorship and how her mentor shaped her growth journey.

Joseph Yap introduced CPF fundamentals and practical investment approaches, making complex topics accessible and relevant.

🗣️ Table Topics
Flex Tio prepared intriguing topics, including whether we should accept what we cannot change or change what we cannot accept. Roy Chew stood out with a thoughtful response, referencing recent global events and advocating adaptability — earning Best Table Topics Speaker.

🧠 Evaluations
Sandy Goh, Vipula Manukularatne, and DTM Azizah Sapari delivered insightful evaluations, with Azizah winning Best Evaluator for her engaging and elegant style.

🎤 Language Evaluation
Oong Jiexiang delivered a lively and humorous language evaluation report, lighting grammar, usage, and effective language.

🎖️ Special Moments
VPM Joseph Yap conducted a meaningful New Member Induction, where three new members took their pledge. President Mok Pei Han shared that the next meeting will be our Anniversary Meeting.

👏 A session filled with insights, growth, and fresh perspectives — as we continue learning together.

12/04/2026

🎤 Event Recap: Project Speech Day – Finding Balance
📍 Zoom

Our latest Project Speech Day explored the theme “Finding Balance” — through personal stories, thoughtful reflections, and practical learning on communication and evaluation.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches
* Vivi Zhu shared how a simple habit — giving genuine compliments — can transform both ourselves and others. We become kinder and start to see the brighter side of things.
* Evaluation by Oong Jiexiang: clear journey, authentic personal story, and strong call to action. Suggestion to leverage more body gestures.

* Gary explored the role of luck — where we are born, when opportunities arise — and reminded us that luck calls for humility.
* Evaluation by Foo Kok Jin: clear and persuasive message. Suggestion to focus on one key call to action and enhance delivery with stronger posture and presence.

* Vony Renfia shared her journey through studies, career, and life’s ups and downs.
* Evaluation by Mok Pei Han: easy to follow and relatable. Suggestions to add more vocal variety and express stronger emotions, especially in joyful moments.

💡 Learning & Sharing Session
We were privileged to learn from Penny Radcliffe, who shared insights on being an effective Language Evaluator (LE) and General Evaluator (GE):

🧠 Language Evaluator Insights
• Keep language simple and purposeful
• Focus on a few impactful grammar points
• Use structure (repetition, emphasis, alliteration)
• Stay positive — uplift, don’t criticise
• Create a safe, encouraging environment

🧠 General Evaluation Insights
• Create impact — positive, structured, and welcoming.
• For members to feel they belong, learn a few key points, and leave inspired to return.

She also shared practical tips: listen to BBC news, practise with intention, seek objective feedback with evidence, etc.

📢 Announcement
We are opening nominations for the Exco Committee (Jul–Jun term) — step up to lead and grow!

✨ Another meaningful session of growth, reflection, and balance in our Toastmasters journey.

28/03/2026

🎤 Event Recap: Joint Chapter Meeting cm Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations
📍 NTU@One-North

Members from NTU Alumni Toastmasters Club, NTU Toastmasters Club, and Nanyang Scholars Toastmasters Club gathered for a vibrant Joint Chapter Meeting, supported by NTU OAE. This reflects OAE’s efforts in bringing the NTU Toastmasters family closer together.

🎤 Panel Discussion – AI and the Future (Highlight)
A key highlight was the engaging panel discussion, showcasing strong collaboration across the three NTU-affiliated clubs. Moderated by Oong Jiexiang, the session featured:
* Azizah Sapari, DTM (NTU Alumni TMC)
* He Wenbo David (Nanyang Scholars TMC)
* Samyak Jain (NTU TMC)

Samyak highlighted how AI improves access to knowledge but may weaken critical thinking if used blindly. Wenbo shared how AI enhances productivity and research writing, while raising concerns around reliability, safety, and overreliance. Azizah shared industry insights on how technologies like predictive maintenance improve efficiency, yet still rely on human judgement.

The panel stood out for its smooth facilitation and meaningful exchange across clubs.
Evaluation by Aditi Vasudevan: Jiexiang demonstrated clear structure, strong summaries, and thoughtful follow-ups, with suggestions to maintain eye contact and refine posture.

🎙️ Prepared Speeches
Jolene Fu – Hello Singapore
Jolene reflected on settling into Singapore — from its cost and everyday surprises to finding a sense of belonging similar to her hometown Chengdu.
Evaluation by Ng Yong Wei: vivid imagery and controlled pacing; suggestions to improve transitions and posture.

Ng Yong Wei – The Lives We Don’t Live
A reflection on life’s possibilities and rewriting our story.
Evaluation by Karthikeyan Velayudam: strong message and use of gratitude; suggestion to improve delivery.

He Wenbo David – When Festival Meets Knowledge
A thought-provoking question: are festivals shaping technology, or vice versa?
Evaluation by Surabhi Sunkad: intentional delivery; suggestions to add more perspectives and a stronger ending.

🏆 Awards
🥇 Best Speaker: Jolene Fu
🎯 Best Table Topics Speaker: Vipula
🧠 Best Evaluator: Aditi Vasudevan
✨ Enthusiasm Award: Josh Daniel Go Cua

👏 Appreciation
Thank you to Toastmaster of the Day Josh Daniel Go Cua, Ice Breaker Master Xu Xiaomeng, Language Evaluator Ankitha Anil, Timer Ma Mengzhong, Ah-Counter Vivi Zhu, evaluators, panelists, and all appointment holders.

A meaningful session reflecting strong collaboration across the NTU Toastmasters family.