Welcome to the first issue of our Newsletter for year 2008.

The Malaysian General Election fever has just been over. However, our Persatuan's election for the Central Committee Members (CCM) this Annual General Meeting (AGM) will not be as feverish as the Malaysian 12th General Election. In fact we normally find it quite difficult to nominate candidates for the posts. I believe the reason is that to be a YB (Yang Berhormat) is more prestigious than holding a post in our Persatuan. However, those of you who would like to contribute to our Alumni Society and therefore also our Malaysian Society, please do come on 20th April 2008 to offer your services. You may find that it could be 'personally fulfilling' - in terms of personal development to contribute your time and ideas to help our Persatuan move forward. Your ideas as a CCM can certainly make our Persatuan a better non-governmental organization and a success story for other AOTS Alumni Societies in the world to follow. I look forward to meet as many of you as possible at our 2008 AGM.

Last year we successfully organized PAAM Annual Dinner (AOTS Nite) - 180 members & guests attended this occasion. A week before this event, a few our Central Committee Members including representatives from branch office participated in the 7th FOSAAS Convention held in Vietnam. Our Central Committee Members were also privileged to welcome and personally meet Mr. Kazuo Kaneko the newly appointed AOTS President last December 2007.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your contributions towards the success of our Persatuan, the last six years that I have served you as President. At the same time, I humbly seek your kind forgiveness for all the shortcomings that I have exhibited during my term as a President. It has been an enlightening time to meet many members, especially those who have selflessly sacrificed their time and efforts towards the success of our Persatuan. I am pleased to note that our Persatuan is highly regarded among the AOTS Alumni Societies community in the world, and all of you can be justifiably proud of this achievement.

Please feel free to contact me to share your thoughts and ideas. I wish all of you success in your undertakings, and good health to you and your family.

A. AZIZ Y. KAMARUDDIN
PRESIDENT
(azizyoup@hotmail.com)