MELAKA: The state’s first-ever Queen’s Guide, Tan Kate Lin, has been honoured at a special ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Girl Guides movement in Melaka.
The 66-year-old was recognised as the highlight of the celebration held at SMK (P) Methodist, where the movement was first established in 1925.
About 150 members and leaders from across the state attended the event, which paid tribute to Tan and other pioneers.
Tan received the Queen’s Guide Award, the highest honour in the movement, in 1978.
Tan Kate Lin receiving her Queen Guide award in 1978.
After completing her studies at Teachers’ Training College in 1983, she continued her involvement in guiding activities in Sabah, organising camps, training courses, and taking part in an international jamboree in Japan.
Tan said that even while managing family responsibilities, she remained active in supporting the movement.
"I still managed to be active and uphold my spirit for organising camps and courses for the girls," she said on Wednesday (Aug 27).
The event also saw the Commissioner of Melaka Chapter’s Girl Guide Association of Malaysia, Datin Wira Nurazlina Md Sanusi, jointly signing a commemorative plaque to celebrate 100 years of Girl Guiding in Melaka.
The plaque was titled “Honouring Girl Guiding Roots in Melaka, Where It All Began: 1925 in Methodist Girls’ School”.
Also present were Datin Seri Zainun Tun Abdul Ghafar, former president of the Girl Guides Association Malaysia Melaka Chapter, along with other guests.
The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guide Association Malaysia, Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng, who praised the commitment of its members.
Yeoh said the association has become an important platform for identity building, women’s empowerment, and nurturing future leaders.
She added that the organisation currently has 4,613 members across 50 registered primary schools and 34 secondary schools in Melaka.
"Pioneers like Tan are a powerful reminder that courage, resilience, and service to the community are the building blocks of a life dedicated to making a difference," she said.
