The Heart of the Rotary Club of Queenstown: Members’ Stories Through the Years
Celebrating 50 Years of Dedication
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Queenstown (RCQ), we are delighted to launch a special monthly feature celebrating the journeys of our incredible members.
Our members are the lifeblood of the club: their energy, dedication, and camaraderie make RCQ a vibrant, engaging, and welcoming community. They are the cornerstone of our club’s culture, the driving force behind our projects, and the inspiration that attracts new members. RCQ’s five decades of success reflect not only the steadfast commitment of our long-standing members but also the fresh ideas and perspectives brought by those who have joined us over the years. This seamless blend of tradition and innovation has shaped RCQ into the dynamic and diverse club we are proud of today.
Our eighth interview in this anniversary series brings us to Benjamin Chan Seng WONG, a familiar name to RCQ members even if he has lived abroad for many years. Benjamin first joined RCQ back in 1977, under the classification of Financial Technology, and has kept in touch with the club ever since.
Benjamin and his wife Larissa are now based in London, where he founded TranSwap, a fast-growing company that helps businesses (both SMEs & Enterprises) navigate the complexities of international banking. With multi-currency business accounts and operations spanning eight offices across the UK, Singapore, Canada, New York, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, TranSwap enables payments and collections in over 180 countries, making life easier for millions of businesses venturing overseas.
Family remains at the heart of Benjamin’s story. He and Larissa are blessed with two daughters: Isabel, who works in Singapore, and Ema, 13, who is still at school in London. The family spent six vibrant years in Hong Kong before making London their home in 2022.
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Faces of ROTARY CLUB OF QUEENSTOWN
RCQ Members share their stories
What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Queenstown?
PP William GOH invited and sponsored me to join the Rotary Club of Queenstown. I decided to join Rotary because it provided me with the opportunity to serve and give back to society. Additionally, it offered the chance to meet and connect with amazing people not only in Singapore but also from around the world.
How has your personal journey with the club shaped your life over the years?
My journey with the Rotary Club began at a crossroads in my personal and professional life, a moment when I was seeking purpose beyond my usual routines. I was drawn to the club’s spirit of service and its vibrant network of individuals all committed to making a difference. The opportunity to connect with like-minded people and contribute meaningfully to the community offered a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere.
Can you share one of your most cherished memories from the early days of the club?
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Yes, my family participated regularly in Rotary events and projects. Their involvement not only brought us closer together but also gave them first-hand insight into the camaraderie and shared sense of purpose that define the club. Through these experiences, they came to appreciate the impact that community service can have, both personally and collectively,
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and grew to view the Rotary Club as an extended family united by values of kindness and service. These shared moments have become some of our fondest memories, reinforcing the idea that giving back is most rewarding when done together.
How did your family react when you first joined the Rotary Club? Have they supported your involvement over the years?
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When I first joined the Rotary Club, my family’s reaction was a mix of curiosity and cautious encouragement. While the full extent of their initial feelings escapes me now, I do remember that my wife was wholeheartedly supportive, seeing the potential for both personal growth and meaningful contribution to the community. Over the years, this support has not wavered. My family became not just observers but participants in the Rotary journey—embracing its values and joining me in club activities whenever possible. Their steadfast encouragement and engagement have been vital, transforming my Rotary experience into a shared adventure and strengthening our bond through acts of service.
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Did your family ever participate in any Rotary events or projects? How did that experience shape their view of the club?
Absolutely. Throughout my career, I've honed leadership and communication skills that proved invaluable in supporting and advancing the club’s initiatives. These abilities enabled me to organize projects efficiently, motivate fellow members, and foster a spirit of collaboration within the club. Beyond that, my professional network has greatly enriched our outreach efforts, opening doors to new partnerships and resources. The experience and perspective gained from my work life have allowed me to bring fresh ideas to the table and navigate challenges with resilience.
What lessons from your Rotary experience have you shared with your children or grandchildren?
I don't have grandchildren yet, but I believe Rotary is doing a lot of great things. We just need to be involved. As Mother Teresa once said, «We can't do great things, but we can do small things with great love.»
How did your professional life influence your work within the Rotary Club, and vice versa?
Being a Rotarian is a journey, much like professional life, with its ups and downs. However, being a Rotarian has taught me a lot about humanity, and this has had a significant influence on my professional life.
Were there any skills or experiences from your career that helped you contribute to the club’s growth or initiatives?
Certainly, leadership skills, communication skills, and most importantly, our expanded network and connections have been crucial.
Did being a part of the Rotary network open up any unexpected opportunities in your profession?
Yes, it has opened up my first experience as an entrepreneur.
What personal passions or hobbies have you pursued outside of Rotary?
When I was younger, I enjoyed scuba diving, mountain climbing, and running marathons. Now, I find joy in meeting and enjoying the company of old and new friends, as well as traveling.
Have you ever had the chance to combine your personal interests with Rotary projects? If so, how?
Yes, I have been involved in a few projects in the past, such as the Thai orphans project and our very own Taxia.
What’s something you’ve always been passionate about, and how has Rotary allowed you to express or act on that passion?
Be a champion for the project.
How did you balance your family, career, and Rotary commitments over the years?
As I mentioned in an earlier question, being a Rotarian is a life journey. There are times when we can contribute more and times when we contribute less. What is important is to never give up and to continue giving your best whenever you can.
Was there ever a time when you considered stepping back from Rotary, and what made you stay?
I have never considered leaving rotary. Just do my best as I can.
What were the most significant challenges the club faced during its inception, and how were they overcome?
"It's not so much about RCQ. It's more about my journey. I left RCQ to join a senior member in forming a new Rotary Club. However, after completing a full circle, I am now back with RCQ.
How has the Rotary Club evolved in its mission, membership, and activities over the past 50 years?
Its underlining and core mission remains the same.
Are there any notable milestones or events in the club’s history that you feel particularly proud of?
I am very proud of RCQ for its international members, and in my opinion, it is the best club in our district.
Can you highlight a project or initiative that you feel had the most impact on the community?
Many of the projects have been impactful and meaningful. However, the Taxia project remains one of the most significant and memorable.
How has the club’s approach to serving the community changed over time?
It has always been about the members' willingness to contribute as one.
What do you think sets the Rotary Club of Queenstown apart from other service organizations?
It is the members, along with their spouses and families, who contribute to the club.
What values of Rotary do you think have stood the test of time?
How do you see the legacy of the club being carried forward by the younger generation of members?
By remembering RCQ's roots and building upon the strong foundation, the younger generation of members can make it even better.
Looking back at your journey with RCQ, what advice would you give to your younger self to enhance that experience?
To truly enjoy and benefit from the experience, you must first get involved in contributing to the club and the communities.
What advice would you give to new members looking to make a lasting impact in the Rotary Club?
Be involved and take up leadership position in the club.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering joining the Rotary movement, what would it be?
Don’t consider, JUST DO IT.
Are there any humorous or unexpected moments from your time in the club that you’d like to share?
There are so many humorous and unexpected moments. I'd be happy to share them with you if you ask me personally.
Who has been the most influential person you’ve met through your Rotary journey, and why?
Many senior Rotarians have shaped me into who I am today. However, PP William GOH, my sponsor, has been the most influential to me.
How do you envision the club continuing to grow and serve in the next 50 years?
What would you like to see as the Rotary Club of Queenstown’s future focus or legacy projects?
Some projects are worth keeping and following up on. However, it is important for future Presidents and board members to find projects that they are proud of and that can make a significant impact on the communities.■
