What inspired you to join RCQ, and how has your Rotary journey influenced your life?

Community service has been part of my life since my school days. Having been active in Interact, joining Rotary felt like a natural continuation of that commitment.

I joined RCQ on 11 December 2017 and remained a member until 30 June 2025. During those years, I had the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse professions, cultures, and nationalities. The friendships and fellowship that developed through Rotary have been among the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

Rotary and community service often require a significant commitment of time and energy. How has your family supported your involvement over the years?   My wife, Seren TOH, was a banker with UOB Bank until she retired about ten years ago to help care for our eldest granddaughter when she was born. Today, we are blessed with three grandchildren—two girls and a boy.   Seren has always been very supportive of my community involvement, including my work with RCQ. In fact, she herself was actively involved in community service some forty years ago, so she understands the value and commitment that such work requires. Her encouragement and support over the years have made it much easier for me to devote time to serving others. This year, we are celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary.   Looking back, what Rotary projects stand out most in your memory?

Several projects come to mind. One was RCQ's livelihood project in Hue, Vietnam, which supported families through chicken rearing. Another was serving as Treasurer during the fundraising effort for the Rotary Eldercare Centre in 2020. Both projects demonstrated Rotary's ability to create practical, lasting benefits for communities while bringing members together in a common purpose.

 

How did your professional background contribute to your Rotary service?

As a trained accountant, I was able to support the club through financial management and governance. I served as Treasurer of RCQ for three terms, and my accountancy training helped me contribute in a practical way to the club's operations.

Service seems to be a recurring theme throughout your life. How has that commitment extended beyond Rotary?

Community service has always been important to me. Outside Rotary, I have served as Chair of the Fuchun Community Club, Treasurer of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, and Treasurer of the Lions Club for many years.

One meaningful example of combining professional and community interests was through my company'swork with All Saints Home. We invited RCQ members to participate in the project, and many responded enthusiastically, including PP Sissy and Laurent, PP Eric Schneider, PDG Guz Goh, PP Jack Chuang, and others.

Helping those who are less privileged has always been a strong personal motivation.

What do you believe makes RCQ unique?

What makes RCQ special is its international character. Our members come from different countries, cultures, professions, and backgrounds, yet they come together with a shared desire to serve.

I am particularly proud that RCQ has remained a cohesive club despite this diversity. Members have consistently demonstrated that friendship and service can transcend differences.

How have you seen Rotary evolve over the years?

While I was not involved during RCQ's founding years, I have observed Rotary becoming more inclusive and accessible. What may once have been perceived as an organization associated primarily with society's upper circles has evolved into a movement that welcomes people from many walks of life who share a desire to make a difference.

The core values, however, have remained unchanged. Fairness, goodwill, equality, and Rotary's non-partisan and non-sectarian approach continue to be as relevant today as they have always been.

What advice would you give to current and future Rotarians?

Do not underestimate the value of your contribution. Service is not only about financial support. Time, energy, skills, and commitment are equally important.

Looking back, I would encourage myself to initiate and participate in even more community activities. To anyone considering Rotary membership, my advice is simple: if you genuinely wish to help others, there should be nothing stopping you from getting involved.

Throughout your Rotary journey and professional career, you seem to have been drawn to helping people overcome challenges and create better opportunities for themselves. Has this been a conscious theme in your life?

Looking back, perhaps it has. Whether through Rotary community projects, supporting organisations that help ex-offenders reintegrate into society, or creating opportunities for the children of our employees through educational scholarships, I have always believed that a small act of encouragement can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Not everyone starts from the same position, and many people simply need an opportunity, some support, or someone who believes in them. I have been fortunate in my own life, and I feel it is important to give back whenever I can.

Distributing “We Care” packages to needy residents in Woodlands Town as part of a Singapore Rotary project. Pictured with Past Assistant Governor Andrew Ong.	Say Tiong at an RCQ meeting featuring a talk by his old friend, the late Daniel Teo, then President of ISCOS, a co-operative supporting ex-offenders and their children.	Presenting a company scholarship to the daughter of a staff member as part of an annual programme supporting education and opportunity for the next generation.

 

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for RCQ's future?

I hope RCQ will continue to uphold Rotary's enduring ideals while adapting to the needs and expectations of younger generations.

I would also like to see the clubcontinue its meaningful legacy projects, such as Taxia and support for Indonesian orphanages, whileexpanding local initiatives that strengthen and uplift the communities around us. In doing so, RCQ can continue making a meaningful difference for many years to come.■