USM, PENANG, 12 August 2016 - Toastmasters International provides opportunity to its members to help them improve their communication and public speaking skills, critical thinking and networking among club members, said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Toastmasters Club Vice-President (Education) Imran Sarwar.

According to Imran, the mission of the USM Toastmasters Club is to provide USM staff, students and alumni with a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

"Throughout its history, Toastmasters has served over four million people, and today the organisation serves over 332,000 members in 135 countries, through its over 15,400 member clubs including Malaysia, and in Penang alone there are over 40 clubs including USM Toastmasters Club which opens its membership to the USM community.

"We want more local students to join so that they can improve not only their English but also their public speaking skills," he said.

Imran also wants to inspire and assist his friends to be good public speakers because it will not only help them in their education but also in their career in the future.

Imran in his first attempt, won 2nd place in a humorous speech contest organised by Toastmasters Club held at INFORMM here recently.

Toastmasters International values consist of integrity, respect, service and excellence.

Members meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm at INFORMM, USM and is only open to USM staff, students and alumni.

The USM Toastmasters Club President is Dr. Norlaili A. Kabir who is lecturer in the School of Physics while the immediate past President was Prof. Dr. Gurjeet Kaur, a Professor in INFORMM USM.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah