FOREWORD
The first edition on the history of the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya entitled "30 years of the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya" was published on June 30, 1992 during the term of Past President Dr. Tarcisius Chin. This second edition also chronicles the last 6 years of the Rotary Club covering the major events of the past six Presidents namely Past President Goh Seng Chuan (1992/93), Past President Alfred Tsang (1993/ 94), Past President Liew Shou Kong (1994/95), Past President Dr. Dunstan Fernandez (1995/96), Past President Steven Si (1996/97) and Rosman Din (1997/98).
The last six years have seen dramatic changes to Petaling Jaya. It has been transformed into a modern metropolis with three major highways and a light transit rail now linking Petaling Jaya to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang and Shah Alam, capital of Selangor. New commercial centres, shopping malls, fast food outlets, restaurants, colleges, recreational parks, medical centres, industrial and housing estates are part of the town's landscape to cater to the needs of its growing multi-racial population which has swelled to almost half a million people.
The club's membership stands at 63 in June 1998, representing the major businesses and professions of Petaling Jaya. 82 of its past and present members are Paul Harris Fellows and 33 sustaining Paul Harris Fellows, some of whom are multiple and major donors. The club has four Rotary Foundation Benefactors, four Jamil Rais Fellows and two Patrons of Rotafom.
Today the club sponsors seven Interact Clubs and one Rotaract Club whose activities have benefited the various communities in the PJ vicinity. It has established seven sister club relationships in six countries including the Rotary Clubs of Sutherland Inc. and Surfers Paradise West Inc. in Australia signed up two years ago.
The current economic slowdown has not hindered nor dampened the club's efforts to pursue community projects. Working alongside the government and other relevant authorities, the club continues to be actively involved in a wide range of contemporary issues in its concern for the aged, under-privileged, handicapped, the sick and the disadvantaged sections of our community, youth development, environment, health and international relationships.
At the individual level the club achieved international recognition when Past President Dato' James Peter Chin a Past District Governor of District 330 for 1979/80, became the first Malaysian Rotary International Director for 1997/98/99. In addition, two other Past Presidents have occupied the high office of District Governors for District 330, namely Dr. N. Ganesan for 1988/89 and David K.C. Ho for 1996/97.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya I wish to place on record the club's deepest appreciation to Rotary Ann Yoon Fong for her untiring efforts in undertaking the gigantic and arduous task of completing the last chapter in record time.
Rosman Tan Sri Dato' Dr Mohd Din
President
Rotary Year 1997/98
June 30, 1998