JANUARY 2025
And Welcome to this issue of our newsletter...
Dear Members of the Rotary Club of Queenstown,
Welcoming the Lunar New Year – A Time to Reflect, Renew, and Reconnect
In Singapore, the festive season flows seamlessly like a colorful mixture of traditions—Deepavali, Christmas, and now the Lunar New Year. Each celebration reminds us of our shared humanity, bringing together diverse communities to honor joy, gratitude, and togetherness.
The Lunar New Year is a perfect moment to pause and reflect. It’s a time to take stock of the good we’ve done—not just as individuals, but as a collective force for positive change through the Rotary Club of Queenstown. Together, we’ve contributed to causes that matter, touched lives, and created ripples of hope and kindness around us.
This season is also a call to action—an opportunity to reconnect, share ideas, and pool our strengths to do even more. We remind ourselves that our mission is not just to serve but to serve better, with renewed energy, focus, and compassion.
As we move forward, we honor those who are no longer with us, cherishing their memories and legacies. We celebrate the gift of family and friends and express gratitude for the blessings—big and small—that enrich our lives.
Let us remember the quiet yet profound power we hold as individuals and as a club. Changing the world does not require monumental gestures. Sometimes, it begins with one kind word, one selfless act, one open heart. This is a mission of the soul—a journey to make giving a way of life.
Giving is not only about money; it is about opening our eyes and hearts to those in need. It is about showing compassion, offering a listening ear, and extending a helping hand to heal, comfort, and uplift. It is about creating joy where there was none and planting seeds of hope where despair once took root.
This is not just an aspiration—it is a reality we are building, one act of kindness at a time. Together, we are stronger than we imagine, and our impact resonates far beyond what we can see.
As we usher in this Lunar New Year, let us embrace its spirit of renewal and possibility. Let us recommit ourselves to our shared mission of service and continue to shine as a beacon of hope in the lives of those we touch.
Wishing each of you a prosperous, meaningful, and joyful Lunar New Year!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Farouk Merchant
President RY24-25
Rotary Club of Queenstown
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In the Memory of Mr. James Wong Siew Yan
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Mr. James Wong Siew Yan, beloved father of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Anne Wong.
Mr. Wong departed peacefully on January 16, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Anne's mother, and his loving daughters Anne and Caroline. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Anne and her family. We extend our deepest condolences to them and stand in support of them in any way they need. We honor their loss with kindness and compassion, reminding them that they are not alone.
May they find comfort in the love and support of family and friends and the cherished memories of a life well-lived.
Rotary Club of Queenstown
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Weekly Meetings
RCQ Weekly Meeting on January 6, 2025
RCQ Weekly Meeting on January 13, 2025
RCQ Weekly Meeting on January 20, 2025
The weekly meeting on January 20 was specially eventful:
With Dr. Yap Lip Kee, District Governor, and his
spouse on their first official visit to RCQ
Induction ceremony of TS Koh
PP Hannes moving to the next PHF-level
Dr. Yap Lip Kee, the District governor, addressed the RCQ members
RCQ members celebrated PP Erich's birthday with a candlelit cake,
marking the special occasion together.
- The Club's 2nd Assembly was held on the same day. For more information, please see below.
[There was no weekly meeting on January 27, 2025]
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RCQ News
Club Assembly
The second Club Assembly for Rotary Year 2024-2025 took place on January 20, 2025. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence to honor the memory of James Wong Siew Yan, father of our fellow Rotarian Anne Wong, who passed away on January 16.
Key highlights from the reports included:
- Confirmation of Minutes: The minutes of the 1st Club Assembly were reviewed and confirmed.
- President’s Report: President Farouk provided an overview of events from the past three months (October to December), including RCQ’s involvement in the District Fun(d) Racer, members volunteering at the Willing Hearts kitchen, the trip to Taxia, OktoberFest at Simei Anglican, and the Christmas celebration at the children's home in Yokyakarta. President Farouk also shared updates on board meeting decisions.
- All directors presented updates on their respective portfolios.
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New Incentive for RCQ Membership Referrals
We are excited to announce a new initiative to encourage RCQ membership referrals. The cost of Monday dinners has been reduced from SD50 to SD25. This reduction is aimed at attracting potential members to join us at our weekly meetings and events in the coming months.
Prospective members who are successfully admitted to the club before February 3, will be officially inducted during our grand 50th-anniversary celebrations—a momentous occasion filled with full pomp and ceremony.
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PP Chee Kan informed the members about the passing of former RCQ member Joven Santiago in the Philippines on January 23. PP Joven Santiago was fondly remembered as a highly active and dedicated member, a passionate golfer, the only member to have served twice as president, and a carpet enthusiast. PP Terry also shared that he had the privilege of working under PP Joven Santiago in his very first job.
May his soul rest in peace.
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Rotary Brings Hope
Rotary District 9212—covering Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea—is hosting President Stephanie and Rotarians from around the globe to celebrate 100 years of Rotary’s presence in Africa. During this visit, they’ll tour several key projects, including:
1. ICT (Digital Literacy) initiatives in Kangemi (Tenderfoot) and Tatu City
2. Baby Mwanzo maternal and child health program in Mukuru
3. Renovations at Pumwani Maternity Hospital
4. A partnership with TVET to plant one million trees in six months
5. The Rotary Sunshine Rally, supporting differently abled individuals since 1980
PP Denise and PP Linda will proudly represent RCQ on this special trip, showcasing the incredible impact Rotary continues to have in the region.
Rotarian from Singapore (10 in total) and their spouses attending a dinner to mark the 100 Years of Rotary in Africa
Banner exchanges with Rotary Clubs of Nairobi East (the host club), Kabete and Hurlingham in Nairobi
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RCQ members and family members volunteered to prepare meals for those in need on Saturday, January 18. Their kitchen duty began at 5 a.m., with PP Denise leading the effort.
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Ending Polio
The eradication of polio is one of Rotary's longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with other partners, we have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. We have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.
Watch: Unstoppable: Celebrating Rotary's commitment to Polio eradication
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
How many children can you save?
Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled. Together, we end polio.
To donate, please click on the link below or go to https://my.rotary.org/en/polioplus-fund
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SPECIAL COMMEMORATION SERIES
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.
Starting this month, we will spotlight one RCQ member each month, sharing their unique experiences and contributions to our shared journey. If you would like to share your story and be part of this special series, we encourage you to contact the RCQ media team—we’d love to hear from you.
While we finalize our interview with PP Chris Chen, our club’s longest-serving member, we are thrilled to launch this series with an inspiring feature on PP Pok Zin. Our deepest gratitude goes to both PP Chris Chen and PP Pok Zin for their contributions to this project, which was first envisioned by PP Pok Zin.
In this inaugural instalment, PP Pok Zin, who joined RCQ in 1980, reflects on his remarkable journey with the Rotary Club. His story is one of personal engagement, growth, and a profound understanding of life’s purpose.
We hope you enjoy this celebration of RCQ’s heart and soul—its members.
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Faces of ROTARY CLUB OF QUEENSTOWN
RCQ Members share their stories
TEO, Pok Zin
What inspired you to join the Rotary Club?
My first exposure to Rotary was in high school. My principal, Chen Teck Nam, was a Rotarian, a member of the Rotary Club of Singapore West. I was asked by him to start an Interact Club in the school. It was my first exposure to social services. Being an absolute loner, this was a life-changing experience. I did it because I had very high regard for Principal Chen.
How has your personal journey with RCQ shaped your life over the years?
There have been many factors influencing my life's journey, and Rotary definitely fit in nicely. My appreciation of Confucius and Buddhist teachings shared many common values. Sharing the experience with a group of friends on a regular basis worked out well.
Can you share one of your most cherished memories from the early days of the Club?
To be honest, the first ten years were a total blur. I joined the Rotary Club of Queenstown in 1980. During the first 10 years, I had four babies, restructured the company and for some crazy reason, I was on the Board taking up every position there was, eventually finishing as the president in 1990.
How did your family react when you first joined the Rotary Club? Have they supported your involvement over the years?
My family has been very supportive of my involvement. My eldest was born the year I joined RCQ in 1980. I tried to get them involved in many events. I’m glad that they have all grown up embracing Rotary values.
What lessons from your Rotary experience have you shared with your children or grandchildren?
They have been taught to give, practice loving kindness, and cultivate wisdom but nothing is better than actually living it. Involving them in rotary activities puts all this into action, deepening their core values.
How did your professional life influence your work within the Rotary Club, and vice versa?
In life, you need a mission, a mission that is worthy of your time. I spend most of my waking hours making money, if it were only for personal gratification, it would be such a meaningless journey. As Confucius preached, the path should be first enlighten yourself, then put your family in order, help your community; and if you are really capable, bring peace to this world. I might not have gone far, but it seems to be a worthy cause.
Were there any skills or experiences from your career that helped you contribute to the Club’s growth or initiatives?
There is no difference between running a business and a charitable organisation. You are rewarded by satisfying the needs of your customers.
Did being a part of the Rotary network open up any unexpected opportunities in your profession?
Definitely. As long as you have a thirst for knowledge and a curious mind, you will learn no matter what you are doing.
What personal passions or hobbies have you pursued outside of Rotary?
I was a member of the Young Presidents' Organisation, which is a group of CEOs with a focus on lifelong learning. I love playing tennis, sketching, and photography (involve lots of walking). I practice yoga and Pilates regularly. My passion is to watch my kids grow up.
Have you ever had the chance to combine your personal interests with Rotary projects? If so, how?
My latest scheme is to raise money for RCQ by taking pictures for equestrians.
How did you balance your family, career, and Rotary commitments over the years?
I created a pie chart of how I spend my time. I spent too much time on useless activities and too little on what is important. Therein lies the key: be constantly aware of what you are doing. Does it add to your goal?
Was there ever a time when you considered stepping back from Rotary, and what made you stay?
Yes. There were times when my family or business required more of my attention. But the fact that Rotary has throughout my lifetime achieved what it set out to do, there is no reason for me to doubt my involvement.
How has the Rotary Club evolved in its mission, membership, and activities over the past 50 years?
The environment in which RCQ operates has gone through massive changes. Because of the success of our country, poverty has been greatly reduced. On top of that, we have a very enlightened government, where the poorest are very well taken care of. Areas where RCQ can contribute have evolved with it. Globalisation and technology have also changed the work life of our members. As demand and stress build, not only much help is needed in the public domain, we have to be aware of the mental health of our fellow members.
Are there any notable milestones or events in the club’s history that you feel particularly proud of?
Like any evolution, there are periods of discovery and adjustment. I believe RCQ did a good job in navigating the change. We listen well and we are open minded. The focus is to get the job done. We try very hard to remember “What is worth doing, is worth doing well.”
Can you highlight a project or initiative that you feel had the most impact on the community?
Thanks to RC Chiang Mai North, we were invited to participate in their effort to look after a group of young kids whose parents had died from Aids. It was quite encouraging to see them grow up safely under the watchful eyes of Rotary.
How has the Club’s approach to serving the community changed over time?
As the government took over more and more of the responsibility of looking after the welfare of fellow citizens, we find ourselves shifting more of our effort to the nearby countries that might need help. Local projects centred more on giving emotional support to the less fortunate.
What do you think sets the Rotary Club of Queenstown apart from other service organizations?
RCQ puts effort into understanding the evolving needs of the community. We also continuously adapt our management of the Club to the work-life balance of our members.
What values of Rotary do you think have stood the test of time?
The principle of "Service above self" is timeless and enduring.
How do you see the legacy of the Club being carried forward by the younger generation of members?
RCQ members are no different from anyone else; they live with their insecurities, self-doubt, and human frailties. Yet, they strive to give a part of themselves for the benefit of others—a legacy worth preserving and continuing.
What advice would you give to new members looking to make a lasting impact in the Rotary Club?
Believe in what you are doing, and carry on the legacy.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering joining the Rotary movement, what would it be?
Make sure Rotary principles are in line with your own belief system.
Who has been the most influential person you’ve met through your Rotary journey, and why?
If I had to pick one, it would be Principal Chen who brought me into Rotary. He has been an outstanding mentor and I have truly benefited greatly from the value system he has instilled.
How do you envision the Club continuing to grow and serve in the next 50 years?
The seniors in the Club should guide the young members going forward. The values of the past will be the DNA of the Club, but the form going forward should keep up with the present day norms. In other words, the older folks should support the young while keeping up with the times.
What would you like to see as the Rotary Club of Queenstown’s future focus or legacy projects?
The seven areas that RI has stated as urgently needed support still remain relevant. As for values we should hold as Rotarian, they do not change.■
For the PDF version of the interview, please click
HERE.
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January 2025: Moments of Fellowship and Re-connection
With Mário César Martins de Camargo, Rotary International President Elect, on Sunday 12 January, 2025
At the British Hainan Heritage Restaurant
Breakfast with former RCQ Tian Swee and spouse, Joy
Lunch with PDG Mohan, PDG Joanne and RI Foundation Rep. Hazel
PP Sabrina in Munich with Giulia, formerly an RCQ member
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