KKJA "17 Years of Togetherness"

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) will celebrate its 17th Anniversary Fund Raising. Celebration Dinner cum Press Nite 2009 at 1Borneo Hypermall Ballroom on August 31.

KKJA Chairman Emil Wong Bak Kion (pics) said this year's celebration was themed "17 Years of Togetherness" as it provides a platform for members and friends to interact and to enjoy a night of fun.

"Press Nite has always been an annual highlight for the association and this year we are going for a grand but relaxing atmosphere."

He added there were two sponsorship methods, namely ribbon-cutting sponsorship or table sponsorship.

"We aim to raise RM 100,000 for the interior renovation of our office, replace the old air-conditioner, communication equipments, activity funds and welfare funds," he said, adding that it was the first time he set a target for KKJA's fund-raising activity in his three years' of leadership.

"Hence I hope partners, friends, and the public would offer their support in order for us to develop and implement our planned activities," he said, adding that KKJA depends on sponsorships and support from the public to finance its acitvities.

Emil also said that the association has claimed its office at Api-Api Centre which was initially rented out for commercial purposes.

"Unfortunately, the interior looks like a warehouse after being rented out for so many years, it was totally unsuitable to be used as an office,"

Hence, Emil has proposed to renovate the office and restore it to its previous condition.

He would also like to express his gratitude towards his seniors, sponsors, and sponsoring companies for their contribution towards KKJA and especially their office at Api-Api Centre.

"In order to show our appreciation towards our sponsors for this celebration, all finance sponsors' names would be engraved on the copper plaque in our office as remembrance," he said.

Members are urged to obtain their meal vouchers from Executive Secretary Chuah Kim Huat (016-8362117) or James Tseu (016-8329883) by August 20.

For more information or to support the fund-raising dinner, please contact Jimmy Goh (016-8805562), Event Chairman Yong Ted Phen (019-8807941), Emil Wong Bak Kion (016-8378906), Chong Kiew Vui (019-8101776), Desmond Qwek (013-8782770), Chuah Kim Huat (016-8362117) or Jonathan Wong (016-8101218).