The delayed Conference, originally scheduled for August 2003, finally took place in Singapore without any problems. It was attended by 17 PPSEAWA National Chapters, including the USA with 19 participants, led by our National President Helen Chong. Unfortunately PPSEAWA International President HRH Princess Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho did not attend because of a family emergency. Vice President Valerie Hogan from New Zealand took over the running of the conference together with 2nd Vice President Mary Cabrera from Australia.
PPSEAWA national chapters participating were American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Japan., Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Samoa, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, and USA. Those PPSEAWA chapters not participating were Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Russia.
As you know, the main event of the conference is the election of members to the International Council. This time we had some unexpected results, but all for the best. The International Council for 2004-2007 is comprised of
- President : Viopapa Annandale, Samoa
- 1st VP : Fatima Hamid Don, Malaysia
- 2nd VP : Florence Kelly, Hawaii
- VP (4) : Yukiko Backes, Japan; Teresa A. Hintzke, USA; Ravesi Johnston, Fiji; Shelly Wen, Taiwan
- Directors (2) : Howali Oe, Tonga; Kyoung Sook Kwon, Korea
- Secretary : Ann Aurelius, USA
- Treasurer : Lillian Jasko, USA
Sri Lanka was admitted as the 23rd PPSEAWA National Chapter. This inclusion occurred larger due to the hard work of Shirani Stanislaus, who is now the president of the Los Angeles chapter.
At the opening ceremonies of the Conference, Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij of Thailand, former International President, received a special award in appreciation for her dedication to PPSEAWA. On UN Day during the conference, Shirley Munyan, PPSEAWA representative to UNESCO in Paris, was honored for her work and contributions to this organization.
In addition, International Council accepted New Zealand’s invitation and proposal, presented by Jenny Kendall, to host the next PPSEAWA International Conference. The 23rd International Conference will be held in Wellington, NZ in 2007. The actual date will be established when the International Council meets next year.