Bulletin Issue 07 / Aug Lunch Meeting on 20 th Aug 2013

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1 Chartered 13 August 1980 Meeting: The Singapore Cricket Club, Every Tuesday 12.45pm RI Calendar / AUGUST: Membership & Extension month Bulletin Issue 07 / Aug 2013 Lunch Meeting on 20 th Aug 2013 Our lunch meeting post National Day attracted an attendance of 19 members & 4 visiting Rotarians. One can probably guess that the featuring of a guest speaker & serving the famous SCC Fish Mollie on the lunch menu helped It was also heartening to see the attendance of PP Joseph Foo working very hard to assist in the running of our lunch meeting as his assigned desk duty responsibility. Pres Jeffrey Chan was particularly enthusiastic about the SCC Fish Moolie & reminded members on several occasion during the meeting the proper way to eat it! According to our gourmet president, one should heap the curry gravy onto the steamed rice & eat them with a good dose of mango chutney. The dish is a quintessentially fusion food of Indian curry created to suit the British colonial palate in the early days of SCC. The club only serves it for lunch on Friday & SCC chefs have agreed to specially make it for RCRC on this occasion for our Tuesday lunch meeting.,. SCC Fish Moolie & Rtn Luis Coronado tucking on it the proper way

2 For members who have not been attending our lunch meeting, there will be more variations in our lunch menu to pique our taste buds. So do make an effort to keep your Tuesday lunch for RCRC. Eminent Rotarian making up at our meeting was IPDG Lee Kong Hwee of neighbouring District Our guest speaker was PP Choo Chor Teck who enlightened RCRC members on the Rotary Friendship Exchange. PP Chor Teck is the District Chairman of this RI endeavour. Unlike the more well known Group Study Exchange & Rotary Youth Exchange, this particular one seeks to encourage Rotarians to plan a days overseas trip to another district to stay in the homes of overseas Rotarians there. Participants may include family members but the Rotarian must be travelling in the group too. Of course the said Rotarians must be willing to reciprocate visits by overseas Rotarians at their home. Our speaker & his district committee hope to stimulate interest from Rotary Clubs in our district to take the initiative to another form of tourism that builds long lasting friendships. At the meeting, forthcoming events like the visit to Jamiyah Home for the Aged & RI President Inter-City Dinner events were highlighted & participation by our RCRC members encouraged. Director of International Services, Rtn Luis Coronado announced of a fun Oktoberfest event on 26 Sep 2013 initiated by RC Queenstown at a local pub café operated by a fellow Rotarian. More details will be forthcoming (refer to club announcements section). Pres Jeffrey kept his promise on getting additional copies of book Singapore, The First 10 Years of Independence to be given out to members who deferred getting their National Day lunch door gift at last week s lunch meeting. Additional copies were offered to members in attendance and they were encouraged to put some generous donations into the Sunshine Box. Sgt-at-Arms PP Mohan Pillay had a fruitful Sunshine Box collection of $285. It was also bolstered by another $100 through an earlier proxy donation by PP Sami Midani who has not been able to attend recent meetings due to personal circumstances. He sends personal good wishes to his friends in RCRC.

3 Photos of meeting on 20 Aug 2013 PP Joseph Foo welcoming guests PP Russi Ghadiali leading toast to RI Singapore: The First Ten Years of Independence Copy of book presented to IPDG Lee Kong Hwee Birthday celebrant PP Aaron Tan Meeting fellowship

4 Speaker: PP Choo Chor Teck on Rotary Friendship Exchange President s Column PRESIDENT S BLOG 21 AUGUST 2013 Dear Members, Rotary has a theme for each month of the year. The theme for August is membership. This is the month where we focus on our membership. This is a good month to induct new members and also put in place measures to retain and engage our members. During his speech when he visited us last week, DG Ghim Bok, mentioned that there are 1.2 million Rotarians in the world today. This figure has remained constant for a long time, notwithstanding that many thousands of new Rotarians are inducted each year. This only means that an equivalent number cease to be Rotarians during this time. This is a worrying issue for Rotary as a whole. Why do Rotarian leave their Clubs? A suggestion of the answer to this can be found in the video profile of Rotary International President Ron Burton. This is posted in President Ron recalled that within a year after joined, he resigned from his Rotary Club. This was because he was not given anything to do, the food was bad and the Club was full of cliques. He was obviously not included in any of them. This is a lesson for all of us. It is no point inducting new members if the food is bad and new members are not given opportunities to engage with the Club. The food issue can be addressed with a bit of effort. But if a Rotary Club is only a lunch club, it is completely meaningless. A Rotary Club must have activities to achieve its objectives of service and new members must be engaged as soon as they are inducted. If new members are not engaged, they will very

5 quickly find the Club boring and worse unwelcoming and will cease to attend and participate in club activities. The same learning applies to groups or cliques within a Club. It is natural for persons of similar interests to seek each other out. But groups formed on such a basis in any Rotary Club cannot be exclusive. They must be open, particularly to new members. They must actively identify their commonalities with new members and welcome those who share common interests and characteristics. It is only when new members feel that they have a role in the Club, and that they as a person are part of the Club, that they will sustain their membership and contribute effectively to the Club s programmes and objectives as members. It is where existing members are inclusive in their approach to new members and offer very quickly opportunities for service to these new members, be inclusive, and new members are willing to take on responsibilities in the Club and proactively get to know other members better, that Rotary Clubs can become strong and cohesive entities. This is absolutely necessary for the Rotary experience be fully enjoyed. It is also imperative for a Rotary Club to be able not just achieve its objectives but to maintain its existence. RI President Ron s story of course had a happy ending. Friends brought him back into the Club and then ensured that he was fully engaged with the Club. His was initially asked to chair the Rotary Foundation committee of the club. That gave him a role in the club. From there, he went on to hold increasingly major responsibilities in the Club, District and the Rotary movements as a whole. That led him the way to the RI Presidency. His journey is thus both a lesson and an inspiration for all of us Rotarians. Jeffrey Chan President, R C of Raffles City District Governor s Newsletter excerpts August 2013

6 There are no perfect Rotary clubs, not in our district and not in the whole wide world. Some are better than others but, after all is said and done, every club is trying its best to live up to the ideals of Rotary in its own unique way. Every Rotary meeting I have attended is different and no two clubs are alike. Having said that, I hope all clubs will conduct their meetings with decorum and with appropriate agendas. I hear grumblings now and then regarding the various protocols we go through. While I agree protocol could be kept to a minimum, this is a Rotary tradition. This makes us a little different from other service organizations. And I think that is a good thing. If you do not follow Rotary protocol and tradition, very soon the club will not behave and function like a Rotary club. I often say that members do not pay their dues just to attend club meetings. They want to serve and contribute to make a difference to the community. I cannot see how they can engage Rotary if club leaders do not have a plan. Prudent financial management is crucial for any organization to survive. All of us manage our lives and our businesses by carefully budgeting available resources. Clubs must ensure all club committees come up with a good business plan at the beginning of each Rotary year. Until next month, please remember to Engage Rotary, Change Lives. Chew Ghim Bok District Governor Members Column Unfortunately the sum raised for Rotary Foundation is US$19,000 and not US$90,000 PP Vincent Chen & PP Ron Pereira Editor: Misheard the speech of DG probably from exuberance of fellowship & good wine Stand corrected. Events Report International Service Committee Meeting Date: Wed 21 Aug 2013 Venue: Residence of PP Dr Chin Koy Rochalie Drive

7 District Announcement Rotary International President visit to Singapore/ Dinner event Wed 28 Aug 2013 Rotary International President Ron Burton and his spouse will be visiting Singapore for a few hours on Wednesday 28 August This Inter-City meeting on the occasion of the visit of the R I President is organised by the Rotary Club of Singapore. To facilitate the attendance of Rotarians at this meeting, RCRC lunch meeting on Tues 27 Aug 2013 is cancelled. Time: 5.00pm (note change in time) Venue: Pan Pacific Hotel Cost: $95 per person (spouses welcomed) Attire: Lounge suit (gentlemen) / ladies in conformity Kindly indicate your attendance with numbers to Pres Jeffrey. There will be no on-site sale of tickets.

8 Rotary Leadership Institute Seminar & Graduation Date: Sep 2013 Venue: Johor Baru (final venue to be confirmed) Reg fee: RM80 / day event with optional fellowship dinner at RM50 Cheque to RC Kulai The RLI is part of our district Strategic Plan to provide further Rotary knowledge and facilitation skills for Rotarians in our district and also to specifically groom groups of RLI Faculty members as Facilitators for PETs & DTA and other district training seminars. Kindly indicate your attendance soonest possible to PP Joseph Chua jojo1811@streamyx.com and President Brown Pereira browndkm@gmail.com who are the coordinators for Johor and Singapore respectively. Please note that the deadline for registration will be 2nd September, 2013 District Membership Development Seminar (Singapore leg) Date: Sat, 21 st Sep 2013 Venue: Function Hall of Botany Centre, Singapore Botanical Gardens Time: 1.00pm 5.30pm Reg fee: $20 per person URL link: Programme PM Registration PM Welcome Address by Organising Chair, PP Lai Bou Leong PM Opening Speech by District Governor Chew Ghim Bok PM District Membership Statistics and Goals by District Membership Development Chair, PP Tan Kay Hui PM Membership Case Study by Rotary Club of Singapore PM Dispelling Muslim Misunderstandings about Rotary by PDG Haji Zainie Aucasa PM Coffee / Tea Break PM IPDG's Perspectives - A Radical Look at Membership by IPDG Lee Kong Hwee PM Club Merger Case Study by Rotary Club of Serangoon Gardens Orchard PM Q&A and Open Discussion with Panelists PM Closing Remarks by District Governor Chew Ghim Bok

9 Joint RI District 3310 & 3300 Seeing Eye to Eye Seminar & Free Medical Screening, Date: 11th 13 th October, 2013 Venue: Bayu Marina Resort, Johor Bahru Host Club: RC Pasir Gudang Refer to link for registration details: p=vah&safe=1&zw&saduie=ag9b_p- AFDuYP4reVmihGnIKYifx&sadet= &sads=qg gh8d4abwvh5wtdurbaczq1i District Vocational Service Seminar in Singapore Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 Time: Reg from 11.30am, Seminar 1.00pm-5.30pm, Fellowship 5.30pm-6.00pm Venue: NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House Host Club: RC Pandan Valley Cost: $45 per person before 30 Sep 2013, $50 after 30 Sep 2013 The signature feature of the seminar is the two panel discussions moderated by PDG Dr. Philbert Chin. Refer to link for program details: Club Announcements (in Aug 2013) Cancelled Lunch Meeting, Tues 27 Aug 2013 Due to the forthcoming Inter-City dinner meeting to be held in honour of visiting RI President Ron Burton on Wed 28 Aug, our RCRC weekly lunch meeting the day earlier will be cancelled. Club Announcements (beyond Aug 2013) RCRC Hari Raya Fellowship Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2013 Time: 6.45pm

10 Venue: Sari Ratu Restaurant (Authentic Indonesian Padang Food) 20 Pahang Street (Off Jalan Sultan) Singapore Tel: Board of Directors Meeting Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2013 Time: 7:30 PM Dinner / 8:30 Meeting Venue: Percy Jeyapal s Residence at 32 Jalan Peradun -Seletar Hills Estate (CTE Exit Yio Chu Kang Rd.or TPE Exit Jalan Kayu and come by Seletar Road - Left to Jalan Joran Park along Joran walk to Jalan Peradun.) TEL / The meeting will be preceded by a sumptuous roti prata dinner hosted by PP Percy Jeyapal; all Board members and spouses are invited. Please confirm your attendance with PP Percy by Tuesday, 27 th of August. Guest Speaker for lunch meeting on 3 Sep 2013 Speaker: Mr Ku Swee Yong on Singapore Residential Market: Will there be a Crash? Our speaker is the CEO, International Property Advisor Pte Ltd. in Singapore. He was also the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Savills Singapore and the General Manager at Far East Organization s Indonesia office. He is regularly frequently interviewed by Media Corp and SPH for his opinion and views on Property matters/issues (featured in the Straits Times, Business Times, ZaoBao, Channel News Asia, Radio 938Live, etc.) His books on Singapore s property market, titled Real Estate Riches and Building Your Real Estate Riches, are both Sunday Times Bestsellers Community Service Committee Meeting (postponed) Date: Tues 10 Sep 2013 Time: 7.00pm Venue: Residence of Dr Chin Koy Rochalie Drive Rotary Club of Makati North event: Le Cabaret

11 Our sister Club, the Rotary Club of Makati North, is organising a fund-raising event entitled Le Cabaret on 14 Sep 2013 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati, Manila. This is for their project Feed a Child, Build a Nation. About 19 of our members & spouse members will be attending this event. Pres Jeffrey & First Lady Susan will lead our RCRC delegation. The amount donated by our club is already nearing 200,000 Philippine pesos. This is before topping up by the Club. In addition, some other members who are not going have also donated generously to this cause. There is still time for those who would like to attend this fund-raiser to join in. Please let PP David Ong (our Philippine country specialist) and Rtn Luis Coronado (our International Service Director) know if you would like to join in. Oktoberfest & Rotary Fund Raising event Date: Thurs, 26 Sep 2013 Time: 7.30pm onwards Venue: Brotzeit at Somerset An endeavour initiated by RC Queenstown & suggested to members by Rtn Luis Coronado. The owners (one of whom is a Rotarian) of the pub restaurant have offered to support fellowship cum fund raising event. All proceeds received during the dinner & drinks will be donated to the a scholarship fund to support Ms Lam Wan Yee. She is a promising young Singaporean student with an outstanding academic track record & wish to take up the Master study of Science in Environmental Engineering with specialization in Urban Water Management & Ecological Systems Design & Waste Management at the renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. More details forthcoming on cost & associated information. Installation Banquet of RC KL Di-Raja Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, KL Our sister club will be having their 86 th Installation Banquet. They have extended an official invitation for RCRC members to join in their dinner celebration. Confirmation of attendance to Director Luis Coronado / Pres Jeffrey Chan RCRC Events to note

12 SEPTEMBER: Sun 1 Sep RCRC Hari Raya Fellowship at Sari Ratu Restaurant Mon 2 Sep Board of Directors Meeting, roti prata dinner at residence of PP Percy Jeyapal Tue. 3 Sep Speaker, Mr Ku Swee Yong -Singapore Residential Property Market update Sat 14 Sep Le Cabaret- RC Makati North event in Manila, Philippines Tues 17 Sep Speaker, Mr Chua Seng Lee Youth Engagement- Gen iy Tue. 24 Sep Speaker, Ms Angeline Tan - Director Public Relation, Salvation Army Singapore Sun 29 Sep th Installation Banquet of RC KL Di-Raja in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia OCTOBER: Sat 12 Oct: Joint Districts 3300 & 3310 Seeing Eye to Eye Seminar ; Bayu Marina Resort; Johor Baru, Malaysia Sat 19 Oct: Rotary Flag. In aid of the Foundation of Rotary Clubs of Singapore. This is a club bonding event, a fund raiser and also an effort to create public awareness of Rotary in Singapore. PP Eugene will provide further details. Please volunteer to help out. Sat 26 Oct : District Vocational Service Seminar (details to be announced) Tue 29 Oct: Lunch meeting at SCC. Speaker Mr Harry -Hakusi Kesata -BEEN THERE- DONE THAT. DECEMBER: 6-8 Dec: Taipei Rotary Zone Institute, Taipei Grand Hotel, Taipei, Republic of China (register online)

13 Month Next Week: 28 Aug 2013 (Inter City Dinner) Desk Duty Kesavapany 3 Sep 2013 Jimmy Daruwalla (Team Leader) 10 Sep 2013 Billy Lee 17 Sep 2013 David Lee Fong Lit 24 Sep 2013 David Lee Kay Tuan Members Celebrations in August Birthdays Wedding Anniversaries 20 th Philbert Chin 3 rd Kaka Singh 20 th Aaron Tan 10 th David Lee Kay Tuan 25 th David Lee Fong Lit 23 rd Jimmy Daruwalla 30 th Jaya Prakash Before We End FAILURE & SUCCESS I ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty six times, I ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan

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