PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

In no uncertain way, the evening of 6th October was a success. Guests numbering more than 20, mingled comfortably with our Rotarians and Anns. There was indeed a good exchange of interaction with a bit of spirit in between, if you know what I’m referring to. 

The formal part of the meeting was short but it gave our guests an idea of the proceedings of a Rotary meeting. The presentations were excellent. There was an overview of Rotary, a personal perception from a new Rotarian, an Interactor’s benefits from Rotary and an appeal to help our Orang Asli. The Director of the Membership Standing Committee, PP Dr Tarcisius Chin, was the MC for this Interest Meeting. Dr Tarcisius was able to put together in a delightful manner the whole scenario in what we were there for that evening. PDG Dato’ Dr Low Teong and also the SAA gave a brief but relevant focus of what Rotary is all about. Interactor Vijay Pillai spoke eloquently about how he had learned from Rotary. And Dr Juli Edo, an Orang Asli from the Semai tribe talked about the plight of the Orang Asli in Malaysia. Perhaps he could have sounded stronger in his appeal by identifying the urgent needs of these indigenous people. IPP Dato’ Kevin Yong thanked the speakers in his most casual and easy-going style.

Anns and Rotarians, I thank you all for your support. Your presence has made the difference in what the guests could have perceived that evening. The attendance was 72.56% - an admirable percentage that shows that members care for their Club. I must again thank the Membership Committee for weeks of preparation to put this event together. I was informed that this format could be replicated in the District’s membership development. 

I must single out our newer Rotarians whose efforts were indeed commendable. The ideas came from them. Thank you for your contributions, Rtn KO, Rtn Pua, Rtn Ryan Ho and Rtn Rianne Chin. And thank you to PP Rupert Goldman for making the arrangements with the Grand Dorsett for the fine meal and décor. We appreciate the assistance and co-operation of the Grand Dorsett.

Our road to other functions has not ended. The next coming Sunday, 18th October, will be a testing one for our Anns and Rotarians as well. We are again put before the public for them to see how we organize the charity fund-raising event. I’m referring to the Dama Musical Show, I have a date with Spring. Rotarians and Anns, I sincerely hope that you will assist in the final leg in pushing the sales of the tickets. I was informed by PP Teo Woon Hud, the Chairman of the Dama Fund-raising event that only the RM175 tickets are left. There are about 90 remaining. We need the funds for our projects. Please … please help the Club.

The Public Relations Workshop will be held this weekend at the Holiday Villa in Jalan Ampang. I appeal to Rotarians, especially the members from the Public Relations Committee to attend. There’s always something to learn.

Thank you Rotarians and Anns for your support.

From brown leaves to green shoots

Ask any gardener when he experiences his moments of joy. Gardening is a chore for many, but a delight for the few who find pleasure in creating new life.  One moment of joy is when fruits and flowers are produced.  But the real source of delight is when brown leaves give way to green shoots of life and, with the change, the promise of rebirth and continuity.

So is the case with the world of Rotary. We are Rotarians because we belong to a network of like-minded individuals who believe that we can make a difference in the lives of others. We welcome more strong hands to share the work. Many Rotarians, however, are RINOs (Rotarians in name only) and NATOs (no action, talk only), and they are like the brown leaves who contribute little or nothing. But many do contribute much to the common cause. Our four newest members have demonstrated very clearly that they can really pull their full weight in the club, and much more. They are the green shoots of the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya. And we do need to grow more green shoots to move from a good club to a great club!

The Guest Evening of 6^th October 2009 augurs well for the club as it certainly shows immense promise for lots of green shoots to regenerate and rejuvenate the power, potential and competence of the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya. For too long we have been complacent, basking in the glory of the past. We have neglected creating a better future for the club. We have now woken up to the task of rebirth, renewal and succession for our club. Indeed, there is every expectation that by the time of our mid-century, the club will re-establish itself as the premier club in the district. For this to happen, all members of RCPJ must take ownership for membership development and make the effort to plant the seeds of growth.

The Guest Evening of 6^th October is only an event. Follow through is a cardinal management principle. Therefore, to achieve greatness we have first to build the numbers. We need proposers to follow-up on their candidates and to be the connecting link that will eventually bring them into membership. Please do not leave all the work of follow-up to the Membership Committee. Instead, maintain direct contact and arrange for your candidates to attend our regular lunch meetings as club guests. We hope that you will soon complete the Membership Proposal and Application Form and seek Board approval at the earliest opportunity so that your candidates will join hands with us to contribute directly to the agenda of RCPJ.

Only one-third of our members have introduced a total of 28 guests for 6^th October 2009. Many invitees were not able to attend because of prior commitments. There are   remaining two-thirds of our members who can also introduce eligible contacts for membership. Imagine how many more in our community we can share Rotary with if each of us brings in even one new member. Accordingly, another Guest Evening will be introduced in the near future. Please reach out to your relatives, friends and associates. Let us walk the talk and share Rotary with others. The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands!  

The Membership Committee held its first Guest Evening on Tuesday 6 October 2009 in the evening at the Grand Dorset Subang Hotel. A total of 20 guests attended. There were five speakers that evening covering various aspect of Rotary.

PDG Dato Dr Low Teong presented a video on “This is Rotary” followed by a talk on Rotary in Malaysia, some of the projects carried out and the benefits of Rotary membership.

Dr Juli, a professor at the University of Malaya spoke on the needs of the Orang Asli community and the help NGOs like Rotary can provide.

ICC Chairman Vijay Pillai spoke on the Interact movement, his involvement and the benefits, and the wonderful role Rotary and Rotarians are playing.

Rtn Kamarulzaman Omar spoke on “Why I Joined Rotary”. Basically he told the meeting he was invited by PP Rupert Goldman, his father was a Rotarian of the club and more importantly he can relate to and believe in Rotary Principles.

PP Dr Tarcisius Chin rounded up the presentations by sharing his experience as a member of the club for forty years and the benefits and satisfaction membership has given him.

We also celebrated the birthday of the PDG David Ho, Rtn Koh Kia Heong, PP Michael Toh, Ann Elsie Ho and the Wedding Anniversary of President Dr Eric Wong and First Lady Irene.

Rotary quote of the day presented by PDG Dato Dr Low Teong:

“I may not know your destiny, but this I do know. The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found a way to serve mankind”
Rotary International President William B Boyd, 2006-07

ATTENDANCE: 29/40 = 72.50%

Announcement: Ichihara (Japan) – Petaling Students Exchange Program

Further to the announcement made last week it is now confirmed that the dates for the exchange will be 11-20 December 2009.

Rotarians whose children/relatives are interested in participating should submit their written application to PDG David Ho by Friday 17 October 2009 stating their reasons for wanting to visit Japan.

Rotary International President's Message for October 2009

My fellow Rotarians:

There are many service organizations in the world today, but none so old or so successful as Rotary. There are many reasons for that, and Vocational Service is one of them. This year, I wish you to place a special emphasis on Vocational Service, which is sometimes the forgotten Avenue of Service in Rotary.

High ethical standards in business and personal life are still as important today as they were in 1905. Indeed, many of the problems our world is facing today have been caused by the failure to observe such standards in business affairs.

Vocational Service, in Rotary, means that we are committed to honest business and unassailable ethics, and that we are equally committed to using our vocational skills and advantages to help others. The idea is simple enough - but it is unique to Rotary.

Many service organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. That has never been the case in Rotary. Rotarians only seek out as members those who are qualified - those who have the character, the ability, and the resolve to make a real contribution to their club.

I have long believed that the bedrock of Rotary is our commitment to ethical behavior. It has been putting what's right above what's convenient – and Service Above Self - that has made Rotary different from the rest. That is why we must always remember that whatever we do, we are each the public face of Rotary. We are each the standard-bearers of our organization. What one member does, for good or for ill, reflects on all of us.

So much of what we've achieved as an organization has come about because of the trust the world has in Rotary and in Rotarians. That trust has been a major part of our success in polio eradication - the fact that we are known in every community, and known to be people of goodwill and good hearts.

If we wish to see our organization grow and prosper, we must keep Vocational Service front and center in our minds and actions. We must seek out skilled and determined men and women of character. We must do what is right, even when it is inconvenient. And we must always, always, put Service Above Self.