The ExeCom met in Taiping, Malaysia for its regular governance activity. It was warmly hosted by Marimuthu Nadason, of DHRRA Malaysia and Vice-Chairperson for Southeast DHRRA cluster. Key organizational decisions were taken especially with regards the 5-year strategic planning process, its resource development plans, and upcoming major network events. Alongside the organizational agenda was the 3rd session on internal leadership development, facilitated by its adviser/consultant Ms. Angelita Gregorio-Medel.
The 2-day session helped deepen the understanding of leadership development by introducing emotional intelligence as a reference point for reflections and application. It also provided opportunity for current ExeCom members and secretariat Program Mangers to formulate a synthesis of their leadership experiences within and outside of AsiaDHRRA.
The Taiping event also resulted to a fuller understanding of the ERA/DHRRA initiative on community development by AsiaDHRRA. The ExeCom and secretariat visited two women community centers for the Malaysian Indian Community supported by the European Union. The centers were highly responsive to the needs of Indian women, especially in asserting their basic rights, finding opportunities for better livelihoods and in building their self esteem and dignity as relevant members of the community.
The visit to the Taiping Community Centre was highlighted by the presence of YB. Dato’ Seri Dr. S. Samy Velu, President of the Malaysian Indian Congress which gave recognition to members who showed good results in their enterprise development piloting.