With August behind us, September arrives with a sense of renewal. For many, the holiday season is a welcome chance to step back from the buzz of daily life, to recharge, reflect, and return with fresh ideas.
For RCQ, August was a month of both meaning and momentum. It brought remarkable generosity in support of The Rotary Foundation, along with joyful reunions, whether with members and former members visiting Singapore, or through encounters abroad, that renewed bonds with the club. These moments reminded us of the strength of our fellowship and the enduring ties that Rotary fosters.
As we move further into September, may we carry this spirit of renewal forward and build on the energy of the past weeks.
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Weekly Meetings
Monday August 4, 2025
The weekly RCQ dinner on Monday, August 4th, was chaired by President Marcel. The evening’s speaker was Rtn Maiko, who gave an inspiring talk on ThePearl Legacy Projects, a cause close to her heart.
Every piece of pearl jewellery carries a unique story, reflecting the beauty of nature and the dedication of those who nurture these living gems.
Yet, the art of Akoya pearl cultivation is facing significant challenges. Due to global warming and Japan’s ageing population, Akoya pearl production has declined dramatically, with a staggering 90% reduction compared to previous levels. In the past two years alone, 80% of Akoya mother oysters have perished. The mission of the Projects is to preserve a rich cultural heritage, empower consumers through knowledge and awareness, and promote fair trade.
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Monday August 11, 2025
The weekly RCQ dinner on Monday, August 11th, was presided over by PP Hannes in the absence of President Marcel, who is homebound following knee surgery.
Our guest speaker, Dr. LIM Sai Kiang, introduced by Rotarian Scott, is a world-renowned scientist and entrepreneur whose pioneering research on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes has made significant advances in regenerative medicine.
Ranked as a Highly Cited Researcher, Dr. LIM was recognised in 2022 as one of the world’s most influential scientific minds.
PP Benjamin WONG and his wife, Larissa, on visit to Singapore, joined our weekly dinner on 11 August, much to the delight of members.
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Monday August 18, 2025
The weekly RCQ dinner on Monday, August 18, 2025, was presided over by President Marcel. Among the guests were PP WolfGOETTEL and his grandson Maximilian, visiting from Germany.
The evening’s speaker was Jacqueline KOH, District Youth Protection Officer, who presented the new Rotary International requirement for certification of all Rotariansinvolved in activities with youth under 18. Jaqualine guided members through the Rotary Learning Center (online) and demonstrated the steps to complete the certification. Her address concluded with a lively Q\&A session.
Ms. Jacqueline KOH’s presentation is available on the RCQ Official WhatsApp group.
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Monday August 25, 2025
The meeting of 25 August marked the first Club Assembly of Rotary Year 2025–26, held in conjunction with the official visit of District Governor Dr. Shahul HAMEED and Mrs. Michelle HAMEED. DG Shahul addressed the club with an inspiring message and took the opportunity to honor several outstanding RCQ Rotariansfor their contributions.
The evening also featured presentations from the Board of Directors, who shared their reports and outlined plans for the year ahead.
For the photos of August 25th Club Assembly, please click here.
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News and Announcements
Chris and Shirley Chen Join the Arch Klumph Society Trustees Circle
On 25 August 2025, PDG Chris CHEN and Mrs. Shirley Chen attained the Arch Klumph Society Trustees Circle recognition, one of the highest honors bestowed by The Rotary Foundation. This distinction acknowledges their extraordinary generosity through a major gift of USD 150,000 to establish the “Chris and Shirley Chen Endowed Fund.” Their commitment ensures enduring support for Rotary’s humanitarian mission and serves as an inspiring example of Service Above Self.
To learn more about the Arch Klumph Society, please click here.
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Two New Paul Harris Society Members
RCQ is delighted to announce that PE Shikha MALHOTRA and Rtn Francesco CASSINERIO have both become Paul Harris Society (PHS) members, bringing our club’s total to eight.
PHS members pledge an annual contribution of USD 1,000 to The Rotary Foundation in support of its global programs.
To learn more about the Paul Harris Society, please click here.
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In memory of SangKoo Yun,
Rotary International President-elect 2026–27
SangKoo Yun, a distinguished Rotary leader and businessman, who had been chosen as Rotary International President for 2026–27, passed away on 5 September after months of treatment for pancreatic cancer. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, Yun stepped down from his role as president-elect in August to focus on his health. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eunsun, their two adult children, and several grandchildren.
To read more about SangKoo Yun’s life and legacy, please click here.
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Youth Certification Now Mandatory
Effective from July 31, 2025, all Rotarians—especially those sponsoring Interact Clubs or involved in youth-focused activities or programs—are required to complete a certification to work with individuals under 18 years of age.
Non-compliance means no further involvement with Interactors or youth under 18.
What You Need to Do:
1. Complete the Online Course
Download the RotaryLearn app or go to MyRotary (https://my.rotary.org), then choose the following Path:
Upload your completion certificate to the District 3310 records system for compliance.
Time Required: Approximately 30 minutes
Please take a few moments to ensure you’re certified. It’s a small step that helps Rotary protect and empower the young people we serve; and essential as President Marcel’s major project focuses on youth under 18.
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Update on RCQ Interview Series
As part of RCQ’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, we launched a series of interviews with members, past and present, to capture their stories and reflections. These have been warmly received, though some feedback noted that the overall length of the bulletin had grown.
In response, the Board of Directors has decided that, going forward, the interview series will be published as a special monthly edition, separate from the regular bulletin. This will allow each interviewee to be featured in full, while ensuring the bulletin remains concise. The order of the interviews will remain unchanged.
The first in this new format will be the interview with PP Benjamin WONG, which will be published on 15 September 2025.
We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause to those who had anticipated seeing the interviews within the bulletin itself. We remain committed to giving each interviewee the visibility and recognition they deserve, and we thank you for your continued support and understanding.
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Moments of Service, Re-connection, and Fellowship
Swiss National Day Celebration in Singapore,
August 1, 2025
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RCQ marked Singapore’s National Day with style: from an End Polio Walk to joyful lunches and dinners, celebrating 60 years of a nation’s remarkable journey.
End Polio Walk on National Day of Singapore,
August 9, 2025
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Fellowship gatherings on the occasion of the visit of
PP Wolf and his grandson Maximilian ________________
RCQ Board members at the end of their off-site meeting, Swiss Club,
Singapore, 16 August 2025 ________________
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PP Benjamin and Larissa joined RCQ members for dinner in
Singapore on August 23rd, 2025
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Meeting up with PP Sabrina in Bangkok, August 26, 2025
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Upcoming Events
September 2025
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Event: Willing Hearts
Time: 05:00 am-09:00 a.m. __________________
End Polio Walk
Date: September 7, 2025
Event: District 3310 End Polio Walk
Time: 08:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Point: Botanic Gardens MRT Exit A
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Date: Sept. 7- Oct. 18, 2025
Event: Rotary District 3310 - Step Up to End Polio Challenge
Details available above or on PE Shika’s post on RCQ Official
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Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Event: RCQ 3rd Board Meeting, hosted by Rotarian Andy.
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Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Event: Oktoberfest Fellowship
Venue: Brotzeit VivoCity
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Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Event: RCQ 3rd Board Meeting, hosted by Rotarian Andy.
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Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Event: Beach cleaning
Time: 04:00-07:00 p.m.
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SG60 DINNER
Date: Saturday September 27, 2025
Event: Commemorative dinner hosted by FRCS
Time: 18:30 pm to 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 22811
Cost: SD 138 per person
For more information, see IPP Farouk, and PE Shikha.
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October 2025
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Event: RCQ 4th Board Meeting, hosted by IPP Farouk.
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Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Event: RCQ Deepavlai Party
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Date: Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025
Event: D3310 - 35th Pan Borneo Conference
Venue: Kuching For more information about this event, please click here.
Click here to discover more about the history of the Pan Borneo Interclub Meet.
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November 2025
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Event: RCQ 5th Board Meeting, hosted by PP Hannes.
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December 2025
Date: Dec 1, 2025
Event: RCQ Annual General Meeting
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Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Event: Willing Hearts
Time: 05:00-09:00 a.m.
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Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Event: RCQ 5th Board Meeting, hosted by PP Terry.
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Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Event: RCQ Christmas Dinner
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January 2026
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Event: Beach cleaning
Time: 04:00-07:00 p.m.
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February 2026
Event: World Understanding and Peace Day (WUPD)
Date: 22nd, 23rd, or 24th Feb. 2026 (to be confirmed)
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April 2026
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Event: Beach cleaning
Time: 04:00-07:00 p.m.
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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 21-25, 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.
In last month’s interview with PP Wolf Goettel, it was stated that he was the first non-Singaporean member of the Rotary Club of Queenstown. This was incorrect. There had been other non-Singaporean members prior to PP Wolf's induction in 1992. We apologize for the oversight, which resulted from a misreading of the membership records.
