Visit to Institute of Mental Health (25 Oct 2008)

Our club visited the Institute of Mental Health, Ward 53A. For this visit, the members and volunteers had an art and craft activity with the patients. The objective of the activity is to construct a hanging mobile. The patients coloured the template which had the garden or seashore concept. Volunteers then assisted them by cutting the template and pasting them onto the mobile.



I would like to extend my gratitude to the members of RAC Singapore West (Jerlyn, Ben, Wahid) , our guests (Edward, Hoo Ying, Esther, Qi Jun and Wei Min ) and members from RAC National University of Singapore (Niro, Ameya, Christine, Aditi and Piyara)



Below is the photos of some of our volunteers attending the event.



Hope to see you during our next session.:)

Badminton in Action

BADMINTON!!!!! We had found a new interest among ourselves, AND YES it is playing badminton. Besides serving the community, we have to keep ourselves fit and have good fellowship with our fellow friends.

We had our first session on 11^th August, it was an enjoyable session besides exchanging tips on badminton and we had great bonding with our Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests. With these practices, we are preparing for our badminton friendly match within our family of Singapore west in the later part of the Rotaract year.

We will be playing badminton every Monday at Methodist Girls School (Bt Timah). If you are interested, do feel free to contact the club service director (Johnathan Tan) at 98369324 or email at tan_bingxian@yahoo.com.sg .

A special thank to PP Tay for offering the badminton courts for us to play with them and Rtr Benedict for helping me to liaise on the first badminton session.

Below are the great photos for your viewing.

Community Service -IMH visit

Hi fellow members and guests,

Our club will be having our first Institute of Mental Health (IMH) visit for this rotary year 2008/2008. The visit will be held on the 30 August 2008 (Sat) between 12 noon to 4 pm. For this visit, volunteers will have the opportunity to design hanging mobile together with the patients.

I am appealing for interested volunteers who are keen to help out in the event. Please contact me by 23rd of Aug regarding your participation. Thank you and hope to see you there.

Yours in Rotaract

Muhd ZAkir Bin Abu Bakar.

Community Service Director 08/09
Email : z261311@yahoo.com

BBQ Gathering

On 16^th August 2008, Family of Singapore West gathered at our PP Tay Wei Lian’s House at Farber Garden (Thomson Road). Members from our Sponsoring Rotary Club of Singapore West, Rotaract Club of National University of Singapore, Rotaract Club of Singapore Management University, Rotaract Club of Singapore West and guests were also present.

We started to set up the arrangement and prepare the necessary items for the bbq before the guests arrive. After setting and preparing the items, we start to set the fire as to get the fire burning.

As the guests start to settle down, President Dawn from Rotaract Club of Singapore West welcome everyone to the gathering. President Dawn shared with us on the objective of the gathering and the club projects. We gave a short introduction to everyone. Our sister clubs shared their upcoming projects and to see the chance to have joint project.

Once the informal meeting ended, everyone rushed to help themselves with the bbq food. There were lots of yummy foods for us to fill our stomach. Everyone present enjoyed themselves and had fun interacting with one another.

This event will not be a great success without our PP Tay who have helped us in booking the bbq pit, A big thank you is also extended to our Rotarians, fellow sister club Rotaractors, club members and guest. Not forgetting the people who had contributed for the food.

Hope everyone enjoyed fellowship, food and bonding within our family of Singapore west. See everyone in the upcoming events.

Below are pictures taken during the event. It is definitely a wonderful memory for us!

PDRR Zakir visit to sister club Rotaract Club of Ampang in KL, District 3300

On 25 to 27 of July 2008, our member, PDRR Zakir went over the causeway to visit our sister club in KL (Rotaract Club of Ampang). It was a casual visit to meet the members of RAC Ampang and discuss future collaborations among the two sister clubs.

During the visit, PDRR Zakir managed to visit numerous interesting places and tried many foods that he may not enjoy in Singapore. Enjoy the photos shown below:

Ice Cream Gathering

On the 6th August 2008, the club had their first ice cream gathering at Ice Cream Gallery (Valley Point)

Here are some pictures taken:

Those picture are just the appetizer.
The real deal from Ice Cream Gallery is the Durian ice cream... too bad no picture was taken but do join us for ice cream gallery gathering next time... Sure won't regret it...!

At the end of the day great Company& Great Ice cream... Definitely the best ice cream tasting ever tasted =D

Family of SW Gathering on 16th August 08 - BBQ

Dear Members and Guests of Singapore West,

Rotaract Club of Singapore West would like to cordially invite you to join us in the Family of SW Gathering on the 16th of August 08, Saturday. Like last year, we are organising a bbq event.

The objective of the event is for the different clubs under the Rotary Club of Singapore West to meet up in an informal session. Our Rotarians will be present as well. During the meeting we will have an informal meeting or discussion about the various club's year plan and whether there is any possibility of a joint collaboration. And of cos to have some fellowship and fun at the same time.

The location of the BBQ will be at Faber Gardens located off Upper Thomson Rd near Sin Ming Road.

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_2647/travel_site_106763/

Attached herewith is the proposed programme. The finalised programme and agenda will be sent out on a later timing.

Please kindly RSVP by the end of 8th August to Club Service Director Bing Xian @ 98369324 or me @ 96564552. Should you have any enquiries or require any information, you can contact us.

Hope to seeya there! :)


cc; Pres Dawn; fyi pls
PP Yi Ling/PP Junjie; you are kindly invited too. :)


Thank you,
Abdul Wahid
Secretary 08/09

Summer Fiesta!!!

On 19 July 2008, RAC Singapore West held their 28th installation at Aloha Loyang Chalet. The theme was "Summer Fiesta" . Many guest and members came for the event with their beach wear (sorry none in bikini). Guest that came early were given a chance to try their hands at coconut bowling. They had a lot of fun.



The highlight of the event when outgoing President Eileen hand over the duties to incoming President Dawn. Our club's theme for this year is 'Dare to Dream" and the club's focus is to strengthen the bond between our sister clubs and our sponsory club through joint collaboration.




Two of our members also graduated this year; PP Junjie and PP Yiling. They will be greatly missed. At the end of the event, the fellowship continues and most of our guest stayed over.



Overall the event was a great success and the committee hopes that everyone enjoyed themselves.

Singapore West @ the Rotaract District Assembly

On the 12 and 13 of July, the committee members of RAC Singapore West, together with other clubs in Rotary District 3310, attended the Rotaract Distirct Assembly at National Technological University. The objective of this assembly is to equipt the BOD so that they ar eable to carry out their respective duties effectively and efficiently. This training session was conducted by both Rotarians and Rotaractors.

Our Club send down 6 representative to the event. During this assembly, the district awards were also given out. And our club was surprised to achieve the "Family of Rotary Award". This is our second award in a row. This award is given to the club which has successful organise events or projects with the their Rotary Clubs, other Rotaract Clubs and Interact Clubs. WELL DONE RAC SINGPORE WEST!

Club Updates

There are a few updates, for your kind perusal:

1. RAC SW 28th Installation
Our installation will be held on the 19th July, Saturday @ 3pm @ Aloha Loyang Chalet, Sea View Bungalow 8. We will be also having an Appreciation Nite for the IMH volunteers on the 18th July, Friday. Your attendance and help is greatly appreciated. :)

2.Upcoming Activities
There are some upcoming activities for your perusal.

Subjected to changes and more details be provided in due time:

(i) Appreciation Nite - 18th July, Friday, around 7pm @ Aloha Loyang Chalet
(ii) RAC SW Installation - 19th July, Saturday @ 3pm @ Aloha Loyang Chalet
(iii) Sister club BBQ day - 16th Aug, Saturday
(iv) 1st IMH Comm Svc Project - 30th Aug, Saturday

If youare keen to join us for the activities, do contact any of our board of directors.:)

BEACH FIESTA!!!

Dear Presidents and Secretaries,

Rotaract Club of Singapore West would like to cordially invite you and your club members to our 28th Installation. Details are as follow

Theme : Summer Fiesta!!
Dress Code : Beach wear
Price : $18/- per pax
Date : 19th July, Saturday
Time : 3.00pm
Venue : Aloha Loyang Chalet, Sea View Bunglow 8

We would appreciate if you could please kindly RSVP to Wahid at 9656 4552 or via email – dicapio15@hotmail.com by 5th July on your attendance.

Below are some information that might be useful to you.

Shuttle Bus Service
Pls note that there is a shuttle bus service from Pasir Ris MRT to Aloha Loyang Chalet. The timings are as followed:
- 1.45pm
- 2.15pm
- 3.15pm
For more information on the timing of the shuttle bus service, please kindly refer to the link listed below:
http://www.aloharesorts.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=386&Itemid=772

Map
Attached herewith is also a link to the navigation of getting to Aloha Loyang Chalet
http://www.aloharesorts.com.sg/templates/maps/Loyang.htm

Also attached herewith is the map of the Installation venue (Sea View Bungalow 8 map)

Should you need any further enquiries, you can contact me at 9656 4552 or Zack, Organising Chairman for Installation Committee 2008, at 9450 7551.

We hope you can join us on this joyous occasion and we look forward in having you as our guests for the day. Let the summer fiesta begins!!!! Don’t forget your beach clothes too!

We did not bring back anything, but we BOWL the competition over!

On 21st June 2008, our club represented by Dawn, Zack, Wahid and Rtn Karen, geared up ourselves to compete in the annual zone 3 bowling competition. This year, a total of 13 teams signed up to lift the champion shield.

Our club faced tough competition which are made up of semi professional bowlers and veteran comeptitors of the event. However, supported by our cheerleaders, Bing Xian, Benendict, Andrew and our Rotarians, we brave ourselves and hope that we are able to bowl confidentally.

In the end, we did not emerge winners. However we manage to earn a consolation as we managed to achieve the "noisiest" team award. In addition, Dawn made into the top 3 female bowlers catergories and bring back a trophy with her.

RAC SMU team 2 emerge champions, followed by RAC NW and RAC QT respectively. Great job organisers, RAC MC, for making the event a success.

Announcement of Board of Directors 2008/2009

I am proud to present the Board of Directors of RAC Singapore West 2008/2009

President: Dawn
Vice-President: Keyuan
Secretary: Wahid
Treasurer: Jerlyn
Club Service: Bing Xian
International Service: Benedict
Community Service: Zakir
Professional Development: Eileen
Immediate Past President: Eileen
President Nominee: Keyuan

Congrats to elected committee member. We are looking forward for an exciting year ahead.

We have been busy.. Really.

Hi members and visitors to our blog,

Yes it has been quite a long time since, I (theclub service director) updated the blog. This was due to my busy schedule at school. Of course that is not a good excuse. However, now I am having my holidays, thus I will provide a comprehensive updates of our club activites.

But don't be alarmed, it would not be a long wordy write up. I will post up photos and hopefully these images are able to convey the good and fruitful events and activities we have.

We had numerous gathering like ice-cream session, makan session, bowling session etc. The IMH project has been smooth sailing and the last session was on 14 June 2008. Currently the clun has been busy organising for our installation. Details will be out soon!

Heritage Walk

Despite the rain that poured down the early morning, the spirit was high and everyone was enthusiastic about the tour. A group of about 15 – 18 people who include members, guests and Rotarians were present for the tour. The participants gathered at the UOB Plaza. We were briefed by our guest speaker Dr. Yeo Kang Shua who is from The Architectural Consultant, Monuments Inspectorate, and Preservation of Monuments Board.


Equipped with the latest camera model ranging from Cannon to Lumix, everyone took the opportunity to capture the beautiful and unique architecture of the different temples. Some of the different temples we visited were:-

1. Yueh Hai Ching Temple
2. Fuk Tak Chi Museum
3. Ying Fo Fui Kun
4. Thian Hock Keng Temple
5. Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church

We were mesmerized with how culture and lifestyle influenced the different design of these temples. It was indeed an “eye-opener” for me as this is the first time I entered these temples.

After a long walk, the participants settle down for lunch near the Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. The tour receive a positive feedback and we are looking forward for more such tours.

Reported by: IPDRR Zakir

Club Service DirectorRAC Singapore West.

A Talk on How to Manage IMH patients – “Volunteering with the Mentally Challenged”

“Volunteering with the Mentally Challenged,” a talk on how to handle IMH patients was organized by RAC Singapore West on the 22nd September 2007 in liaison with the club’s focus of avenue of community service for this year. RAC Singapore West was fortunate enough to have the talk, conducted by councilor Ms Christina Liew, who is President Eileen’s friend.

The talk was an informal session in which volunteers shared their voluntary experiences and concerns about handling IMH patients. With her vast experience and knowledge in handling IMH patients, Ms Christina even explained the complexity of the illness that the patients face, thus making the session a fruitful yet interactive one.

As such, it was also without a doubt, that the talk raised our confidence on how to handle the IMH patients effectively. Ms Christina even bought her “symbols of volunteerism”, an ancient horse and Chinese warrior statues, to share with us her volunteering enthusiasms and how these symbols helped her to march on.
To end the day, President Eileen gave a token of appreciation to Ms Christina whose talk has definitely helped us to be mentally prepared in handling these patients and spurred us to make a difference in the lives of these patients.

Reported byRtr Abdul Wahid

Community Service Director 07/08

BBQ at Faber Gardens

On 9 September 2007, members of RAC Singapore West, their Rotarian advisors and guest attended a BBQ at Faber Gardens. It was indeed an interesting evening with the MAN of the club tried starting the fire. Of course we succeed. The fire was indeed very hot and caused the first batch of chicken cooked to be burnt. There was a short disagreement that the food was not enough (especially the bee hoon). After much debate, we decided to buy more food as the members concluded excess food is better than no food at all.

Wahid demonstrates the art of starting a BBQ fire

Not long our guests from Republic Poly, National Junior College and NUS arrived. We sat together under the full moon and got to know each other better. To some of us it was the first time we met one another.

That day also marked a special day to two of our new members Bing Xian and Jeryln (better known as Yogi). These two new members were inducted and welcomed to our club officially.

Left to right : New members Bing Xian and Jerlyn with President Eileen

Thank you to Rtn Tay for booking the pit for us and the other Rtns who joined us for the BBQ. The nite ended and the members had fun interacting and enjoying each other company. Hope you are looking forward for more fellowship events by your Club Service Director.

Reported by Md Zakir, Club Service Director

For more photos of this event, click HERE

Join our Heritage Walking Tour!

You are warmly invited to join us in our up-coming Professional Development activity.....

Memory and Heritage: Chinese Architecture in Singapore
A RACWest Heritage Walking-Tour

Take a walk down memory lane and rediscover our past!

Date: 20 October 2007 (Saturday)

Time : 9am (UOB Plaza) to 12pm (Amoy Street Food Centre)

Venues :

1. Yueh Hai Ching Temple
2. Fuk Tak Chi Museum
3. Ying Fo Fui Kun
4. Thian Hock Keng Temple
5. Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church

Guest Speaker : Dr. Yeo Kang Shua, Architectural Consultant, Monuments Inspectorate, Preservation of Monuments Board

Cost : $2.00 (Refreshments will be provided)

Only 30 spaces are available, so do register with us soon! Contact our PD Director Tse Siang at racwest@gmail.com NOW!

Ying Fo Fui Kun

Thian Hock Keng Temple

IMH Orientation Session

On the 18th August, Rotaract Club of Singapore held its first Institute of Mental Health (IMH) orientation session. This is in view in working hand in hand with IMH on our future community service projects.

Entrance to IMH

Madam Chua Siew Hong, who I have been liaising with IMH, was kind enough to offer an orientation session with us as we were keen to embark on venue of community service that we have not done yet. In her presentation, she gave us detailed insights on what the patients of IMH was suffering from, what are the things we can expect, and what we can do as a volunteer. She also shared some of her experiences with us.

Then, it was the second part of the orientation, which was to visit the ward. Mr Tan, nurse manager, led us to our assigned ward 53A. Along the way to our assigned ward, Mr Tan gave us an orientation of the place. The ever so friendly and cheerful Mr Tan helped us to settle in the ward when we arrived. As the ward was having a karaoke session, we joined in the fun with Zakir singing a song. The patients also took turns singing, with Phillip, one of the patients, impressing all of us with his good vocals while some of us interacted with the patients. We also asked the nurses what are the activities that we can do for the patients, to get feel of what are their likes and dislikes.

POW and prison guard! This photo was taken in a garden featuring items that were saved from the previous IMH premises. (E.g. an old metal gate.)

As the day was late, we parted ways with the nurses and patients of 53A. Despite the short time spent with the ward, we all felt good and motivated at the activities that we can do for the patients. The orientation session ended with a group photo with Mr Tan, who was a big help to us.

We are definitely looking forward in working hand in hand with our community service projects. If you are interested in this worthy cause, please do not hesitate to email us at racwest@gmail.com.

Attendees:
Eileen
Yi Ling
Zakir
Dawn
Tse Siang
Desmond
Rtn Ronnie Neo
Jerlyn
Wahid

Photos from this activity HERE

Contributed by Community Service Director Wahid

Installation Report – Taj Mahal

On the 14th July 2007, Rotaract Club of Singapore West celebrated its 27th Installation with our guests and friends at North Chandni Dining restaurant. With the theme set on “Taj Mahal – A Celebration of Friendship and Love”, the day was dedicated to have fun with our guests and friends.

Program for the night

The installation was a total success with plenty of fun, laughter and audience participation. And all this could not have been done with our wonderful guests and friends who went to such great lengths to dress themselves for the occasion despite the dress code being “Exotic India”. In the run up to the installation, we also had 2 fund raising activities, which is the Kachang Puteh Man and Song dedications which were well received.

Zack, the Kacang Puteh man, out doing sales


To start off the installation, we had a short video-clip comprising mostly the members and guests of RAC Singapore West. It was our very own version of Bollywood filmed at one of our local parks – Toa Payoh Park. (* VIEW THE VIDEO HERE! *) This was then followed by the usual protocol, roll call and toasting. Shortly after this, the installation of the new board began, with the appreciation of outgoing board of directors kick starting this. Then, this was followed by a speech by outgoing President Yi Ling. After her speech, she handed over to the Incoming President Eileen, who introduced her incoming board of directors. President Eileen also gave a short speech afterwards.

Handover of duties

After all formalities were done, it was time to have fun. But of course, we can’t have fun without dinner. Thus, dinner was served. With the mouth-watering spread and variety of food, consisting of North Indian cuisine, our guests and friends helped themselves for second servings.

Then it was time to have fun! Thus, we had lined up a dressing game in which the best dresser from each respective group would win. They were given some materials such as crepe paper, garbage bags, safety pins and more to assist them in the game. It was all good fun as they had a wonderful time dressing up their friends and let their imaginations run wild.

Contestants of the Dress-Up Game



The winner of the Dress-Up Game - the bashful Indian bride! (And her attendants.)

We also played another game “Dhal or No Dhal” with the similiar game format of “Deal or No Deal.” The only difference is that instead of pressing the button to indicate they have made their decision to deal, we replaced it with dhal and by eating it, it would indicate their decision to deal. And the chance of winning back their ticket price made it more interesting. The game was very well received and there were lots of laughter with DRR Zakir hosting the game. Congratulations to our contestants too who won some cash in the game.

Lastly, on behalf the club and organizing committee, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for making this installation a success. Without you, it would not been much of a success. A big “Thank you” also going out to our guest of honor, DRC PP John Ng and Chua Geok Lian for your kind sponsorship.

The organizing chairpersons - Winnie and Wahid

Till next year, keep in touch and hope to seeya all again for our next year’s installation.

More photos from the Installation HERE.
View Installation Bollywood introductory video HERE.

Contributed by Installation Co-Chairperson / Community Service Director Wahid

Road Trip – Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka and Johore Bahru Installation

All set and ready to go! Two of our members Rtr. Dawn and I set off from Singapore on Friday (10 August 2007) to attend Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka (RAC KM) and Rotaract Club of Johore Bahru (RAC JB) installation. We are prepared for a hectic but entertaining weekend as both these installations will be held one after another.

Upon our arrival to Malacca at about 6 p.m. we were greeted by our host Vice President Eugene Tan and he brought us back to his humble home were we washed up and had a short rest. Patiently waiting for our dinner, we were introduced to a visiting guest from Holland which Eugene met during his GSE trip to Holland. His name is Peter and he just finished his studies and is travelling the world to experience the different places and cultures. His journey includes countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Dubai.

Dinner came and we were brought to eat my favourite seafood paradise. I do not know the name of the place but I really enjoyed the “ikan bakar” and the fried calamari they served there. It was heavenly. After dinner, we proceed to Jockers’ walk were we explored the “pasar malam” atmosphere in Melaka. I was overwhelmed with the various items that was sold at the “pasar malam” but I did not buy much items as I was on a strict budget.

Thou it was closed to midnight, the Rotaractors from RAC KM was still energized and insisted that we try the “satay celop”. Since I had tried this unique cuisine, I allow Rtr. Dawn to experience first-hand. We then headed back to Eugene house for a good rest.

The next day we woke up and proceed for breakfast, Dawn went to try out the famous chicken rice balls and later joined me and Peter for a tea. We ate “Roti Chanai” or better known as “Roti Prata” in Singapore. Next came their installation and their theme this year was tropical Paradise. It was indeed “Tropical” (hot) but a paradise? Hmmm…The install was full of laughter and we truly enjoyed ourselves. However we had to rush down to RAC JB install which was schedule to start at 7 pm the same day. We had approximately 3 hours to reach there. Fortunately, we had members from Rotaract Club of Batu Pahat( RAC BP) to drive us down to JB.

During our drive down to JB, one of the RAC BP members, Shawn, could stop talking about “Geylang” and singing our National Anthem “Majulah Singapura”. The trip south-wards was a blast but we only manage to reach the installation venue at about 8pm.

Lucky for us the event has not started. We sat together in one table and were joined by RAC JB members, Zoe, Keh and Xiao Fen. Our table was the very cheerful and bubbly. At about 10.30 pm, dawn and myself had to rush back to Singapore as we are afraid of not catching the last public bus to Singapore. Thou it was a rush trip, we tryly enjoyed ourselves. One behalf of Dawn and myself, I would like to convey my thanks to Rtr Eugene for providing homestay for us, Rotaractors from Melaka, Batu Pahat and Johore Bahru for their warm hospitality. Lastly, I would like to congratulate Pres Peggy (RAC JB) and Pres Sujen (RAC KM) for a successful installation and all the best for the upcoming Rotaract year.

Till our next trip to Malaysia, I would like to say TERIMA KASIH DAN JUMPA LAGI.

Reported by Club Service Director Zack

Thank you for attending Installation 2007

Installation event TAJ MAHAL was successfully held on 14 July 2007.

Thank you all for turning up and we hope you had fun!


Guests decked out in Indian finery

Club members and Installation organizing committee

Installation event photos can be found HERE

Installation 2007 - TAJ MAHAL

Namaste!

RAC Singapore West is proud to present our 27th Installation event - TAJ MAHAL!! YOU are cordially invited to join us to say farewell to our out-going Board of Directors and welcome our in-coming President Eileen Tiang and her new Board of Directors.

It will be a night full of excitement, laughter and lots of curry while we celebrate love and friendship.

Taj Mahal - "A Celebration of Love & Friendship"

Date: 14th July, Saturday

Time: 6.00pm (Registration), 6.30pm (Arrival of GOH)

Dress code: Exotic India/ Smart Casual

Venue : Chandni North Indian Dining (122 Arab Street, opposite Golden Landmark Hotel Taxi Stand)

Price: S$25.00 per person

Ample parking space can be found at Golden Landmark Hotel.

Do RSVP by email to racwest@gmail.com now! Queries can be directed to this email address as well.

See you soon!

Presenting the new Board of Directors!

We are pleased to announce that the Annual General Meeting was successfully held on 26 March 2007 at the Rotary Family Service Center, and that the new President and Board of Directors has been appointed for Rotary Year 2007-2008!

Here is the new team!

President - Eileen Tiang

Vice-President - Dawn Cheong

Secretary - Kwek Ke Yuan

Treasurer/IPP - Chia Yi Ling

Community Service Director - Abdul Wahid Bin Wahinudin

Club Service Director - Muhammad Zakir

Professional Service Director - Lim Tse Siang

International Service Director - Winnie Wong

We look forward to more exciting activities in the new term!