As another Rotary year draws to a close, it is natural to pause for a moment and reflect, not only on what we have accomplished, but on what binds us together as a club.
A Rotary year is often measured by projects completed, funds raised, celebrations and events, or new members inducted. These are important milestones, and they deserve recognition. Yet the true legacy of a Rotary year lies elsewhere: in the friendships strengthened, the acts of service rendered, the encouragement offered, and the countless contributions, large and small, that enrich the life of our club.
Over the past year, RCQ members have devoted their time, talents and resources to serving others, strengthening our fellowship, and supporting communities both near and far. Some contributions have been highly visible; others have taken place quietly behind the scenes. All have mattered.
Rotary is, by its very nature, a relay rather than a sprint. Presidents come and go. Boards are renewed each year. New members join while others move on to new chapters in their lives. Yet the club endures because each generation of Rotarians builds upon the foundations laid by those who came before.
As we conclude Rotary Year 2025–2026, we extend our gratitude to President Marcel, the Board, committee chairs, and all members whose commitment and generosity have helped sustain the spirit of RCQ. Their stewardship has ensured that the club remains not only active and relevant, but also welcoming, caring and purposeful.
We now look forward to the year ahead under new leadership. The incoming team inherits more than a programme of activities. It inherits a tradition of service, fellowship and friendship that has been shaped by generations of RCQ members. We wish them every success as they write the next chapter of our shared story.
Rotary years begin and end. Leadership passes from one team to the next. Members come and go. Yet the spirit that brings us together remains remarkably constant.
It is the spirit of friendship. The spirit of service. The spirit of RCQ.
That spirit endures. It continues to inspire us, guide us and bring us together in the year ahead.■
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Monday June 1, 2026
On the occasion of Vesak Day Celebration, there was no weekly dinner meeting on Monday, 1 June 2026.
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Monday June 8, 2026
On June 8, RCQ's four Major Gift donors for Rotary Year 2025–26 were presented with commemorative picture frames by PDG Joanne Kam, District Major Gifts and Endowment Chair, in appreciation of their generosity and dedication to Rotary's mission of doing good in the world.
The other highlight of the evening was the classification talk by Andy Wasutha Chuengwutigool, which offered a glimpse into both the values that shaped him and the field that inspires him today.
Andy began by recalling his formative years with Grin Green International, a student-run environmental organization where he discovered the power of service and community action.
He then turned to his professional world as an engineer and academic researcher, sharing his perspective on emerging trends in artificial intelligence, robotics, and wearable robotic devices, his area of specialization.
By connecting an early lesson in volunteerism with his current work as an engineer and researcher, Andy’s talk illustrated how a desire to improve lives can find expression in many different ways, whether through community service or technological innovation.
Andy will be a familiar face in the coming Rotary year as he takes on responsibility for Public Relations and the RCQ newsletter.
The meeting on Monday June 15, was chaired by President Marcel. He briefed the Club on the latest developments, including two service projects proposed by the Rotary Club of Quang Tri, Vietnam, for RCQ’s consideration. Both initiatives aim to equip young people with disabilities (including those who are visually impaired or deaf) with practical skills that can enhance their independence and provide opportunities for meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods.
The other highlight of the evening was the classification talk by Rtn Angel Soon.
A mechanical engineer by training, an international business development and partnerships professional at HSBC, and an avid tennis player, Angel drew insightful parallels between the worlds of business and sport. She reflected on the values that underpin success in both arenas: teamwork, focus, integrity, adaptability, leadership, and, above all, Service Above Self. Her presentation was a thoughtful reminder that the principles that guide excellence on the playing field are often the same ones that inspire achievement in professional and community life.
President Marcel chaired the regular weekly dinner at Tanglin Club on June 22. The meeting opened with updates on recent club activities and developments within Rotary.
President Marcel briefed members on the private funds raised for the two projects proposed by RCQ Quang Tri in Vietnam, which aim to equip hearing-impaired youth with vocational skills that will enable them to secure employment and become financially self-sufficient. (For more on these projects, please see the News section below.)
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by PP Jack on the wooden sculptures he has been creating for many years. Entitled “The Kicking Lady”, the talk offered a fascinating glimpse into his artistic process, from the birth of an idea to its transformation into a finished work.
Jack spoke about the importance of understanding human anatomy in order to achieve accurate proportions and lifelike movement, a feature that characterizes many of his sculptures.
This was an inspiring presentation, illustrating how a simple piece of wood can, through patience, skill, diligence, and attention to detail, be transformed into an intricate and expressive work of art.
Monday June 29 marked the final regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Queenstown for Rotary Year 2025–2026. Chaired by President Marcel, the evening featured a presentation highlighting the Club's many projects, activities and accomplishments over the past twelve months.
Among the year's notable achievements were several important milestones. For the first time in its history, RCQ surpassed the US$200,000 mark in charitable giving. Club membership grew to 62 members, with eight new Rotarians inducted during the year, while two RCQ members attained the distinguished Arch Klumph Society (AKS) recognition.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, members celebrated the birthdays of PDG Chris, one of RCQ's founding members and its longest-serving Rotarian, and PP Linda. It was a fitting opportunity to honour two valued members whose friendship and commitment have enriched the life of our Club over many years.
The meeting concluded on a cheerful note with an entertaining quiz prepared and hosted by PP Jeyan. Enthusiastically embraced by members, it provided a fitting and enjoyable finale to the Club's last regular meeting of the Rotary year.
President Marcel officially closed the last regular meeting of Rotary Year 2025–2026, marking the end of a memorable year of service, fellowship and achievement.
District recognition for RCQ members whose generosity continues to strengthen The Rotary Foundation and its work worldwide.
Recognition is never the reason Rotarians give, but it is always a pleasure to see generosity acknowledged.
This year, several RCQ members received recognition from District 3310 for their support of The Rotary Foundation. PDG Chris and Shirley Chen were welcomed into the prestigious Arch Klumph Society Trustees Circle, while PP Pok Zin was recognised as a Major Donor. Andy Schmidt and President Marcel Furrer each received Major Donor Level 1 recognition.
Their contributions will help fund Rotary’s work in areas such as disease prevention, education, clean water, peace building and community development around the world. More importantly, these recognitions reflect something that has long been part of RCQ’s DNA: a willingness not only to give our time and talents, but also to invest in Rotary’s mission of service above self.
Congratulations to all our honourees, and thank you for helping Rotary do good in the world.
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Three New Rotary Clubs Chartered in Singapore
District 3310 has welcomed the formation of three new Rotary clubs in Singapore.
The Rotary Club of Singapore Sports and Arts brings together professionals from the sports and arts communities. The Rotary Club of Singapore Impact Passport is designed for members whose travel schedules make regular in-person attendance difficult and therefore operates entirely online. The third new club, Rotary Club of Nexus Singapore, broadens Rotary's presence in the city-state and welcomes members from diverse backgrounds.
We extend our congratulations to all three clubs and wish them every success in their Rotary journey. ___________________________________
Two New Projects for Hearing-Impaired Youth
President Marcel briefed members on the private funds raised for the two projects proposed by RCQ Quang Tri in Vietnam, which aim to equip hearing-impairedyouth with vocational skills that will enable them to secure employment and become financially self sufficient. (Please see the News Section for more details).
The first project will provide professional barista and workplace training to 20 hearing-impaired students, combining classroom instruction with internships in partner cafés.
The second will equip 12 students with artisanal craft, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce skills, enabling them to generate income through the production and sale of handcrafted products.
Both initiatives focus on a simple but powerful principle: giving young people practical skills and opportunities rather than short-term assistance. Contributions are now being sought, and members wishing to make a difference in the life of a young person are encouraged to participate. Every donation will help transform skills into opportunity and opportunity into independence.
By supporting these projects, you will be helping young people with disabilities gain the skills they need for meaningful employment and independent lives.
If you would like to make a pledge, please contact PP Marcel.
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No Regular Dinner Meeting on July 6
Please note that there will be no regular weekly dinner meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The first regular dinner meeting of Rotary Year 2026–2027 will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026.
We look forward to welcoming members back for the start of a new Rotary year.
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June is Rotary Fellowship Month, a time to celebrate the friendships and personal connections that lie at the heart of Rotary. While service remains our shared purpose, it is often through fellowship that those opportunities for service arise and endure. The following pages capture a few moments from this month, moments of service, reconnection, and friendship, that reflect the spirit of our club and the bonds that unite Rotarians across communities and continents.
Wednesday June 10, 2026
The Last Board Meeting of the Rotary Year
Hosted by PP PokZin on 10 June 2026, the Board gathered for its final meeting of RY 2025-2026. Amid fellowship and good conversation, members reflected on a year of service, friendship, and shared purpose while preparing for the transition to a new Rotary year.
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Saturday June 12, 2026
From one trailblazer to another. At the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, PP Shirley KWOK, RCQ’s first woman President, with PE Shikha, who will take up the mantle as RCQ President in July 2026. A moment that reflects the continuity of leadership, service, and friendship that defines our club.
One of the quiet privileges of Rotary is the friendships it creates across continents. During a visit to Paris, PP Hannes and his family met up with a fellow RCQ member for breakfast and conversation.
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Wednesday June 17, 2026
President-Elect Shikha proudly represented RCQ at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, where she met Rotary International President-elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola on 17 June 2026. Sharing the RCQ banner, she brought our club's spirit of service and commitment to creating lasting impact to the global Rotary stage.
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Saturday June 20, 2026
An afternoon of fellowship, friendship, and flavour. On Saturday, 20 June, a group of RCQ members met at Gupshup for a leisurely North Indian lunch. The conversation flowed as freely as the lassi, reminding us that some of the strongest Rotary bonds are forged not in formal meetings, but around a shared table.
And the fellowship continued well into the evening as several RCQ members gathered at the home of PP Pok Zin.
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Saturday June 27, 2026
The jungle was vast, but not vast enough to keep four RCQ friends from crossing paths. Rotary fellowship has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected places.
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July 2026
Date: Saturday July 04, 2026
Event: Installation Dinner Club of Kuching Central(41st )
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: The Waterfront Hotel
Dress code: formal
RSVP: by 31st May 2026
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Date: Saturday July 11, 2026
Event: PE Shikha's Installation (RCQ's 53rd)
Time: 07:00 p.m. onwards
Venue: Tanglin Club, Churchill Room
The Guest of Honour for this event is Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, a distinguished social scientist and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General.
The theme of the event is “Something Indian, Something Purple”, with purple symbolising awareness and support for those affected by dementia.
Registration is now open on the RCQ's WhatsApp Official Group.
Price: SGD 138 per person; payment via PayNow (RCQ UEN): S75SS0045F
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Wednesday July 22, 2026
Event: First Board of Directors meeting for RY 2026-2027
Venue: President Shikha's Residence
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November 2026
Date: Monday November 16 to Friday 27, 2026
Event: Trip to Taxia, China
Contact PP Mavis and PP Linda
Join PP Mavis and PP Linda as they teach English to school children in Taxia, an idyllic village in Fujian and the ancestral home of the TEO family, a journey into heritage and living tradition.
