Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

RAC Singapore West wishes everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!




Chinese New Year gathering at Yi Ling's house on 20 Feb 2007.




Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Yong Chuan visits Singapore!

RACSW inactive member Yong Chuan came back to Singapore for an early Chinese New Year visit. He had been studying in the United States, and currently works in New York. A few of us met him over a very late drinks session on 6 Feb 2007 in Coffee Club at Orchard.


It was fun catching up with him and we hope to see him again soon!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Survival Rotaract @ RDC 2007

Fun! Fun! Fun! Are the word I could think of to describe the Rotaract District Conference that was held over the weekend of 19 Jan 2007 to 21 Jan 2007. Rotaracts from all the 4 different zones in the district came to participate in this event. Having the theme "Survival Rotaract", it really gives a different twist to an event such as the RDC by making the event fun and interesting to be in as well as informative to newer members.

Six tribes were 'formed' at the beginning of the conference namely Orang Asli, Batek, Kadazan, Orang Ulu, Orang Laut and Ibans. The interesting part is that each tribe were asked to make their own flag or trademark. And this is where the bonding between Rotaractors from different zone starts. And this is one quality that I believe to be important that need to be developed within a tribe which is needed throughout Rotaractors.

Throughout the event of 2 days and 2 nights, we learned how to cook using limited resources, learned to brainstorm ideas in short period of time and stand in the gap for each other. Hard work? Yes, definitely but it pays off well at the end of the day. Memory and experience from this conference is something to cherish and remember. Whatever is being learned here is not to forget or kept aside.

Overall, it is a success as many enjoyed themselves to the end. Many wished for it to be longer and many wanted more. But all can't deny but agree that the organizing committee did a great job in putting all the logistics, itinerary and programs together. Applause to them and not to mentioned the caterer, Keyuan, for proving all of us with savory and mouth-watering meals. Definitely will go for another of such conference again.

Survivor Rotaract? Yes! We will survive through time, trial and challenges. No mountain to high to conquer, no ocean too deep to explore. Keep it up!!!


Report by
Simon Lee

Saturday, January 06, 2007

RAC Thammasat University Hosting Report

RAC SW sister club visit (29/10/06 – 5/11/06)

The building that is situated along the roadside will no longer be “just” a building to me. This is the place where friendships are forged and fond memories originated. This is the place where my sister club from Thailand stayed during their short trip here, to meet up with all of us.

In anticipation of their visit, we had a crash course in Thai language, conducted by Dawn, our Secretary. All of us enjoyed ourselves, laughing and repeating after her. While we know that our sister club do speak basic English, we feel that it might be good to “arm” ourselves with some phrases of Thai.

Tan, Fern, Som, Puii, Amp, Wah & Hope arrived in Singapore on a Sunday. Like a long lost friend, we warmed up to them in no time. We realised that our fears were unfounded as they have a good grasp of English language. Besides that, Hwa & Hope speak Mandarin with ease. Tan, a pettie and quiet lady, impressed us all when she told us that she is learning German language. In a blend of Mandarin and English, all of us mingled with ease.

In order to let us appreciate their rich culture, they prepared a powerpoint presentation- showing us projects they had done as well as a short video clip of their well-respected king. A cultural dance was also performed by them. We, the audience, were simply charmed by their performance. On our part, we filled them in - on Singapore’s multi-cultural society, HDBs, National Service, etc.

For the days that followed, we took them to places like Sentosa, NeWater Plant, Zoo, Bird Park, Clarke Quay, etc. One thing we learnt is that they are “professionals” when come to taking photos. Posing is a piece of cake to them.

Do you know? They actually came “fully equipped”- with laptops and thumbdrives to upload all the shots! Another thing that we learnt was - alertness. Without us knowing, flashes “came our way”, our most candid and vulnerable states were captured, by our Thai friends. Thus, a smile on our faces was a constant must. You never know when a shot of you will be taken.

Once, we got “high” on photo-taking and went on a ‘photo-spree’, taking a series of candid shots at the roof top of Esplanade. After an hour later, we “shifted” base to Merlion Park only to find ourselves dancing and singing in front of the Merlion.

On another occasion, we went to the zoo with some elderly from a home and took them around on wheelchairs. Along the way, we would point to one animal and say, “Hey! That monkey looks like Puii!” or “Hippo! Puii!” Puii would pout her lips and retort back “Monkey! Fern!” while Fern replied in mock anger, “Fern more beautiful than monkey!” => As we walked towards the majestic white tiger, which was taking a slow stroll in the waters and posing with each measured step, I was exclaiming to them, “Look! Cat walk!” They giggled and chorused “Cat walk!”

Time seems to slip through your fingers when you are happy. On the eve of their departure, we continued our “tradition” of photo taking inside one of the hotel rooms. All of us were tired but wanted to squeeze the most out of the remaining time left. No one complained about fatigue. Even though tiredness could be seen through a glance at our eyes, everyone was happily taking photographs. To capture onto film - the happy moments into eternity .....

The next day, we sent them off at the airport with a heavy pang in our hearts. As they were passing through the customs, the ever fun-loving Fern came running towards the glass panel and “plastered” herself” onto it ^.^ It brought laughter from both sides and made us more reluctant to part with them. Yet, strong friendships and fondness had been fostered. I know that whenever I miss them, I could “find” them - deep down in my heart.

All of us continued to contact each other through electronic means. Till to date, I had received several calls where I get little updates on how they are getting on. One call was made specially as one of my sister club members got to know that I fell ill. On the eve of my exam, I received a sms wishing me good luck, another call on my birthday itself. Such is the bond that had been built. All 7 of them charmed us in their unique ways.

We look forward to meeting them again, our beloved sister club- Thammasat University ^.^

[Hereby, on behalf of my club, I would like to express our gratitude to all those who had attended the hosting and helped us in one way or anything. Also, I would like to also appeal to everyone to help us in the collection of soft can rings. The rings are meant for a community service project undertaken by our sister club- where the rings collected will be used to manufacture artificial limbs.]


Reported by:

Rtr Winnie Wong of RAC Singapore West

DHT

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Zonal Bowling Competition 2006

The Singapore West family came together to take on the challenge of the 2006 Zonal Bowling Competition on 23/12/2006 Saturday afternoon at Kim Seng Plaza Bowl.



Two Singapore West teams consisting of Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests competed for the trophy. One of our teams came in 2nd runners up!

The triumphant team consisted of Rotarian Tay Wei Lian, Rotarian spouse Feeling, Rotaractor Wahid and guest Adrian.



The other team consisting of Rotarian Loh, Rotarian Karen, Rotaractor Dawn and guest Mustafa also did very well, upping the ante of the competition. The practice sessions that the bowlers invested in prior to the competition definitely paid off.



The team from Rotaract Club of Northwest took the champion title.

Well done bowlers and we look forward to next year's performance!

For more photos from Zonal Bowling Competition CLICK HERE.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Christmas cum year-end potluck party

Members and friends gathered on 16/12/2006 Saturday evening for an early Christmas and year-end celebration - a potluck dinner!






Everyone chipped in with either home-cooked or purchased food and gathered at Yi Ling's house to feast. Notable items were pasta made by Dawn, salad made by Winnie, fried rice made by Wahid, fish fillet bought by Too Tien, chicken wings bought by Diane and more.

Eileen bought a logcake for dessert that was so rich and chocolatey it would win the approval of any chocoholic. And Keyuan brought his signature chocolate eclairs that left everyone drooling and a party pack of cakes from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.






We also celebrated the birthdays of December babies Choon Kiat and Winnie.



All in all it was a fun night and a great start to the year-end festivities!

For photos from the party CLICK HERE.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

President’s Cup Bowling Challenge

On 25/11/2006 Saturday afternoon, club members Dawn, Wahid, Keyuan and Yi Ling participated in the President’s Cup Bowling Challenge organized by the Rotary Club of Singapore West.   This bowling competition was held at Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild.



Competition grew keen as Rotarians, Rotaractors and family members bowled their best.  Even children got in the act!



While we did not win any prizes, Rotaractor Dawn won a lucky draw prize.



The event ended with a dinner sponsored by the Rotarians. 

Friday, November 10, 2006

Completed projects and latest photos

It's been a busy week!

We have successfully hosted our sister club from Thailand RAC Thammasat University from 29/10/06 - 5/11/06. I think most of us would agree that the visitors were a lovely bunch - lively, vivacious and a wee bit photo obssessed @_@"



A great time was had by both hosts and visitors. I believe strong friendships were built and fond memories were captured during the week. I'd like to thank all members and guests who have taken time out to bring our visitors around the island; I'm sure you've had fun exploring your own little island too!

The Club has also successfully held the community service project Zoo Trip with residents from Bo Tien Home for the Aged on 4/11/2006. It was a fun day-outing for the elderly residents who do not get to go on trips often. Thankfully the weather held and haze stayed at a reasonable level for everyone to enjoy themselves. Congratulations to Jasmin for a project well done!

While we wait for the respective official project reports (ahem hint hint), some photos for these and earlier activities have been uploaded!

Please go to our photo album:

http://photos.yahoo.com/racwest


to view the latest photos on our trip to RAC Ampang Installation, Basic Thai language class, and RAC Thammasat University hosting. Happy browsing!

Rgds,
Yi Ling

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Basic Thai Language Class

Sawade kaa!

On 14 October 2006, Hon. Sec. Dawn Cheong gamely invited everyone to her house for a Basic Thai Language Class. This was in preparation for the arrival of our Thai guests from our sister club RAC Thammasat University.

Having taken Thai language lessons herself, Dawn taught us some basic phrases - a survival's guide to the Thai language.


Armed with a list of phrases, English translations and pen in hand, we repeated words after her. Soon everyone was trying to introduce themselve in Thai. "Dichan chu Yi Ling!"

After about an hour of hard work, we all trooped off for some fellowship in Orchard.

More photos from this event HERE

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Eye Screening Exercise during AMD Awareness Week

On the morning of 23rd September 2006, 10 rotaractors from different Rotaract clubs in Singapore, including 4 from RAC Singapore West, volunteered their serviced to Alexandra Hospital for AMD Awareness Week.

What is AMD? it stands for Age-related Macular Degeneration. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in our world today and is related to increasing age. Alexandra Hospital had been holding seminars, workshops and eye screening exercises on AMD since 17th September.

We - President Yiling, Secretary Dawn, Rotaractor Wahid, and I - made ourselves available on that faithful Saturday to help out at the AMD eye screening exercise. We saw about 200 elderly coming for the eye screening. It was an orderly morning as we have volunteers situated at every station to assist the crowd. Wahid was required to receive the crowd from the registration counter and made sure they gotten their turn to screen their eyes. Yiling, Dawn and I, were each staying in the doctors' room to translate whatever our eye doctors were saying to the elderly.

We really had a good time finding out Mandarin terms for AMD, cataract, and even glaucoma! And all those Mandarin words for eye drops, dilation...you name them! And not only in Mandarin but different chinese dialects at times.  I could hear Wahid going "zhou zhou" (sit sit), "deng deng" (wait wait) too... hahaha.

We were kept so busy with the crowd that the morning ended fast. We were also very happy that each of the elderly got their chance to screen their eyes and consulted about how their vision were doing. With satisfaction, we brisk to Burger King at Ikea Shopping Mall to have our lunch.

Report submitted by VP Eileen Tiang 

Sunday, September 17, 2006

RAC Ampang Installation

We were thrilled to make the trip up to KL, Malaysia to attend our sister club's Installation on 16 September 2006, and also to make it a fun weekend trip! The verdict - we had plenty of fun and fellowship, but it definitely was NOT a trip for R&R!


Below is report by IS Director Ke Yuan.
--------------------

Report RAC Ampang Installation 2006

When: From 15 sept to 17 sept

Objective: To attend Rotarct Club of Ampang installation, to build and maintain bonds between the two sisters club.

Number of pax attended: 10 Rtrs, 1 Graduate Rtrs, 1 Guest and 2 Rtr Family members

RAC SW
1. Zack
2. Yi Ling
3. Dawn
4. Jun Jie
5. Eileen
6. Keyuan
7. Simon
8. Jimmy (Graduated)

RAC NAFA
1. Celine
2. Paul

Guest
1. Siew Leng
2. Dawn’s Parents

Summary of the trip:

Day 1
• Breakfast with RAC Ampang Rtrs (IPP Mun Wai, Caryn and Andrew)
• Visit of KL Twin Tower and Shopping at KLCC
• Split into 2 groups
o “A” lunch at the famous Ampang Yong Tou Hu, check in apartment and R&R around the area.
o “B” went for Hair Cut and Shopping.
• RAC Ampang Installation at Ampang Jaya
• Fellowship at apartment.
• Home sweet home


Day 2
• Breakfast with Rac Ampang Rtrs (IPP Mun Wai, Caryn, Andrew and Joanne)
• Return to Singapore

The trip to KL was both fun and enjoyable; the Rtrs from both clubs had a lot of fellowship and interaction. But however the schedule was very packed, thus not much time to do shopping or explore KL.



The installation was filled with unique and fun activities. The in-coming Prez Alex is not present at the Installation due to work commitment. The “short speech” by IPP Mun Wai. Thegames by game master Andrew. The presence of 3 DRR from RI 3300 Chandra, 3310 Zack and 3460 Ruby. And lastly the over whelming turn out by RAC SW Rotaractors.

In short the trip was fun and will look forward for future interactions with RAC Ampang Rtr.

Submitted by IS Director Kwek Ke Yuan

More photos from this trip HERE

Thursday, August 24, 2006

District Governor’s Visit

Members Yi Ling, Dawn and Simon attended the annual District Governor’s Visit on 24 August 2006, hosted by the Rotary Club of Singapore West.

District Governor Dr Wu Dar-Ching met with representatives from all Interact and Rotaract under the Singapore West umbrella and heard their club’s activities and plans for the year. It was an interesting sharing session.

DG Dr Wu addressed us with a reminder that while we are actively involved in comunity service, we must not forget to serve ourselves and improve ourselves, for only then can we serve others effectively.

The day was rounded off by a dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Singapore West.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

RAC Ampang Bowling Championship

Our sister club Rotaract Club of Ampang is organising a Bowling Championship on 25 August 2006. We wish them every success for their event!

==============
Invitation from RAC Ampang

Dear Fellow Rotaractors,

Stress at work? Looking forward to an enjoyable weekend?

Well then, does TENPINS, LANES, STRIKES, SPARES, SPLITS and TURKEY sound familiar to you???

Head to Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort,Bukit Jalil where fun, prizes and LOTSA games awaiting for you!

Your FAQs answered:
In case u still can't guess what is it.........it's BOWLING!

How the game is played?
You will be divided into group of 4. We'll do the grouping for you (A group will consist of a mixture hunkies and pretty gals)
Winner will be decided not only by the numbers of pins dropped, but also by the total points collected (during quizes and games in between)

How much am I to pay?
We will be charging RM 30/pax for 3 games

When shall I be there?
Be there on the 26th August at 5.30pm

Whom shall I contact?
Waste no time, email rac_ampang@yahoo.com

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Getting To Know Our Rotarian Advisors

"Getting To Know Your Rotarian Advisors" Dinner and Post-Installation Celebration

August 16, 2006 saw our club meeting with our Rotarian advisors over dinner at Rice Table, an Indonesian restaurant tucked neatly along antiquated Chinese shophouses at Cuppage Terrance in the heart of Orchard. Rotarians PP Tan Kay Hui and PP Henry Tan graced the occasion with amiable smiles and goodwill, amidst the aroma of good food, a pleasant ambience and great company.

Pleasantries and greetings were exchanged, as Rotaractors and Rotarians sat together and chatted over the spread of dishes on the table. Jokes, laughter, ideas, experiences and advice from our Rotarians flowed seamlessly across the table while Rotaractors listened intently, not forgetting to enjoy the scrumptious food all at the same time.



Before ...

After!

As dusk falls we bid our farewells, leaving satisfied and happy, only to look forward to the next gathering, for this was only the first of many more to come. =)

Photos of dinner can be found HERE


Reported by Rtr Lim Tse Siang, Club Service Director

Saturday, August 05, 2006

RAC Johor Bahru Installation

Date: 5th August 2006
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Johor Bahru

Rtrs Zack, Dawn and Simon travelled north to attend the Installation of Rotaract Club of Johor Bahru, District 3310.


L-R: Simon, Zack, Dawn


RAC JB BOD 2006/07


Yo-ah-yo-ah Johor!

The installation of RAC JB was held successfully on the 5th August 2006. The event was attended by about 50 people made up of Rotarians, Rotaractors, family members and guest. The Guest of Honor for the event was the President of Rotary Club of Johor Bahru, IR Mohd Noh Ibrahim.

The event proper was kicked start by the MC of the night followed by dinner proper. In between dinner, there was a short presentation of the club’s past achievements by the out-going board. The main event of the night, the installation of the new Board of Director, was next after the presentation.

The installation was done smoothly with the appreciation of the past Board of Directors and the installation of the incoming President, Rtr Elango and the installation of the in-coming Board of Directors. Each director did not only receive their director badges, but medals as well which is quite unique as it is quite rare for an installation event.

There was a short performance by University Kebangsaan Malaya Silat Club which displays their skills in the traditional Malay martial art which attracted much attention especially when they have a mock duel using the kris, a type of dagger. The event closed with a raffles draw and lucky draw. Though the event started quite late, they manage to end the event earlier than the supposedly ending time. It is a successful event indeed and a big congratulation to President Elango and his new Board of Directors.


Reported by
Rtr Simon Lee
Dir of Professional Development


For more photos CLICK HERE

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Installation 2006 - That 80's Show!

The Rotaract club of Singapore West would like to thank all the wonderful guests who attended our 26th Installation on 29 July 2006 – That 80’s Show!

That 80's Show! was a celebration and Installation of the in-coming Board of Directors for 2006/07. It was also a tribute to the exciting 80’s era. There were side-show activities like a photo-booth, song dedications, a bazaar, and childhood toys for all.

The faces at That 80's Show!

The show started off with a ceremony to welcome our two new members Winnie and Ke Yuan.


Welcome Rtrs Winnie and Ke Yuan!

This was followed by the first game of the night, “Who’s that 80’s Dude?” where guests had to match Eighties items to Rac Singapore West Directors.

Mystery piece of KFC chicken left over from the 1980’s


Zack threatened at gun-point for answers

After dinner, we said goodbye to the out-going board and the new Board of Directors was installed.

BOD 2006/07

A two year sister club agreement was signed with the Rotaract Club of Ampang from District 3300.


President of Rac Ampang Pres. Alex Looi on left

Then it was back to some serious fun. The second game “That 80’s Show” had table representatives acting as 80’s icons like Bananarama, Michael Jackson, Yoda and Superman. Can you spot the icons?


Action!!

The night ended with honors being given out to the winning table – the Rotarians, led by Superman, and a lucky draw.

Once again, thank you all for attending, and we wish all Clubs and Rotaractors a fulfilling year ahead!



For more photos of the Installation, CLICK HERE

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Rotaract District Assembly 2006

The Rotaract District Assembly this year was successfully held on 14 and 15 July 2006 at Republic Polytechnic. This event was jointly organised by the Rotaract Clubs of Republic Polytechnic and Singapore West.

L-R: Dawn, Eileen, Tse Siang, Jun Jie, Yi Ling


The RDA Organising Committee

For the members involved in the organising - Zack, Jun Jie, Dawn, Winnie, Ke Yuan and Yi Ling, it was a tiring but fulfilling project, and we're glad to have gotten to know our RP committee-mates better.

We hope the participants at RDA enjoyed themselves!

For more pics of the RDA CLICK HERE

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

RAC Ampang 20th Installation & Fellowship Night

Hello everyone, greetings from Rotaract Club of Ampang, It would be a great honour for RAC Ampang to invite all of you to our 20th Installation & Fellowship Night.

The 20th Installation details is as below:

==========================================

Date: 16th September 2006 (Saturday)

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: Teratai & Kenanga Room, Kelab Darul Ehsan, Ampang Jaya

Price: RM 50.00

Dress Code: Smart and Casual

There will be lots of fun's and fellowships on that night, so why still hesitate. Lets come and join us together to bring rotaract to greater height.... Seat are limited therefore please purchase your tickets fast.

Hope to see all of you there!!!!!!


Take care and cheers

Yours in Rotaract

President Alex J E Looi

RAC Ampang 2006/07

District 3300, Malaysia

P/S: more information on the installation venue/lucky draw/mystery gift/moon cake will be available in the coming email.

Rotary Club of Sg West Joint Meeting

A joint meeting was organised by New Generation Director Ronnie Neo involving all Interact and Rotaract clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Singapore West. The meeting was held on 8 July 2006 at NJC.

Clubs shared their plans for the year and were introduced to their respective Rotarian Advisors.



President Gary Loh


New Generation Director Ronnie Neo







Installation of President and Directors of Interact Club of CHIJ St Theresa. Congrats, girls!


District posts - congrats to Zack, Ke Yuan and Winnie!

Our very own Zack is taking on the prestigious role of Distrct Rotaract Representative (District 3310) for the term 2006/07. Also taking on district posts are Ke Yuan who is serving as District Club Service Chair and Winnie, the new District Treasurer.

Congratulations to Zack, Ke Yuan and Winnie!