Christmas Reflections and Greetings from the President
Dear Members and Friends of the Rotary Club of Queenstown,
As we enter this festive season, we are invited to pause and reflect on how truly fortunate we are. Simply by being here together this evening, we belong to a small and privileged part of the world’s population, better off than 98% of the world’s population. While we all face challenges, they often pale in comparison to the daily realities of so many others.
When we have much, it is easy to focus on what troubles us; when one has little, life is often about survival, dignity, and hope.
This is where Rotary shines. Through our shared commitment, we as RCQ have the power to directly and indirectly bring light, warmth, and opportunity into the lives of those who need it most. We may not be able to change the world all at once, but we can change it for someone, one act of kindness, one step, one life at a time.
As we celebrate this season of togetherness and generosity, may we carry its spirit forward into the year ahead. I wish you all a joyful and peaceful festive season, and a wonderful start to the New Year 2026, filled with good health, gratitude, and time to enjoy what truly matters.
Marcel Furrer President, Rotary Club of Queenstown
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Monday December 1, 2025
On 1 December 2025, the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Queenstown was devoted to the Club’s Annual General Meeting. Members gathered as the Board of Directors presented its reports on the past Rotary year, sharing highlights of activities, projects, and financial stewardship. The AGM also provided an opportunity for reflection, transparency, and appreciation of the collective efforts that continue to sustain and guide the Club’s mission.
To see more photos of this event, please clickhere.
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Monday December 8, 2025
At the RCQ meeting on 8 December, chaired by President Marcel, members heard from PP Linda, who had just returned from Taxia, China. She spoke of the decade-long English teaching mission she and PP Mavis have built in the village, and of how each visit has deepened their understanding of the place and its people.
Beyond the classroom, PP Linda shared how repeated visits to Taxia opened the door to discovery, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships with local residents, connections that have given their work enduring meaning and warmth.
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Monday December 15, 2025
The 15 December weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Queenstown was celebrated as the Club’s Christmas Dinner, bringing together members and their partners, as well as prospective members and friends, for an evening of fellowship and reflection.
The gathering also marked several Paul Harris Fellow upgrades, with President-Elect Shikha pinning PP Jack (PHF 4), PP Mavis (PHF 5), and Rotarian Francesco Cassinerio, upgraded to Paul Harris Fellow Level 6, was recognised in absentia. As he was unable to attend the meeting, the physical presentation of the pin could not take place. Further PHF upgrades are currently in the pipeline and will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Rotary Club of Queenstown extends its heartfelt thanks to PP Jack, PP Mavis, and Rotarian Francesco Cassinerio for their generosity and steadfast support of The Rotary Foundation. Their Paul Harris Fellow upgrades reflect their commitment to Rotary values and to doing good through shared responsibility and service. These contributions, given with quiet conviction and generosity of spirit, exemplify the essence of Rotary, where impact is measured by willingness to give and to stand together in service. RCQ is deeply appreciative of their continued dedication and example.
In a brief address, President Marcel invited members to reflect on their blessings and on Rotary’s power to do good, sometimes in ways that may seem small in the broader world, yet can be life-changing for those we are able to reach.
There wereno weekly meetings held on Monday, 22 December and Monday, 29December, as the Club took a short break in observance of the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Regular weekly meetings will resume in the new year.
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PDG Chris Chen — Service Above Self
PDG Chris Chen, the most senior member and a charter member of the Rotary Club of Queenstown, was conferred his second Platinum Award in November 2025 from the People's Association and signed by the Prime Minister, in recognition of 45 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the community.
In Singapore, Platinum Awards from the People's Association represent the highest tier of recognition for sustained and meaningful grassroots and community involvement. Prior to this honour, PDG Chris had already been the recipient of several major awards for community service, including the Grand Award and the Passion Award, among others.
Over the decades, his grassroots contributions have spanned an exceptionally wide range of responsibilities. He has served, among many roles, as Chairman of a Community Centre, Chairman of a PCF kindergarten, and in neighbourhood committees, civil defence initiatives, marriage solemnisation, and the organisation of events such as overseas trips and community golf tournaments. His service reflects a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and social cohesion.
PDG Chris is also the only member of Queenstown Rotary to have received Singapore National Day Awards, having been awarded the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 2002 and the Public Service Star (BBM) in 2007, both conferred by the President of Singapore in recognition of outstanding public service.
A Past District Governor, an Arch Klumph Societymember, and a steadfastly active member of the Club, PDG Chris exemplifies the very essence of Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self. Through his constancy, generosity, and humility, he stands
out as a role model and mentor to many within the Club. At his side throughout this journey is his wife Shirley, a gracious and benevolent presence whose warmth, charm, and quiet support are deeply appreciated by the Rotary family.
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Major Gift Donor – With Gratitude
The Rotary Club of Queenstown is deeply grateful to Past President TEO PokZin, an esteemed member of the Arch Klumph Society, for his generosity and steadfast commitment to The Rotary Foundation. His Major Gift to the Annual Fund–SHARE on December 12, 2025 is a powerful expression of Rotary values in action and a reflection of his long-standing dedication to advancing Rotary’s humanitarian work.
PP Teo’s contribution exemplifies the spirit of Doing Good Together and strengthens our collective ability to serve communities locally and globally. We thank PP PokZin and Mrs. Avery TEO sincerely for their generosity, and continued support of Rotary’s mission.
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Bringing Our Bulletin to Life
Our monthly bulletins would not be the same without the dedicated and unfailing contributions of PP To Chee Kan and PP PokZin. Through their keen eyes and beautifully captured snapshots, they bring our events to life, whether major milestones or quieter moments of fellowship, adding colour, depth, and vibrancy to every issue.
Always present, often behind the lens, they capture not just images but moments, expressions, and the spirit of RCQ as it unfolds. Their photographs greatly enhance the content of the bulletin and significantly enrich the enjoyment of our readers. What makes their contribution all the more remarkable is the spirit in which it is given: quietly, consistently, and with no expectation of reward, save the satisfaction of serving the Club.
RCQ is deeply grateful to PP To and PP PokZin for the heart, time, and care they invest month after month.Their work is a true reflection of Rotary’s spirit of Service Above Self, and it is sincerely appreciated by the Club and its members.
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Annual Fund Giving – A Collective Effort
We are proud to see Rotary Club of Queenstown ranked among the top three clubs in District 3310 for Annual Fund Giving. This achievement reflects the generosity, commitment, and shared sense of purpose of our members. Every contribution, large or small, strengthens Rotary’s ability to create lasting impact and truly Unite for Good. Thank you to all RCQ members for making this possible.
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Thursday, December 4, 2025
Visit to the Singapore Oceanarium with 30 children of SHINE
On 4 December, six RCQ volunteers accompanied 30 children and youth, together with three dedicated staff and volunteers from SHINE, on an enriching visit to the Singapore Oceanarium.
This visit marked Part II of President Marcel’s major project, reflecting RCQ’s commitment to creating meaningful, well-curated experiences that inspire and uplift young lives.
The outing began with a Bento lunch, followed by departure at 1:15 pm, and concluded at 4:30 pm. The day unfolded seamlessly, and the experience of discovering life beneath the surface was engaging, orderly and joyful throughout.
Serving with Heart at Willing Hearts Before the Sunrise
On Saturday, 6 December, RCQ members rolled up their sleeves and lent a helping hand at Willing Hearts, volunteering from 5:00 am to 9:00 am in the early hours of the morning. Working alongside other volunteers in the kitchen, our members helped prepare meals for those in need.
Willing Heartsprovides more than 10,000 meals daily to the elderly, low-income families, and persons with disabilities. Every task, whether preparing, packing, or distributing meals, plays a vital role. It was a humbling and meaningful experience that reflected Rotary’s spirit of service and the belief that every pair of hands truly counts.
RCQ volunteers and friends pictured with Tony Tay, founder of Willing Hearts
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Sunday December 7, 2025
Ad hoc lunch at Singapore Island Country Club
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Sunday December 14, 2025
Though now based in Thailand, PP Sabrina remains very much part of the RCQ family. Distance has proven no barrier, bridged by her visits back to RCQ and by RCQ members meeting her along the way. In December, Rotarian Andy caught up with Sabrina in Bangkok, a lovely reminder that Rotary’s arms are indeed long and far-reaching, connecting friends wherever they may be.
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Wednesday December 15, 2025
On 15 December, the Rotary Club of Queenstown gathered for its much-anticipated Christmas Dinner, bringing together members, their partners, as well as prospective members and friends of the Club. The evening unfolded in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill, filled with conversation, shared laughter, and the simple joy of being together as the year drew to a close.
The festive atmosphere was beautifully enhanced by musical performances that delighted the room.
P Terry, PP Edward, Rotarian Victoria, and Rotarian Angel generously shared their talents, leading the audience through much-loved Christmas carols that warmly invited everyone to sing along. Stella, PP Stanford’s spouse, also joined in spontaneously, delighting and enchanting the audience with her performance. These moments of music and shared merriment beautifully captured the spirit of Rotary camaraderie and made the evening especially memorable.
The photos that follow reflect the warmth, friendship, and festive spirit that defined this joyful celebration.
Meeting of the District Nominating Committee for 2028-2029 _________________________________
Saturday December 20, 2025
The Swiss clan of RCQ gathered on Saturday evening, 20 December, hosted by Erich Schneider and Pat, for a convivial cheese fondue dinner. An evening of shared flavours, laughter, and fellowship that beautifully reflected the warmth and diversity of the RCQ family.
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Friday December 26, 2025
Sharing the Joy of Christmas at Bhakti Luhur
Rtn Axel and his spouse Lakshmi, long-time patrons of the Bhakti Luhurorphanage in Yogyakarta, joined the Sisters and children for a joyful Christmas celebration on Friday, 26 December. The cheerful afternoon was filled with smiles, shared moments, and the simple joy of being together beautifully reflecting the true spirit of Christmas and Rotary’s commitment to caring and service. _________________________________
Saturday December 27, 2025
Fellowship lunch where good food, easy conversation, and shared moments of friendship reminded us that fellowship lies at the heart of Rotary.
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RCQ members came together for a spirited pickleball party
Blending friendly competition with laughter and fellowship, the evening was a wonderful reminder that Rotary camaraderie extends well beyond meetings onto the court, where teamwork, energy, and good cheer were very much in play.
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January 2026
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Event: Beach cleaning
Time: 04:00-07:00 p.m.
For more information contact PP Andy.
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Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Event: Club Assembly No. 2
Time: 07:00 p.m.
Venue: Tanglin Club
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February 2026
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Event: PE Shikha's Major Project
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Date: February 23, 2026
Event: World Understanding and Peace Day (WUPD)
Time: 19:00 - 22:00
Venue: Grand Hyattt Singapore, The Gallery, Level 1M
Ticket: $140 per person
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/wupd2026
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March 2026
Date: March 7, 2026
Event: Rotary Day of Service
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May 2026
Date: May 22-24, 2026
Event: Joint District Conference (DISCON) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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June 2026
Date: June 13-17, 2026
Event: 2026 Rotary International Convention
Venue: Taipei, Taiwan
More information will be shared at a later date. Join the 2026 Taipei Convention Interest Group to standby for more information.
