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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., July 30, 2014 — John Lau, Toastmasters  2012-13 International President and the owner and chief executive officer of the Acme Group of Companies in Sarawak, Malaysia, has recently added another distinction to his notable list of achievements. Lau was awarded the Federal Datuk title in Malaysia by His Majesty the King of Malaysia during His Majesty’s official birthday on June 7, 2014.

Datuk is a formal honorific title given to Malaysian citizens who have contributed to the country’s economic, political, cultural, social, communities and trade advancement. The title is limited to 200 living Malaysians and is conferred by the King of Malaysia during his official birthday. Lau’s award of Datuk was recommended by the President of the People’s Progressive Party Malaysia before being approved by the Prime Minister and King of Malaysia.

“It is a distinguished honor to be conferred the Federal Datuk title,” says Lau, who still serves on the Toastmasters Board of Directors as Immediate Past International President. “I am honored and humbled to accept this prestigious award, and look forward to opportunities to contribute more to the Malaysian community.”

In addition to his membership in People’s Progressive Party Malaysia and business accomplishments with the Acme Group of Companies, Lau attributes his leadership experience with Toastmasters as a key factor in earning the title.

“Toastmasters’ communication and leadership programs have enabled me to become a more effective communicator and leader,” says Lau. “Toastmasters has provided the opportunity to learn servant leadership from rank and file to International President.”

Currently serving as Immediate Past International President, Lau is a “working ambassador” for Toastmasters. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. Lau will give an introductory speech at the 2014 Golden Gavel presentation during the Toastmasters International Convention Aug. 20-23, 2014, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The prestigious award will be presented to Dato’ Rohana Rozhan, CEO of Astro Malaysia Holdings, Berhad, a leading integrated consumer media entertainment group in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

To interview Datuk John Lau about his federal title and his leadership experience in Toastmasters, email pr@toastmasters.org. To learn more about the 2014 International Convention, Aug. 20-23, visit http://www.toastmasters.org/Convention.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 292,000 in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

SOURCE Toastmasters International