YES Round Table Discussion

with

Date: 18^th April 2010

Time: 2-3pm

Venue: Ritz Carlton, KL

In anticipating this day to come, all of us were donned in our finest suit and shirts. Upon arriving Ritz Carlton, a flush of excitement and hopefulness washed over us.

Welcomed by great hospitality, the round table discussion started at 2pm sharp at a neat looking boardroom with cookies, coffee and tea prepared. Wearing a simple black dress and cardigan, Maura M. Pally sure is petite for an American! Her kind smile and warm gestures were unpretentious and amicable. Accompanied Ms Pally was her assistant, Dana Rosenberg who is equally approachable and friendly.

Nicholas Papp, a witty and smart gentleman was our moderator of the day. In brief, the discussion was divided into three parts: introduction, sharing on past projects and upcoming projects. The introduction was started off by sharing our stories and experiences during our exchange days in the States. For many of us, it was both reminiscent and inspiring in understanding that each and every one of us shared a different tale. Knowing Ms Pally was keen and enthusiastic with our stories, it was nothing but sheer pleasant.

For the past years, YES Alumni Malaysia has been and still are active in organizing projects in hope to lend a hand to the community. With that, we were more than happy to share some of the interesting projects with Ms. Pally. Just to name a few here, YES Alumni Malaysia has organized YES Training of Trainers(ToT), volunteered during the AFS World Congress and not forgetting, the upcoming English Enrichment Programs. The positive remarks and feedback from Ms. Pally definitely had encouraged us to do what we are doing now, in fact better!

Towards the end of discussion, we updated some upcoming projects with Ms. Pally and discussed on how the funds are are going to be beneficial to the community. For now, we have English Enrichment Program and of course, the charity drive for a shelter home which is happening very soon on this weekend. And of course, there are many more to look forward for this coming year. In many ways, Ms. Pally has also shown great support and faith in what YES Alumni Malaysia is executing.

Try asking anyone of us and we would tell you this: The round table discussion wasn’t really a round table discussion, rather it was like catching a cuppa with old friends. It was casual and relaxed, with much laughter in the room. The session ended with a group shot and light moments with Ms. Pally.

And oh...we just hoped that she remembers what to have for tomorrow breakfast- Nasi Lemak!!