Fourth Raleigh Asia Regional Conference

Event	Raleigh Asia Regional Conference
Date:	22-23 November 2008
Venue:	International Youth Centre
Contact:	rarc08@raleighinternational.org.my
Brief:	November 22 and 23 saw the big reunion of the Raleigh family at Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the Raleigh Asia Regional Conference. It was the 4th and the biggest regional conference thus far, with Sabah, Philippines and new baby on the block, China joining the party at the International Youth Centre (IYC), the official venue sponsor of the event. Even a Sarawakian ex-venturer made a short appearance, making it close to 20 delegates from outside KL and over sixty people in total. Raleigh KL took the opportunity to launch its new branding and celebrate its 9th anniversary with a simple act of cake cutting and the unfurling of a handmade Raleigh banner. Ms Tomoko from IYC's Board of Trustees graced the opening ceremony. Raleigh International CEO Stacey Adams from the UK explained the rationale for the new Raleigh branding as well as Raleigh's role in the world today. The sessions turned into fantastic opportunities to discover the exploits of other support groups, from the tireless work of the Sabah group since 1987 despite the geographical challenges, to the impressive Hong Kong Mountain Marathon fundraising event, and Singapore's hospital building project in India for 2009. Gari Lu, CEO of Raleigh China shared the nostalgia of the Chinese host country venturers who visited their project sites after 10 years to find even the Raleigh plaque still standing. Borneo Country Director Jim Clements and Yolanda Graham from Kota Kinabalu Fieldbase took the opportunity to highlight the unique scenery, wildlife and culture often found during the Borneo Expedition while Shih Chung from KL told the journey of young people leading their support group. The general conclusion was that each support group was excitingly unique in terms of environment, make-up and strengths. Stories of how lives have changed since expedition coloured the weekend too, with a heartfelt song from China'98 and the images of Rosalie Zerrudo's NGO work with kids through art in the Philippines. The social dinner later was a blast with the food (in Malaysia it is always the food), fundraising dance, tea and games. Blindfolded Stacey showed the way by feeding big baby Jim with ice cream, most of which flowed down his chin unto his napkin. The venturers raised close to RM2,000, equivalent to one month salary of a fresh graduate in Malaysia. More than just the generous support, the night was incriminating evidence of the madness of Raleigh people everywhere. The next day, the delegates unanimously decided to form a steering committee with each country represented to coordinate Raleigh's 25th anniversary celebrations for 2009. All in all, the conference was a refreshing union for Raleigh Asia and a collective step towards greater understanding and cooperation among the Asian support groups. See you in Sabah next year!