SISWP Conference of Clubs 2016, Sydney
The 20th SISWP Conference of Clubs 2016 was held at Waterview Convention Centre, Bicentennial Park, Sydney, from 29 April to 1 May 2016. With the total number of participants at this Federation conference at around 300, Malaysia was well represented with 20 members from SI Bangsar, Damansara, KL, Penang, PJ and Shah Alam. Malaysian representatives included outgoing SISWP Immediate Past President Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, incoming SISWP President-Elect and YSM Chairman Dato’ Anusha Santhirasthipam, outgoing National Rep Joanne Yeoh, incoming NR and SIROM IPP Nora Lam, SIROM President Anita Pater and SIROM President-Elect Saradha Narayanan.
The conference opened with the Parade of Flags.
In the afternoon of Day 1, there were National Meetings at the Waterview, where Malaysian delegates and proxies gathered for matters of discussion.
Day 2 began with a presentation by SISWP IPP Siew Yong Gnanalingam and Convention Chair of the next Convention of Clubs, which will be held in Malaysia in 2019.
It was a dynamic few days of business sessions, where there were some fiery discussions and resolutions passed. We also had inspirational speakers, who shared their experiences and perspectives on two panels over the weekend. The first panel was moderated by SISWP PE Theresa Lyford on the theme of “Women Accepting the Change of Leadership”, with the keynote speaker being Dorothy Hoddinott AO Principal of Holroyd High School. The first panelist was Lee-May Saw, President of the Women’s Lawyers’ Association of NSW and Barrister. the second was Michelle Byrne, the Mayor of the Hill Shire Castle Hill, Sydney, and finally Annabelle Chauncy OAM, CEO School for Life Foundation.
Day 3 began with a welcome from International President Yvonne Simpson.
The second panel on Day 3 was on the theme of “Women Accepting the Challenge of Gender Equality” and was moderated by SISWP IPP Siew Yong. The panellists were SI Singapore President Dr Theresa Devashayam, who is a researcher and writer on gender, Domestic Violence NSW CEO Moo Baulch and International Women’s Development Agency Senior Research and Policy Adviser Joanne Crawford.
Moo Baulch’s presentation can be seen below:
One of the highlights of the conference for Malaysia was the election of SIROM Extension Convenor and SICB member Helena Cheah as Assistant Membership Asia.
Another highlight was the Best Practice Awards where SI Penang received the Federation Best Practice Award 2015-2016 for Goal 1 Objective 1 – advancing education and learning opportunities for Women, and SI Petaling Jaya received the Federation Best Practice Award 2015-2016 for Goal 1 Objective 2 – Improve Access to Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Opportunities for the Employment of Women.
At the close of the conference, President-Elect Theresa Lyford presented her vision for her presidency.
We also congratulate our incoming National Rep Nora Lam for being elected to the SISWP Board of Directors.
Another highlight was witnessing our own Dato’ Anusha becoming the President-Elect of SISWP.
All in all, it was a fabulous Conference of Clubs – much appreciation to the conference organising committee for the great conference. It was a splendid time to catch up with old friends and make new ones, learn new perspectives on relevant topics, discuss our organisational issues and also have a lot of fun!
Congratulations to the award winners and the position holders. Congratulations also to the new SISWP committee and we look forward to an exciting new biennium!
See more photos of the conference on SIROM Facebook album.