Dear fellow Rotarians, Spouses and Friends,
Warmest welcome to Rotary Club of Kuching Central (RCKC)’s Installation Ceremony held here at Ranyai Ballroom, the Waterfront Hotel, Kuching. This is the first time in our Club’s 35 years of existence to have the installation ceremony broadcasts live via ZOOM.
I’m very grateful to the board members for entrusting me to serve as Club President for the Rotary Year 2020-2021. I am humbled for the opportunity of a lifetime to lead such a vibrant Club.
As we enter the new Rotary year, I see on the horizon ample opportunities for us to work on many areas such as the youth development and leadership program, community service projects, tapping the resources of the Rotary Foundation to implement impactful projects and many more.
Immediate Past President Leonard Sia and all Past Presidents of RCKC have laid a solid foundation to make the Club what it is today. Therefore, my Board of Directors and I will capitalize on this solid foundation to bring the Club to new heights.
In view of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are being hit. The businesses of our members are by no exception. Hence, efforts will be made to focus on retention of members by addressing the needs of every member. A task force will be set up to look into improvement of programs for members and their family members. The task force will also look into how we can enrich our members through their vocations and implement diversity and inclusivity which is in line with the calling by Rotary International.
The Club has been well known (especially among Rotarians) as a Club whose members always display great hospitality. In short, the Club has a good reputation for being fantastic host in fellowship activities especially when Rotarians and guests make a visit to RCKC. While we continue with this culture, we will also work on building even more areas of excellence.
One of the action plans for this Rotary year is to launch a video clip showcasing various activities undertaken by the Club and the partners. The objective of this video clip is for us to be able to share the many hidden and inspiring stories that our members have experienced in the course of their involvement implementing many activities in the communities. Such stories will increase our profile in the community by being known as People of Action.
On the Rotary’s new area of focus on ‘Supporting the Environment’, I’m planning to work closely with other Kuching Club Presidents under the leadership of G17’s Assistant Governor, Past President Jong Kiam Ngee.
I wish to thank Immediate Past President Leonard Sia and his Board of Directors for having successfully conducted many projects and activities for the past 12 months.
On behalf of RCKC, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to District Governor Rajamohan Munisamy for taking time off his busy schedule to grace this ceremony. Special thanks to Organising Chair, President Elect Andrea Chan and her hardworking committee for making the installation ceremony a reality during this period of uncertainty.
I wish to acknowledge the guidance given by Club Advisors, Past District Governor Andre Suharto, Past President Abel Chieng and Past President Ng Yaw Hua in preparing me to be the Club President.
Last but not least, I wish to say that I would not have been able to be what I am in Rotary today had it not been for Past President Frankie Ong introducing Rotary to me and for being my mentor. Thank you.
With the new normal surrounding us, “Rotary Opens Opportunity”!
Wong Chen Yi
President 2020-2021
Rotary Club Of Kuching Central