Rounding Off 2011

               Celebrating Xmas Fellowship at the Chin's Residence

Group Photo RCRC Families

As usual RCRC fellowship Christmas was a real blast.Held on 20th December at 

the Chin's residence,Koy Nam and See Khem's hospitality was indisputable.Luis Coronado

played "Father Christmas" and guests were entertained by RCRC Resident Singer Ron Perreira.

"It was definitely a night of fun, fellowship and new friendships – and an excellent way to close the year!" reports Sigrid Zialcita. 

  Announcements: 
NO lunch meeting on Tuesday, December 27^th. Our Chinese New Year
Fellowship Dinner will be held on Sunday, February 5^th.Look out for further notices.

         

                     Spreading Sunshine at Xmas time at the Red Cross Home

Pres.Aaron bringing joy to one of the childern a the Red Cross Home

The customary visit by RCRC Rotarians and Rotaractors to the Red Cross Home of the handicapped was organized on Saturday 10 December.

In total, 4 rotarians and 7 rotaractors were present including President Aaron, PP Ron, PP Percy, Rtn Jeffrey and his wife Susan. Rtr Yida posed as Santa Claus with PP Ron leading the caroling session which was joined by all the residents and family members who came to celebrate the event.

Photo of the Year 2011 

The Bulletin's Best Shot for 2011 - Group Picture at the Red Cross Home 
for The Handicapped depicting the joy of XMAS and Strong Fellowship 
among the residents, Rotarians and Rotaractors 
- Photos By the Courtesy of PP Ron Pereira

Meetings Round-Up November- December 2011

   6 December 2011 

   Guests exchanging banners

Photos by the courtesy of PE Dr.Cze H Low

USA Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar talks at Lunch Meeting

On Tuesday, December 6^th, Andrew Barrows,a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from Tampa, FL, USA made a presentation to the club.He represented the Rotary Club of Tampa-Hyde Park District 6890 which was being hosted by the Rotary club of Serangoon Garden Orchard in Singapore.Andrew played college baseball, competed in triathlons, worked for Lehman Brothers in NYC and awarded with a Bachelors degree in Finance, Juris Doctorate (law degree) and Masters of Business Administration.  Back in the USA,  Andrew was highly involved in his community where he taught  financial literacy to high school children, advocated for children in the dependency system and had taken on the role of big brother for a teenager to name a few.  Andrew was the recipient of the 2011 Stetson Law Public Service Fellowship Award. Reported by Sigrid Zialcita

Andrew Barrows ra eceiveing token of appreciation from Pres Aaron and PP Ron

1 November 2011 Meeting

A record turnout of guests from overseas marked the meeting at the beginning of November.

Rtn Guest Dinesh Saparamadu from Colombo

Rtn Guest Jefrey Tan from Melbourne

Rtn Guest from UAE - Peter Shuster

      

Rtn Guest Yvo discussed the history of the Shanghai Rotary Club.

"The Chinese government restricts local membership so the club is comprised of expats" says Yvo. 

Yvo Goossens receiving the club's banner from CP Low S J

Hua Min on Volatility of the Stock Market

On 24the October,our veteran member Lim Hua Min gave a very enlightening talk on the global financial and economic situaton with regards to the volatility of the stock market and the implications on investments.As usual,Hua Min's talk was very well received by the audience due to his vast experience as an investor.

Huan Min addressing the group on 24 October 2011

 

October 2011 News Round UP

October is the month of celebration

Jimmy The "Unsung Hero" of Dyslexics !

We celebrate the outstanding success of our very own PP Jimmy Daruwalla,who received the inaugural Community Champion Award and a prize of 10,000 Singapore Dollars donated by the State Bank of India and tabla,an English language weekly largely catering to the Indian community of Singapore,for his tireless effort in founding and growing the Dyslexia Association of Singapore.Dubbed as the "unsung hero of dyslexics," Dr.Daruwalla,the President of The Dyslexia Association of Singapore(DAS),together with a group of friends and Rotarians,initiated the founding of the association as a Community Service Project of Rotary Club of Raffles City.

It was in July 1989 that the Rotary Club of Raffles City first  proposed the forming of a charitable organization dedicated to helping dyslexics in Singapore. This specific learning difference that affects reading, writing and spelling was virtually unheard of in Singapore then and many dyslexic children were suffering in painful silence.The DAS was registered in October 1991.Over the last twenty years the Association has grown into a highly vibrant social enterprise benefiting the lives of thousands of dyslexics in Singapore in keeping with its mission and goal:

DAS Mission

Helping Dyslexic People Achieve

DAS Goal

To build a world class organization dedicated to helping dyslexic people and those with specific learning differences in Singapore and reaching out to the Region.

Its current Executive Committee Members include
prominent Rotarians,among others,from
Rotary Club of Raffles City.

The Executive Committee 2011-2012 :
President : Dr Jimmy Daruwalla
Vice-President : Mr Eric Lee
Honorary Treasurer : Mr Vincent Chen
Honorary Secretary : Mr Paul Lim
Assistant Honorary Treasurer : Mr Kaka Singh
Executive Committee Members :   
Mr Kesavany
Mr Rajaram
Mrs Cynthia Tan

Dr.Daruwalla receiving his tabla award from the guest-of-honour

Ms Indranee Rajah,Member of Parliament,Tanjong Pagar GRC and

Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

PP Jimmy Daruwalla showing his award to the club at its luncheon meeting on 4 October 2011

     Luis Coronado inducted as member

in October

<>

 

Luis Coronado being inducted by Member Ship Director PP David Ong

Choon.Luis,who recently moved to Singapore from Shanghai Shanghai,is an

International Transfer Pricing Expert with Ernst and Young Singapore.

President Aaron exchanging flags with Visiting Rotarian from France



President Aaron exchanging flags with Visiting Rotarian from UK



High Commissioner of Rwanda

H E Ms. Jeannie Kambanda

spoke about business opportunities in Rwanda

on 18 October 2011



Rwanda's economy suffered heavily during the 1994 Genocide, with widespread loss of life, failure to maintain the infrastructure, looting and neglect of important cash crops. This caused a large drop in GDP and destroyed the country's ability to attract private and external investment.The economy has since strengthened, with per-capita GDP (PPP) estimated at $1,284 in 2011, compared with $416 in 1994.Major export markets include China, Germany and the United States.The economy is managed by the central National Bank of Rwanda and the currency is the Rwandan franc; in June 2010, the exchange rate was 588 francs to the United States dollar.Rwanda joined the East African Community in 2007 and there are plans for a common East African shilling, which could be in place by 2012.



September News Round Up - Special Feature on DG Visit

DG's Visit - Memorable One !

The month of September marked the highest point in fellowship and club's activities in President Aaron's tenure so far with the a highly memorable visit by  DG Zainie Abdul Aucasa and First Lady Kalimah. "Members were in a relaxed mood and enjoyed the evening with PP Ron's melodious rendition of Mona Lisa, Gerald planning a night time Car-rally in November and Jeffrey declaring that he would be ready to be our President in two years' time when he retires." writes Nidhi Swarup

An excellent report on the DG's visit by Nidhi is reproduced below:

RCRC DG Visit 13 Sept 2011 - by Nidhi Swarup

President Aaron posing with DG Zainie and First Lady Kalimah

The Singapore Cricket Club had arranged a sumptuous buffet spread as we got ready to welcome DG Zainie Abdul Aucasa & First Lady Kalimah. President Aaron Tan, AG Rustom Ghadiali & spouse PP Shirin Ghadiali welcomed them.

President Aaron Tan specially welcomed PDG Dr Philbert Chin, Rotarians and their spouses and Rotaractors who were present to extend a warm welcome to the DG. In his speech Pres.Aaron thanked the members for all their good projects over the years and emphasized that fellowship was equally important for a healthy club.

Treasurer, PP Kaka Singh informed members that RCRC is in a healthy state with a $14,000 surplus. RI dues had been paid on time. Moreover, he urged those members who had not paid their club dues to do so at the earliest.

Club Service Director Rtn Sigrid Zialcita spread a lot of cheer amongst members when she shared her plans to organize more fellowship events like the upcoming Hari Raya Celebration at a Turkish Restaurant and others in the pipeline. For these she had tabled a budget of $14,000. She intends to line-up two speakers a month and sincerely hopes to see good support from members by attending the regular lunch meetings more often!

In the absence of Community Service Director, Thomas Graf President Aaron reported that the committee planned to continue it's Annual Comm Service visits on festive occasions to Red Cross Home, Jamiyah Home, Sunlove Home and this also to NTUC Rotary Silver Circle Centre. Moreover, a contribution of $4,000 will be made to Ngee Ann Polytechnic to support two scholarships for students in the Diploma of Psychology and Community Service. A budget of $12,000 was proposed for these.

A target of $50,000 has been set to raise funds primarily to aid Sunlove Home & Business Times Budding Artists Fund. Moreover, a token sum of $5,000 will be donated to DAS & another contribution will be made to NTUC Rotary Silver Circle Centre when more details are available.

Hon Secretary, Rtn Corina Lai was quite surprised when she was invited to present her report. Nonetheless, she was quick to report the statistics regarding membership, age profile, no.of male & female members and the no.of members who were in the club for 0-2years, 2-5years, 5-10years, 10 years or more. It was a pleasure to note that of our 50 members, about 40 members belonged to the last category.

Vocational Service Director, Chow Nam Kit shared his enthusiasm with members when he spoke about organizing Career Guidance for students, Computer Graphics Training, a hands-on project related to Dental care etc etc.

Chairman, Membership Committee, PP David Ong shared that his committee was successful in bringing in three members recently. Having served as the Committee Chair for .... Years he thanked his committee members, PP Vincent Chen & ... For their continued support.

Ngee Ann Poly Rotaract Club Secretary, Darryl received a round of applause when he informed RCRC that his club had 270 members. He was quick to add that some were inactive and his club intends to involve more members in their activities and through Social Media they had garnered the support of 300 followers.

Rotaract Club of Raffles City President, Pei Yan reported that her club had 27 members and are seriously considering an increase in membership. She shared that her club had played an active role in the recent Jamiyah Home visit during Hari Raya by preparing, Zakats, Arranging Oranges and the various songs that were performed by her club members and the residents found truly enjoyable.

In the absence of New Generations' Director, Rtn Mark Davis, Rtn Brian Tan promptly provided an update on the activities of the Rotaract & Interact clubs.

In his address to the club, DG Zainie thanked members for their warm welcome and the level of vibrancy he felt in the club, he was confident that RCRC could induct more members by setting a target of 70 members. Although he was suggesting an average of four new members per club in the district, he shared that strong clubs like RCRC could easily achieve a higher target. A similar endorsement came from our very own Hon. Member PDG Dr Philbert Chin who ranked RCRC as amongst the top-five clubs in the District.

DG was very kind in praising the efforts of our Rotaractors and Interactors. Moreover, he supported the efforts of the various Directors in their plan for the current Rotary Year.

Members were in a relaxed mood and enjoyed the evening with PP Ron's melodious rendition of Mona Lisa, Gerald planning a night time Car-rally in November, Jeffrey declaring that he would be ready to be our President in two years' time when he retires, members thanking CP Low Siew Joon for starting RCRC and for being the quiet support behind it's success over the years, Jimmy with his joke...

my apologies for not taking everybody's name but this gives a picture to those who missed the rather informal evening!

In his speech,President Aaron stressed that, "RCRC remains committed to continue the good work of our members, with “Service Above Self”. In each Avenue of Service, our dedicated BOD are committed to further enhance & improve the life of the less fortunate and the under privileged communities and to make the world a better place to live."

President Aaron cautioning members 

He,however,cautioned members that,"Our Club must be effective to remain relevant to provide services to the community."

BOD posing with DG and First Lady

__________________________________________________________________________________

17 September : Hari Raya Fellowship at Kampong Glam - The Seat of Muslim Culture in Singapore

The Mohan and Phua Families Enjoying The Turkish Delights        -Pix By Courtesy T C Phua

The club has always been the champion of diversity and multi culturalism in a cosmopolitan SINGAPORE.September was the month of Shawal in which the Muslims all over the world celebrated the end of a Month Long Ramadhan in which they fasted and performed intensive religious activities.To mark the celebration,the Club organized a Fellowship Dinner at a Turkish Restaurant at Kampong Glam,the hub of Muslim Culture in Singapore.It was indeed a memorable occasion in which 40 Rotarians,family members and partners attended.Our Community Service Director Thomas Graf in fact brought his mother,who was on vacation in Singapore,to share the joy of our fellowship.PP Gerald Lim was at his height soothing guests especially when some had their dinners served rather very late as the restaurant was very short handed on that busy Saturday night.PP David and President Aaron played real host helping out in the service which truly demonstrated the spirit of "Service Above Self."

Regretably,we could not get PP Ron Pereira to sing Mona Lisa this time since he had his fish served to the very last."I actually had the best deal"said Ron.

Koy Nam and Alfree sharing a light moment

Thanks to Sigrid and PP Tengku Indra for coordinating the event for the first time and which ended on a very high note.

  Thomas with Wife (Left) and Loving Mom (Right)                        -Pix By Courtesy T C Phua

_________________________________________________________________________________

Meeting 20th September 2011

Singapore remains world's top
attraction for business events

This was the message articulated by our guest speaker Mr.Anh Thuan,Assistant Manager at the Conventions and Meetings Division and the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau,at our luncheon meeting on 20th September.

Mr.Anh Thuan (Left) with colleague from Singapore Tourism Board (Middle) and President Aaron

Mr.Thuan shared his insights on what made the city state consistently among the world’s most preferred destinations for business events.He introduced the latest and upcoming developments that would continually rejuvenate travelers’ experiences in Singapore.

Watch Out for an Important Event to be Organized by Rotary Club Jurong Town

Roger Kimpton from RC Jurong Town

We also had some visitors from The Rotary club of Jurong Town who are organizing a major Conference, "Age Friendly Workforce Asia" on 3rd – 4th November this year, to raise the preparedness of business and professional leaders in Singapore to the reality and challenges of the Singapore Re-employment Act which becomes law on 1st Jan 2012. The Ministers of State for Health and Manpower will be attending as panelists along with a high profile group of speakers and panelists sharing their experience.  Kimpton mentioned that there will be an exhibition on aging issues with particular focus on aged friendly work, lifestyle and health related matters.  All the funds raised will be lodged with the Foundation of Rotary Clubs (Singapore) Ltd, in the RCJT Happiness Fund ; and shall be used through a process of application by all Interact and Rotaract Clubs in Singapore, for Inter generational projects to aid the needy aged seniors in Singapore. -Reported by Sigrid Zialcita

Highlights of Meetings

16 August 2011 Meeting

A pretty good turnout with attendance at 42%.We had a visiting Rotarian from Madrid, Spain – Javier Vazquez Perez. Elizabeth Low also graced our event !

Visiting Rotarian fro Madrid Javier Vazquez Perez

Our Guest Speaker was Dr.Carol Tan,who spoke about

"Aging Populations - The Challenge Worldwide.She shared

with us some interesting insights and strategies we can

adopt in:

- our personal life, healthwise, to ensure we remain healthy,

live long and live well.

- our professional life, to ensure our businesses are

responsive to demographic changes be it for an ageing

worksforce or silver industry opportunities


- our community service, addressing the needs of an ageing

population 



Dr Carol Tan speaking on the challenge of aging population

Meeting 6 September 2011 - Guest Speaker PP David Chin



Past President of our Club David Chin spoke at the lucncheon meeting about his new role as

the Executive Director at the Singapore Maritime Foundation.(SMF)

The Foundation was established to serve as the link between the public and private sectors in

the maritime industry. SMF works in partnership with the maritime players to drive initiatives,

attract and nurture talent and raise public awareness of the Singapore maritime sector. These

efforts are in line with the vision to make Singapore a leading international maritime centre.

Watch out Next issue :

DG Visits the club !



31st Anniversary Dinner 13 August 2011 ONE Degree 15 Marina Club

"Rotary is a truly fantastic organization"
                                        District Governor 3310 Haji Zainie Abdul Aucasa

In his address at the club's 31st anniversary dinner,DG Zainie stressed the role of Rotary as a truly fantastic organization which has contributed significantly to the near eradication of polio in the world.He challenged Rotarians to be as "great as we can be by "getting back to the basics." He asserted "The time has come for us to seriously self re-examine ourselves for the continued growth of Rotary".

DG Haji Zainie addressing the guests

            President Aaron Tan presenting a gift on behalf of RCRC to DG Zainie -A beautiful framed photograph of Singapore's present skyline

A perfect gift for the Guest of Honour His Excellency Mr. Doug Chester,

The Australian High Commissioner to Singapore - The Singapore Skyline

RCRC Anniversary Dinner "Tatler"

WOW ! The Biggest Crowd Puller - President Archie Reano of RC Makati North and Spouse presenting two dance items !

The Great MC of The Nite - PP George Abraham with Rotarians and Guests

A treat for the old folks - courtesy of Rtn Jaya Prakash.Well done Jaya !

Our adorable Club Service Director Rtn Sigrid Zialcita (left) and guest

Joan Gorrie (Right) wife of the late Rtn.Mike Gorrie accompanied by Mohan and Percy

PP Jimmy and his indisputable hospitality - serving guests ! Well done Doc. !


The evergreen song "The Best of Friends" plays on....!

As the band in attendance played that evergreen country in western music "The Best of Friends" PP Wee Koon San and PP Steven Teng dragged Bulletin Editor PP Tengku Indra for a quick pose in front of the stage.What a lovely way to capture the everlasting spirit of friendship.Salute to the two Past Presidents Wee and Teng !

The Faces of Joy at the Dinner

Special Message from Honorary Member

His Excellency Dr.Simeon Selby RIPINGA

High Commissioner,South African High Commission,Singapore



" Mr. President,Rotarians,Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am indeed humbled by your honour to confer an Honorary Membership of the Rotary Club of Raffles City to me.A very rare honour given to people who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals.I count myself lucky to be among these persons this evening !

I wish to thank all those who have had an invisible hand influencing the decision of the club.I am fully aware that many of you were involved in this.However,I wish to express my gratitude to former President David Lee,President Aaron Tan and Mr.Nitin Doshi for inviting me to the club as Guest Speaker and thus rekindled my passion for the organization I addressed as Guest Speaker many years ago in the early nineties.

I am happy to join you in the broad mission of providing "humanitarian service,encouragement of high ethical standards in all vocations,and help build goodwill and peace in the world."And of course to share your most elegant motto and secondary motto :

"Service above self."

"They profit most who serve best."

Thank you very much !!! "

                                                                                                 HE Dr.Simeon Selby RIPINGA