February 2025
And Welcome to this issue of our newsletter...
Rotary's 2025 Peace Conference: A Call for Unity in a Divided World
From February 20–22, 2025, peacebuilders from 88 countries convened in Istanbul, Turkey, for the Rotary Presidential Peace Conference, led by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. The event tackled pressing global challenges, including peace in a polarized world, the influence of technology and media, environmental peacebuilding, and strategies for lasting peace. Featuring distinguished speakers such as Elizabeth Spehar of the United Nations and human rights and environmental activist Kumi Naidoo, the conference fostered insightful discussions and actionable solutions for sustainable peace.
A key milestone of the event was the launch of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University, the first peace center in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This center will offer a Professional Development Certificate in Positive Peace, equipping leaders with practical skills to resolve conflicts and drive meaningful community change.
President Urchick underscored that peace is not merely the absence of war but a commitment to enhancing the quality of life globally. With a longstanding legacy in peacebuilding, Rotary reaffirmed its dedication to fostering environments where peace can thrive. Through humanitarian initiatives, leadership training, and international collaboration, the organization continues to make a lasting impact. As President Urchick aptly stated, “This conference is not just an event—it’s a call to action.”
Meanwhile, in Disctrict 3310, World Understanding and Peace Day was commemorated on February 23 at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the first Rotary club meeting in Chicago.■
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Rotary Club of Queenstown Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Fellowship
The Rotary Club of Queenstown (RCQ) in Singapore proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of memorable events, culminating in a vibrant 70s-themed gala at the Singapore Island Country Club ballroom on February 22, 2025.
A Night to Remember: The 50th Anniversary Gala
When the long-anticipated evening finally arrived, 155 members, along with their families and friends, gathered to honor five decades of service, camaraderie, and impact. The ballroom was transformed into a nostalgic 70s extravaganza, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of celebration.
The evening’s exciting program featured:
- "RCQ Golden Years" – A specially curated film showcasing the club’s remarkable journey over the past 50 years.
- $1 Million Foundation Game – A spirited and engaging activity promoting RCQ’s philanthropic efforts; RCQ achieved US$1 million in donation to the Rotary Foundation.
- Distinguished Service Awards – Recognizing outstanding contributions by members who have exemplified the spirit of Rotary.
- Best Dressed & Best Dancer Awards – Adding a touch of fun and flair to the retro-themed evening.
- Quiz Night & Dance Performances – Bringing energy and entertainment to the celebration.
Acknowledgment of Special Contributions
As the club celebrate the
50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Queenstown, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to PDG Chris Chen, the Dean of RCQ members, and Mrs. Shirley Chen, who marked their 50 years with Queenstown by establishing an Endowment Fund with the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. In recognition of his exceptional generosity and dedication, PDG Chris Chen is now a Major Donor Level 4, leaving a lasting legacy of service and commitment to future generations of Rotarians.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals whose generosity, dedication, and hard work have made this milestone possible. Their unwavering commitment to service and the spirit of Rotary has left a lasting impact on our community and beyond.
Special Recognition
Major Donors
We sincerely acknowledge and thank our Major Donors for their generous contributions:
- PDG Chris CHEN
- PP PokZin TEO
- Rtn Valentin SCHILLO
- PP Erich SCHNEIDER
- PP Dr. Hans JAEGER
- PP Dave TANG
- PP Sanford CHEE
- Rtn Sydney YEUNG
Event Organization Team
The success of this evening was the result of a collaborative effort by many dedicated members. Without their hard work, this celebration would not have been possible.
Special appreciation to:
- PP Erich – Overall organization and liaising with the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC)
- Rtn Shikha – Co-organizing chair and coordinating all activities for RCQ50
- PP Linda – Master of Ceremonies
- PP Mavis – In charge of seating and door gifts
- Rtn Anne – Responsible for the birthday cake, door gifts, and judging the Best Dancer and Best Dressed competitions
- PP Sabrina – Gifts coordination
- PP Jeyan – Quiz master
- PP Hannes – Sergeant-at-Arms
- PE Marcel – Tech support and floor coordination
- Rtn Markus & Rtn Andy – Chairs of the $1 Million Foundation Game
- Rtn Anthony – Registration and floor coordination
- PP Jack & PP Dave – Led the invitation of former members and mentors
- PP Denise – Registration and floor coordination
- Dance Squad: PP Terry, PP Eric, PP Denise, PP Mavis, PP Linda, Rtn Renu
- PDG Chris – Overall mentor
A heartfelt and special tribute to President Farouk Merchant, whose leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts have been the cornerstone of this celebration’s success. As the driving force behind the event, he has skillfully orchestrated, coordinated, and united the invaluable contributions of our members—always with warmth, patience, and an attentive ear. His wisdom, sound judgment, and ability to foster collaboration have been truly inspiring. We are profoundly grateful for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of Queenstown and his passion for service, which continue to uplift and strengthen our community.
Special Contributions
We also wish to recognize:
- PP PokZin for generously providing space for all video shoots
- PP Chee Kan for his remarkable solo efforts in producing and shooting the RCQ Golden Years Movie
Sponsorship Acknowledgments
We are immensely grateful to the following individuals for their generous sponsorships:
- Wine Sponsors: Rtn Franz, PP Terry, HE Rtn Peter Guschelbauer, PP Erich
- Jackpot Prize Sponsor: HE Rtn Peter Guschelbauer
- Lucky Draw Prizes Sponsor: AG Joehan Tohkingkeo from RC Singapore East
Jackpot Prize Winner
A special congratulations to IDG Dr. Shahul Hameed of RC Singapore, the winner of the $1 Million Foundation Jackpot Game!
Last but not least, Thank you all for being an integral part of RCQ journey and for embodying the true spirit of Rotary.
Looking Ahead
As RCQ enters its next chapter, this milestone serves as a powerful reminder of its dedication to making a lasting impact - both within the community and beyond. With renewed enthusiasm, the club looks forward to continuing its mission of service above self for many more years to come.
Here’s to 50 years of excellence—and to many more!
For the official video of the event, please click
Here.
For the official photos of the event, please click
Here.
For the RCQ Golden Years Movie, please click
Here.
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Weekly Meetings
RCQ Weekly Meeting on Feb 3, 2025
Rotary Club of Queenstown Celebrates Chinese New Year with Fellowship and Joy
The Rotary Club of Queenstown ushered in the Chinese Lunar New Year with an evening of camaraderie and celebration on February 3, 2025, at the prestigious Tanglin Club. The event was marked by the traditional tossing of Yu Sheng, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
More than 50 guests, including members, spouses, partners, and family members, gathered to share in the joyous occasion. The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of fellowship, reflecting the essence of both the Lunar New Year and the values of Rotary.
As plates of Yu Sheng were raised high with well-wishes for health, happiness, and success, the atmosphere was one of gratitude and renewed aspirations for the year ahead. The event was not only a celebration of tradition but also a meaningful reminder of the bonds that unite us as Rotarians.
Wishing everyone a year of abundance, peace, and prosperity! Gōng xǐ fā cái!
For more pictures, please click
Here, courtesy of © PP PokZin.
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RCQ Weekly Meeting on Feb 10, 2025
Dr. Anne-Marie Schleich, a distinguished German diplomat who served from 1979 until her retirement in 2016, was the speaker at the weekly dinner on February 10, 2025. From 2012 to 2016, she held the position of German Ambassador to New Zealand, with concurrent accreditation to seven Pacific Island states. Prior to that, she served as the German Consul-General in Melbourne, Australia, from 2008 to 2012. Over the course of her diplomatic career, Dr. Schleich also held posts in Singapore, Bangkok, Islamabad, and London. Her speech focused on "Trump 2.0 and the Pacific Island Countries."
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RCQ Weekly Meeting on Feb 17, 2025
Leading up to the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of RCQ, the weekly dinner meeting on February 17, 2025, featured the induction of
Mr. Scott Wheelwright and a compelling keynote address by
Dr. Suria Fabbri, a distinguished veterinarian.
Scott's classification is pharmaceutical manufacturing. Prior to joining RCQ, Scott was a member of the Rotary Club in from the Rotary Club of Suzhou.
Speaking on "A One Health Approach to Public Health," Dr. Fabbri emphasized the crucial interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global health challenges.
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There was no weekly meeting of Feb. 24, 2025
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RCQ News
Passing of Rtn. Rave Rajan Shobana's Father
We sincerely regret an error in our previous announcement regarding the passing of a member’s father. It was incorrectly stated that PP Ravi Velu's father had passed away. We deeply apologize for this mistake.
The bereavement actually concerns the father of Rtn. Rave Rajan Shobana. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rtn. Rave Rajan and his family during this difficult time.
We also extend our sincerest apologies to PP Ravi Velu for the unintended miscommunication. We appreciate your understanding and regret any distress this may have caused.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Rotary Club of Queenstown
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SPECIAL COMMEMORATION SERIES
Faces of ROTARY CLUB OF QUEENSTOWN
RCQ Members share their stories
Past President HAN Ah Kuan
Born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore, Ah Kuan HAN is a seasoned business leader with a distinguished career in the corporate world. He previously served as the Executive Director of Haw Par Corporation Limited, a publicly listed company on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
In April 1991, he was recruited from Cerebos (Brand’s Essence of Chicken) to take on the role of General Manager at Haw Par, where he was tasked with revitalizing the Tiger Balm brand. This followed Haw Par’s decision to reclaim its license after 20 years. Under his leadership, Tiger Balm grew into a globally recognized brand, expanding its presence to over 150 countries.
After nearly three decades of dedication, he retired in June 2020, having successfully transformed the brand into an international household name.
HAN, Ah Kuan (A K)
What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Queenstown 50 years ago?
The Rotary movement was still relatively new in Singapore in the early 1970s, and I had not heard of it at the time. In 1975, shortly after starting my career following my graduation from the University of Singapore, I was introduced to Rotary Queenstown by Alan Lim, a colleague from the same company and a Charter Member. I had just turned 28, which was then the minimum qualifying age for a Rotarian under Rotary International. What inspired me to join was Rotary’s stated objectives and the principles of the 4-Way Test.
How has your personal journey with the club shaped your life over the years?
When I first became a Rotarian, I had no idea what Rotary was about. However, I learned “on the job,” serving alongside dedicated members who quickly inspired me to contribute to such a worthy organization. Over the years, I held nearly every position Rotary had to offer—Club Service Director, Vocational Service Director, Youth Service Director, editorial committee member of Highrise Bulletin, International Service Director, Club President (1991/92), and Vice President (1995/96).
During my presidency, Queenstown had 60 members, including many expatriates from countries such as Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Pakistan, the U.K., and the USA. I also had the honor of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow.
Can you share one of your most cherished memories from the early days of the club?
One of the most memorable aspects of those early years was the strong camaraderie among members, both Singaporean and non-Singaporean. Despite our demanding careers, we remained committed to Rotary’s mission, dedicating time to social programs, hosting Rotary District meetings in Singapore, and organizing major fundraising projects.
A significant milestone was hosting the 46th District Assembly from 27–29 June 1980 at the Shangri-La Hotel. Among the many unforgettable moments, welcoming Rotarians from around the world at Changi Airport stands out as a particularly cherished memory.
Queenstown also participated in two other notable inter-city meetings in Rotary District 3310. The first was a reception in honor of RI Past President Mat Caparas, who visited Singapore on 18 November 1991. The second was the World Understanding Day Dinner on 23 February 1992, where Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
During my presidency, I witnessed the inauguration of the Interact Club of Singapore Polytechnic in September 1991, joining the existing Interact Club at St. Andrew’s Junior College and a Rotaract Club. Working with these young men and women to instill the ethics and values of Rotary service was both fulfilling and rewarding.
How did your family react when you first joined the Rotary Club? Have they supported your involvement over the years?
Like me, my wife and my two young daughters had never heard of Rotary and were unfamiliar with its work. It was only when they attended my presidential installation dinner at the Tanglin Club that they met many other Rotarians' family members and truly understood the organization I had joined. From that moment, they gave their wholehearted support.
How did you balance your family, career, and Rotary commitments over the years?
Other than the regular weekly Rotary luncheon meetings, most Rotary commitments have been at my own discretion. Organizing major projects, attending Rotary functions, and participating in dinners were voluntary engagements. While these activities could be demanding in terms of time and energy, I managed to balance them and involved my wife and daughters whenever possible.
How did your professional life influence your work within the Rotary Club, and vice versa?
When I joined Rotary in 1975, I was working for a multinational company based in Singapore, handling local agency and distribution. In that role, I had more flexibility, allowing me to take on various responsibilities within Rotary. However, in 1991, I transitioned to a new company—an almost start-up business with a new brand. The role was demanding, required extensive travel, and consumed much of my time and energy, making my Rotary commitments more challenging. Nevertheless, with the advantage of youth, I managed to strike a balance between both responsibilities.
Were there any skills or experiences from your career that helped you contribute to the club’s growth or initiatives?
For one, the international business experience I gained from my work significantly broadened my outlook. Visiting Rotary clubs in other countries gave me valuable insights into their initiatives and approaches. I learned important lessons that I was able to apply to the projects we undertook at Queenstown.
What personal passions or hobbies have you pursued outside of Rotary?
I have always been a keen photographer, an avid philatelist, a handy man doing minor home repairs, and I served in my church ministries.
Have you ever had the chance to combine your personal interests with Rotary projects? If so, how?
In my job with Haw Par (Tiger Balm) in particular, I travelled extensively around the World. I took the opportunity to visit Rotary clubs in the countries I visited for business. The encounters with other Rotarians in foreign countries widened my perspective on the way Rotary clubs function in other places and other cultures; it also provided a valuable and reliable source of guidance and assistance from fellow Rotarians from other countries.
What’s something you’ve always been passionate about, and how has Rotary allowed you to express or act on that passion?
I have always been passionate about marketing, particularly on an international scale. Over the years, I have managed several well-known brands, including Vicks VapoRub, Oil of Ulan, Panadol, Brand’s Essence of Chicken, and Tiger Balm. A career in international marketing requires not only building relationships with business leaders but also understanding consumers across diverse markets. Rotary provided me with invaluable opportunities to connect with influential business leaders and professionals worldwide, further enriching my experience.
Was there ever a time when you considered stepping back from Rotary, and what made you stay?
After serving for so many years—50 years by now—and holding almost every position, Rotary naturally becomes less exciting. This feeling became even more pronounced after my retirement a few years ago when my travels decreased, along with my energy. However, the fellowship of long-time members and the enthusiasm of younger members in their service remain deeply rewarding for me.
How has the Rotary Club evolved in its mission, membership, and activities over the past 50 years?
During my tenure as the president of RCQ (1992) there were 56 members in the club comprising of Singaporeans and other nationalities. That composition has been more or less maintained and it is promising for the coming years. Rotarians raise funds and get involved in social work directly, rather than just donating money to a social agency or working through them. Given that there is one member of each profession in each Rotary club, it is fair to say that each club represents a large and varied pool of resources in terms of skills and funds.
Are there any notable milestones or events in the club’s history that you feel particularly proud of?
Two major projects stand out as particularly significant in my Rotary journey: raising $25,000 for St. John's Home for Elderly Persons and $20,000 for Queenstown’s scholarship fund for Singapore Polytechnic. A fortunate coincidence made our contribution to St. John's Home even more impactful, as it aligned with Singapore’s 25th Anniversary, allowing the government to match our donation dollar for dollar.
Can you highlight a project or initiative that you feel had the most impact on the community?
We successfully topped up Queenstown’s Scholarship Fund for Singapore Polytechnic to S$100,000 by raising an additional S$45,000 through my major project. To me, this is an incredibly worthy cause, as it ensures long-term financial support for needy students while also showcasing Rotary’s commitment to social service and nurturing the next generation.
How has the club’s approach to serving the community changed over time?
Our club’s activities have expanded significantly to include environmental care alongside social work. This is a positive development, especially given the current global challenges, as it aligns Rotary’s mission with the pressing needs of our time.
What do you think sets the Rotary Club of Queenstown apart from other service organizations?
We have a larger proportion of expatriates in our club membership compared to Singaporeans. For those two categories of members working well together on projects takes some doing and, judging by the results achieved over so many years, it seems that has been working out very well.
How do you see the legacy of the club being carried forward by the younger generation of members?
Through setting up Interactors and Retractors and coaching them the above-mentioned values will be passed down to the next generations.
What advice would you give to new members looking to make a lasting impact in the Rotary Club?
If you have a desire to serve society and help the underprivileged while holding a strong business or professional standing, you should explore the Club with the highest record of completed projects. It is, in fact, the Proposer’s responsibility to assess and explain the candidate’s suitability before submitting their application to the Club.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering joining the Rotary movement, what would it be?
If your goal in joining Rotary is to advance your career, status, or contacts, then Rotary may not be the right fit. While such benefits may arise through your service, the primary focus should always be on Rotary’s core mission and objectives.
Who has been the most influential person you’ve met through your Rotary journey, and why?
If I had to name one person I admire most in Rotary, it would be Queenstown’s Charter President, the late Pau Wing Hon. His infectious enthusiasm, meticulous approach, and deep commitment to Rotary ideals inspired me to join and serve.
What would you like to see as the Rotary Club of Queenstown’s future focus or legacy projects?
Queenstown should embrace its uniqueness by striving for a diverse membership, welcoming both men and women from various nationalities, while still supporting the growth of Singaporean members. However, a potential challenge of this diversity is the high turnover rate, as expatriate members tend to be transient. This could lead to a lack of continuity or even sudden disruptions in the Club’s programs.■
For the full PDF version of the interview, please click
HERE.
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February 2025: Moments of Fellowship and Re-connection
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President Farouk and fellow Presidents take the stage to lead a sing-along in celebration of Rotary’s 120th Birthday and World Understanding and Peace Day.
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