各位亲爱的会员：

首先感谢大家厚爱，在3月28日的会员大会继续推选我担任会长。

近来收到一些会员对于年度会费问题的垂询。作为担任学会会长二十余年的同路人，我想借此机会与大家进行一次坦诚的沟通，分享学会变革背后的考量，也让大家对章程的变更有更清晰的了解。

在学会运行的最初几年，我深切体会到：若无稳定的财政支持，要举办高质量的艺术活动与展览实在是步履维艰。由于我们并无政府拨款或财团赞助，学会的运作主要依赖于大家的共同支持。过去那种“一次性终身会费”模式，在早年规模较小时尚可维持；但面对如今槟城艺术市场的波动以及学会发展的需求，仅靠当年的积蓄和有限的作品销售佣金，已不足以支撑一个充满活力的艺术组织持续成长。

因此，在 2019年3月16日 的会员大会上，我们经过深思熟虑，一致通过了将“终身会员制”转型为更具可持续性的会员结构：即由资深会员、普通会员及准会员组成。这是学会迈向专业化、长远化发展的关键一步。

我们由衷敬重并保留了资深会员的免缴年费待遇，以表彰他们对学会创立作出的奠基性贡献。而对于其他会员——包括我本人在内——按年缴纳会费并非仅仅是一项义务，更是对我们艺术共同体的一种重要投资。正是有了这些稳定的经费，我们才得以在近年来为会员们提供更多免费或优惠的艺术分享会、水彩示范及专业工作坊。

在此，我诚挚恳请除资深会员外的所有会员，能按时缴纳年度会费。您的每一份支持，都不是简单的“支出”，而是学会保持活跃、走向专业的基石。

期待我们继续并肩同行，共同创造一个更优秀的学会。

此祝 安康

邱昌仁 敬上

Dear Members,

Thank you for re-elected me to lead PWCS during the March 28th AGM.

I have recently received some feedback regarding the annual membership dues. As your President for over 20 years, I would like to take this opportunity to communicate transparently regarding the reasoning behind our current membership structure, ensuring we are all aligned on the future of our Society.

In my early years of leading this Society, I realized that organizing professional exhibitions and meaningful activities is a significant challenge without consistent financial resources. As we do not receive government grants or private patronage, we rely primarily on the commitment of our community. Historically, the one-time “Life Membership” fee and modest sales commissions from our exhibitions were enough for a small group, but they are no longer sufficient to sustain a growing, modern society—especially given the current art market in Penang.

To ensure our survival and professional growth, we passed a resolution during the AGM on March 16, 2019, to transition to a more sustainable model. We established three categories: Senior, Ordinary, and Associate Membership. While we proudly honor our Senior Members with a fee exemption to recognize their foundational contributions, the annual contributions from our other members—myself included—are not just “fees.” They are vital investments in the Society’s longevity. This change was passed unanimously because the members present understood that a healthy financial foundation is the only way we can continue offering free or discounted art demonstrations, sharing sessions, and workshops.

I kindly urge all non-senior members to settle your annual dues promptly. Please note that members whose fees remain unpaid after the stated period may unfortunately have their membership considered lapsed. By doing so, you are not merely fulfilling a duty; you are directly contributing to a more professional, active, and vibrant artistic community.

Your support is the cornerstone that allows us to continue growing together.

Sincerely,

Khoo Cheang Jin

President