IPAC Summer Picnic

by Ethel Fernandez

Saturday, August 19th was bursting with multicultural vibes and colour as the four ethnic-based chapters of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba hosted a free event for its members, their families and friends at St. Vital Park, coined the “IPAC Summer Picnic”. IPAC is formed from the first letter of these chapters – India, Philippines (Filipino), Arab Nations and Chinese.

The chapter chairs, Vaibhav Banthia of India, Mohamed Matar of the Arab, Wing-Keat Wong of the Chinese and yours truly for the Filipino chapter, collaborated and organized the event through a couple of meetings, phone calls and numerous e-mails. Over 100 participants attended and were entertained by food, networking and games. Event sponsors National Bank and Ms Jane He provided prizes.

Wing-Keat Wong, Chinese Chapter chair, officially opened the event with a short introductory message, thanking all organizers, participants and sponsors. He also provided a brief overview of what everyone can expect at the event.

Grant Koropatnick, association CEO and registrar, graced the event and addressed the crowd with a brief but meaningful message.

“It has been a fun day and it was nice meeting members of other chapters. Looking forward to more collaboration and cooperation for the best of our members and to all engineers,” said Mohamed Matar, Arab Chapter chair.

“We should seriously consider making this an annual event,” said Vaibhav Banthia, India Chapter chair.

Indeed, this was a day of cultural learning, appreciation and respect for everyone at the event who calls Manitoba home.

Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM). www.fmc-egm.ca.