September 2025 - December 2025

Dear SSAS Members,

I hope you and your families are keeping well and you’re looking forward to the festive season. It’s hard to believe it’s only a couple of months away -  where has the year gone?!

Welcome to my 4^th Chieftain’s Chatter, the forum for keeping you updated on what’s been happening and what’s coming up regarding our Society events.

10^th  KL HIGHLAND GAMES

This year’s KL Highland Games was on 20th September, 2025 at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort. A momentous occasion, as we celebrated our 10^th Anniversary. With an estimated crowd of around 6,000 in attendance, it was an amazing day and, once again, the weather was kind to us.

The Opening Ceremony started with a motorbike cavalcade around the circuit, courtesy of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Club.  Pillion passengers included Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, David Wallace, myself, and Scotland’s finest emcee, Craig Hill on their way to welcome everyone to the Games.  The ceremony was rounded off by a fantastic performance by marching bagpipers and drummers from the very talented Lion City Pipe Band from Singapore, who were the winners from the previous year.  With these formalities completed, the Games were officially declared Open.

The Highland Games is without a doubt one of the best, most successful days out that all the family can enjoy in KL. There is something for everyone and we take utmost pride in making this day extra special. This year we introduced a new Game, the Barrel Race, which was open to everyone -loads of fun and raised a lot of laughs amongst the crowd.

None of this would be possible however, without the generosity of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers and those who came along on the day to participate. Their support allows us to run this complex event, which showcases uniquely Scottish athletic events, an internationally accredited Pipes & Drums competition, a range of fun tests of strength and skill for all to take part in, and a massive rugby tournament. It also helps us to raise significant sums of money for deserving local charities, and enables us to  offer a free day out at the Games to around 350 disadvantaged children, who have the most amazing time enjoying all the amenities available to them as well as complimentary food, drinks and transportation.

I would like to thank my amazing committee for their dedication and commitment throughout, their hard efforts are instrumental for the  planning, organisation and execution of an event of this magnitude. It's an absolute honour to be part of this very special, successful team.

CHARITIES

Listed below are our chosen charities for 2025 who will each receive a portion of the profits raised at the 10^th KL Highland Games:

BATU GRACE ASHRAM

GRACE EDUCATION CENTRE

SPCA SELANGOR

HOSPIS MALAYSIA

BORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE

ARMISTICE REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

This year’s ceremony takes place on Sunday 9^th November, 2025 at Tugu Negara, Kuala Lumpur and marks the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II. Our Vice Chieftain will be laying a wreath on behalf of the Society.

ST. ANDREW’S CELEBRATION

Tickets for this year’s St. Andrew’s Celebration at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Saturday 29^th November are now on sale. Have you registered for your tickets? Tables are filling up quickly, so please book now to avoid disappointment. You can look forward to stirring tunes from St. John’s Alumni Pipe Band, a delicious meal with the addition of traditional haggis, which I will address as Chieftain.  The evening will be rounded off with lots of dancing to great live ceilidh music from our favourite band, Clappy Doo, visiting us from bonnie Scotland.

BURNS SUPPER

Burns Supper next year is on Saturday 31^st January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel. To commemorate the life and works of our famous bard, Rabbie Burns, I am delighted to announce that we have invited Christopher Tait, Scotland’s leading Robert Burns impersonator to give us a spirited rendition of some of his famous works. Look out for the flyer later in the year to secure your tickets.

As you can see, there are lots of exciting events coming up. Stay tuned for further updates.  You can also access our website: standrewsmalaysia.com

or follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn).

Thank you once again for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you at our forthcoming events.

Yours aye,

Carol Wallace

131^st Chieftain, Selangor St. Andrew’s Society