12 January 2019. World Inner Wheel Day jointly organised by IWC Pearl of the Orient.
During the annual training for newly elected office bearers in July 2018, the District Committee kindly requested both the Inner Wheel Clubs of Penang and Pearl of the Orient to host World Inner Wheel Day on January 2019. The two presidents agreed to be co-organisers and an Organising Committee comprising of 6 members from each club was formed. What started as a simple event with a feel of Penang was suddenly empowered with excitement and underwent a tremendous change as IIW President Christine Kirby was invited to grace the event. The World Inner Wheel Day celebrations was fixed on 12 January 2019 and a programme was planned for the duration of her stay from 10 to 13 January 2019.
The two host Presidents together with some members were at the airport to greet her as she arrived with District Chairman Peggy Khoo, National Representative Datin Seetha Lakshmi and PIIWBD Datin Pearl Jai Mohan on 10 January at Penang International Airport. A list of itinerary was planned ahead to give her a warm welcome to Penang and ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit. The next day, the entourage was chauffeured around Penang's places of interest with PP Sally Khor acting as guide. The two host Presidents later joined them for lunch at Wang Thai Restaurant in Pulau Tikus. Later that evening, dinner was hosted by Datin Seetha at Maple Palace where members of the Organising Committee and the District Committee were also invited to attend and have fellowship with President Kirby.
The World Inner Wheel Day celebrations kicked off in style with an opening welcome led by ladies of IWC Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Pearl of the Orient, all dressed in traditional nyonya kebaya outfits to grandly usher President Kirby to the VVIP table. There was a dance performance by IWC Kuala Lumpur and two more guest performances. It was a memorable night held in place by the two capable Emcees PP Merlin and Asha. Te band in attendance had the ladies kicking off their heels and dancing with IIW President. The night ended with a closing performance, a "Dikir Barat" by IWC Subang.
All attendees were asked to bring along an item which could go towards giving the needy a warm meal through the Lighthouse initiative. It was a huge success and complementing the celebrations perfectly in true Inner Wheel spirit.
On13 January before leaving in the evening, both host-Clubs treated IIW President Kirby, NR Datin Seetha, DC Peggy Lee and PIIWBD Datin Pearl Jai Mohan to lunch at Karaikudi Restaurant. Members from both clubs attended this luncheon and enjoyed spending time with President Kirby before catching her flight to London.