APRRC 2009

Several Rotary Clubs have informed me that they will be sponsoring their Rotaractors for APRRC 2009 (22-25 Nov 2009).

I wish to remind all Rotaract Clubs which are getting this sponsorship from their Rotary Clubs for this Rotaract mega event that they are required to utilise the full sum of the sponsorship /subsidy strictly for this APRRC 2009 conference only. No portion from this sponsorship/subsidy is to kept by the club or channeled for other purposes.

Based on the input from various Rotaractors, the organizing committee has decided to create a special “TRANSFERABLE DAY PASS” which can be used without restriction by any Rotaractor from the same club throughout the event.

This Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference is indeed a rare and wonderful opportunity for Rotaractors in our district to experience the truly international aspect of Rotaract - beyond their club or even district level.

To date, more than 400 Rotaractors have registered from over 20 countries including Australia, China, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE & the USA.

The organizing committee has been working very hard to bring this prestigious Rotaract mega event since they won the right to host this conference in Singapore when they bidded for it in Bali last year.

The theme for this 3-Day Conference is LEARN,GROW,SERVE and special emphasis has been placed on the exciting mix of international fellowship, community service and professional development with ample opportunities for socializing and making new friends. As they say in Rotaract – ”There are no strangers in Rotaract, only friends whom you have not met !!!”

Other unique components of this APRRC 2009 include:

1.    The  D3310 District Conference has been incorporated into this event

2.    All clubs attending APRRC 2009 qualifies for Presidential Citation

3.    Special pricing for D3310 Rotaractors

4.    Heavily subsidised rate for Singapore-based Rotaractors

5.    Surplus funds will be channeled to help Rotaractors and Rotaract programmes

A SPECIAL AUCTION WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE PASAR MALAM SEGMENT TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE RECENT DISASTERS IN TAIWAN, INDONESIA & PHILIPPINES.

This APRRC 2009 is the biggest Rotaract event to happen in our district in many years. The last one was when PDRR Yeo Swan Chin organized the Rotaract Pre-Convention during the RI Rotary Convention in Singapore in the 1990’s…

The next “big one” may not come again for a quite some time yet.

Leslie PT Sim

District Rotaract Chairman

NEW GENERATIONS - October 2009 Newsletter

Celebrate vocational service in October

Throughout October, Vocational Service Month, Interactors, Rotaractors, and RYLA participants are encouraged to initiate vocational service activities. Vocational service entails promoting the highest ethical standards in all occupations, recognizing the worthiness of all useful occupations, and contributing your vocational talents to meeting your community's needs.

During this month, consider performing one or more of the following activities:

• Present on vocational service at your next Interact or Rotaract club meeting.
• Recognize someone in the community who exemplifies outstanding professional achievement while maintaining high ethical standards.
• Hold a career fair or vocational training workshop during your next RYLA event, and invite local professionals to give presentations on their career paths.
• Develop a mentoring program between Rotarians and youth program participants.
  Learn more about Rotary's involvement in vocational service.

Celebrate World Interact Week, 2-8 November

Join Interactors around the world 2-8 November to celebrate World Interact Week 2009. Every year, Interact clubs and their sponsor Rotary clubs are encouraged to celebrate the founding of the first Interact club on 5 November 1962 by participating in joint projects.

Get recognition for your club's activities by submitting the World Interact Week Celebration Recognition Entry Form to RI by 15 December.

Make the most of your overseas donation

If Interact or Rotaract clubs in your district are interested in sending donated goods overseas, the World Community Service (WCS) program may be able to help. Clubs can ensure that their efforts are successful by reviewing the Donations-in-Kind Information Sheets:

• Beneficiaries: Planning for Success
• Donors: Planning for Success
• Project Planning Tips
• Project Follow-up: An Important Final Step

Clubs looking to work with an organization can review the Donations-in-Kind Organizations List. Contact WCS staff for additional advice and resources at international.service@rotary.org.

Register for Rotary-UN Day

On 7 November, about 1,500 people, including Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and United Nations leaders, will attend Rotary-UN Day in New York City.

Organized by RI representatives to the UN, the day will feature panel discussions on water, literacy, health, and youth. Speakers from the United Nations, Rotary, and other nongovernmental organizations will discuss humanitarian programs and provide insight into the more than 60-year relationship between Rotary and the UN.

The program will also include a youth panel featuring a speaker from Interact and Rotaract, who will each present a 10-minute description of a hands-on international club project.

Register and learn more at www.riunday.org. All registration forms must be submitted by 23 October. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Interact and Rotaract club mailing

Watch your mailboxes for the Interact and Rotaract club mailing! This month, all Interact and Rotaract club presidents, sponsor Rotary club presidents, and district Interact and Rotaract chairs and representatives will be sent information and forms to assist clubs in carrying out a successful and productive year.

Join us at the Concert to End Polio

Rotary International is teaming up with violin virtuoso and polio survivor Itzhak Perlman and the world-renowned New York Philharmonic to present the Concert to End Polio, a benefit performance supporting the global effort to eradicate this disabling, sometimes fatal, childhood disease.

The one-night-only performance will be held on 2 December at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.rotary.org/endpolioconcert.

New Generations in the news

In September, the RI Web site featured several articles on Rotaract and RYLA in celebration of New Generations Month:
Rotaract paves the way into Rotary
Rotaract meeting spotlights feats, fun
Top 10 reasons for attending the International RYLA
The September issue of Interactive also featured news and video related to youth and young adult programs.

Learn more about Rotary's New Generations.

Upcoming events

39th Convention Nationale Rotaract FranceToulon, France9-11 October

This annual meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 1700 (Andorra; part of France). Hundreds of French Rotaractors are expected to attend. Learn more. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty17 October On this day since 1987, people of all backgrounds have renewed their commitment to eradicating poverty and supporting those in need around the world. Learn more.

6th Annual Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC)
Singapore 22-25 November

This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors in District 3310 (Brunei; Malaysia; Singapore). The organizers are expecting hundreds of Rotaractors from around the Pacific Rim to attend. The event's theme is "Learn. Grow. Serve." Learn more.

2010 South Asia Rotaract ConferenceAurangabad India 28-31 January

This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 3132. Hundreds of Rotaractors from across South Asia are expected to attend. Learn more.

EDITORS:

Kate Hoeppel, Senior Coordinator
ryla@rotary.org

Annahita Ghaboussi, Program Coordinator
interact@rotary.org

Haris Sofradzija, Program Coordinator
rotaract@rotary.org

Youth Activities, RI Programs DivisionRotary International
www.rotary.org

September is New Generations Month

A good time to renew, reinforce & rejoice the relationship with your sponsoring Rotary club.

Attend their club meeting and do a short presentation on your recent projects and Year Plan perhaps would be a great idea. Join their project (if any). Go bowling or a game of golf with your Rotarians. Invite your Rotarians to your club meeting or event. Organise a BBQ for socializing and fellowship with your Rotarians.

For those who attended the Rotaract District Assembly, have you submitted your Year Plan and Budget to your sponsoring Rotary Club yet? This would be an opportune time to do so.

Don’t forget to include your budget request for their kind sponsorship for the 2 key Rotaract events i.e. the Rotaract District Assembly & the Rotaract District Conference (which will be held in conjunction with the largest Rotaract event in Singapore this year – the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC 2009).

Over 500 Rotaractors from more than 12 countries are expected to attend. Don’t you want to be there too to make new friends from Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S., etc…

Advance RYLA 2009

Attention to all ex-RYLA delegates,

It is time to evolve in the upcoming Advance RYLA on 25, 26 and 27 September 2009 at ITE College East, 10 Simei Avenue, Singapore. This event is organised by Interect Club of ITE College East, Singapore and supported by Rotary E-Club of 3310 and Rotary Club of Johor Centennial.

If you have attended at least one RYLA camp previously, and are aged between 16 and 30, you may apply to this youth programme. This programme will give you an opportunity to evolve into a leader with superior interpersonal skills, evolve to be a better team player, build up physical abilities, make at least 50 new friends and so on...

Itenarary as below:

Day 1 (from 2pm onwards)

Opening Ceremony
Reacquainting with one another
Team bonding through formation of groups
“Am I A Team Player?”
Inspirational Talk
“Planning as a Team to be a Leader”

Day 2

Trekking to the Beach
“Leading the Pack as a Team” – Teambuilding
Games and Activities
Showtime! – Rediscovering your talents!

Day 3 ( half day till 12.30pm)

High Elements – Beyond Limits
Sharing your experiences
Debrief Closing ceremony

Hurry up and register before 14 September 2009. For interested participants, please contact sponsoring Rotary club or click here for more informations.

RDA 2009/2010- Zone 1&3

Rotaract District Assembly 2009/2010 were held on 1st August 2009 in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore for Zone 1 & 3. Thumbs up to the organizing committee as the assembly went very well. Pictures speaks a thousand words. For those who were unable to join us, here's a dose down the memory lane.

a very motivational speech given by DG Datuk Latiff Saruggi

an inspiring speech by DRR Michael Choy after installed by DG Datuk Latiff


DRR Michael Choy and his district team 2009/2010

District awards were presented to respective clubs from Zone 1&3:

District Outstanding Community Service Project Award: RAC Singapore West

District Outstanding Rotaract Family Award: RAC Singapore West

Congratulations RAC Singapore West!

Last but not least, workshop for Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers and Directors were conducted before the assembly ends.

Rotaract District Assembly 09/10

Coming for RDA 09/10 this Saturday at Ngee Ann Polytechnic?
Just follow the map below and you'll be there.
Opening will be held at LT26 which is near Block 25, and classroom sessions will be held at Block 56. See you there!

Rotaract District Assembly 09/10

Let's 'LEARN, GROW, SERVE' together at the upcoming Rotaract District Assembly (RDA) that is to be held on 1st August 2009 at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

The program for the Assembly is as below:

0900 Welcome Address by Emcee
0905 Opening Address by OC
0910 Toasting
0915 Roll Call
0920 Speech by Guest of Honor, DG Datuk Md Latip
0925 Awards/recognition by Outgoing DRR
0935 Outgoing DRR Speech, Year End Report
0940 Incoming DRR and District Board Installation
0950 Incoming DRR Speech, Year Plan presentation
0955 Introduction to trainers and briefing for breakouts
1000 Tea Break
1015 Breakout Session Part 1
1130 Lunch
1300 Breakout Session Part 2
1500 End of Training, Fellowship

Breakout sessions as follows:
1) PETS (President Elects Training Session)
2) SETS (Secretary Elects Training Session)
3) Treasurer
4) Club Service
5) Community Service
6) Professional Development
7) International Service

Price per club: S$200
*Please be reminded to relay this to your sponsoring Rotary Club, this is one of the 3 events (RDA, RDC, RYLA) that they are required to cater for in their New Generations budget.*

Training and guidance that will be provided to all BOD during the assembly, would develop leaders of tomorrow to continue serve under Rotary to the less fortunate. 'The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands'. See you there!

*NOTE: Club Presidents, please RSVP to ZR Chun Keong regarding your club’s attendance so that we can cater for lunch. His contact is ck7146@singnet.com.sg.

A Very Warm Welcome from DRR Michael Choy

Dear all Rotaractors of District 3310,

A very Happy New Rotary/Rotaract Year to all of you! I'm sure you are excited about the new year of 2009/2010 as we embark on a new Rotaract journey of learning and service. This year's theme is "Learn, Grow, Serve", which we shall focus on improving ourselves professional and personally so that we can better serve our community.

We also see the milestone for District 3310 as we successfully bidded for the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference in Bali last year. It is going to be an exciting experience in November 2009 with Rotaractors from over 16 different countries coming together in Singapore to enjoy a time of fellowship, learning, cultural exchange and international understanding. I urge all Rotaractors in the District to take part in this first-ever Multi-District event, either as a participant or part of the organising committee. It is a chance not to be missed!

Amidst the economy downturn and the impending H1N1 flu situation, let us not forget as Rotaractors to continue to serve and lend a hand to the less fortunate. As the Rotary theme for the year is "The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands", I strongly believe one of the aspects of the future of Rotary is us Rotaractors.

Taking on the role of a leader in the club is a challenging task indeed, but with proper training and guidance, I believe we can all excel and become the leaders of tomorrow. The upcoming Rotaract District Assembly is a mandatory event for all Board of Directors to acquire the skills and knowledge to better serve the club. It will be held in Ngee Ann Polytechnic on 1st August 2009. For those in Zone 2 and 4 who are saving up for APRRC, fret not as the District Team will organise Zonal level Assemblies to cater for decentralised training.

Meanwhile, let me present to you the District Team of the year 2009/2010. This year's structure differs from past years as we adopt a structure similar to the Rotary's District Leadership Plan structure, seperating Club Service into Membership Development, Public Relations and Administration (run by the Zonal Representatives). Thus we focus more on membership recruitment and retention, as well as raising Rotaract's profile to the public. At the same time, all other service avenues will fall under Service Projects (community service, international service, professional development).

Michael Choy District Rotaract Representative drr3310@gmail.com	Wee Yik Chuang Immediate Past District Rotaract Representative weeyikchuang@yahoo.com
Liau Xin Yi District Hon. Secretary chatty_xinyi@hotmail.com	Yancy Ong District Hon. Treasurer yancyong@hotmail.com
Ng Fue Yin Blog Director psst_yin@yahoo.com
Sharon Heng Zone 1 Representative sharon_0427g@hotmail.com	Randy Chong Zone 2 Representative randy@1borneo.com
Toh Chun Keong Zone 3 Represetative ck7146@singnet.com.sg	Sorensen Lau Zone 4 Representative sorensen.lau@gmail.com
Peggy Lee Membership Development/Public Relations pegleeps@hotmail.com	Lee Guoxing Service Projects guoxing@rotaryfoundationsing.org

I wish all the clubs a Happy New Rotary Year and many successful projects ahead!

Yours-in-Rotaract

Michael Choy

District Rotaract Representative 2009/2010

RAC Raffles City

RI District 3310

Special rate for APRRC 2009 for early birds!

This is the best chance to register yourself for APRRC Singapore. Special promotion rate for Rotaractors in District 3310. ONLY SGD258 till 1 June 2009. First come first serve. Don't miss this opportunity for the special rate! Be an early bird to get the best worms today :) Get the form here!!!

RDA 2009 - "Learn, Grow, Serve"

RDA 2009 will be held from 1-2 August 2009! Be there for the start of another great year in Rotaract! :)

Fresh updates on GSE 09/10!

GSE 09/10 will be from 18 September 2009 to 16 Oct 2009!

If you're aged between 25-40, this is a chance not to be missed! APPLY NOW!!!

How I 'invented' Rotaract Club - James Ho (Interview and pictures by Dean Dinesh)

SEVERAL boys, upon completion of their secondary school education, approached me in 1965, to help them with their dream of continuing as "Interactors" or school-level Rotary Club members.

The boys had enjoyed their roles as Interactors so much while studying at SM Saint Joseph that they wanted to continue their involvement in the Rotary Club and give back something to the community.

The Rotary Club is open to professionals or businessmen above 30 years old but teenagers could still participate if they are between Forms Three and Six.

At the time the boys approached me, there was no avenue in which young adults below 30 and who had finished their secondary education could get involved in the Rotary Club. They either had to be above 30 or in a good paying job.

That was what prompted me to form what is known today as the Rotaract Club. So I set about strengthening the existing network between Interactors and Rotarians.

The Interactors needed insight into what community service was all about outside their school life.

The Interact Club of Saint Joseph School was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia in 1962 and was part of the Johor Baru 330 Rotary Club.

So I wrote to Rotary Club International, based in Illinois, the US, with a proposal to form a club for school leavers who were keen to continue working for the community.

After a year, it consented to my proposal to form Rotaract Club, which is a combination of “Rotary” and “Interact”, and the first Rotaract Club in Asia was born in 1963.

Since then, many Rotaract Clubs have been formed worldwide.

For the full article please click here.

Interested to find out what will be happening at RDC 2009?

Rotaract District Conference 2009

Theme: Discover, fun and fellowship

Date: 17-19 April 2009

Venue: Hotel Orkid Melaka

Find out what the program is like now!

Sounds fun right? Its not too late! You can still register by this Wednesday 8th April 2009. Don't miss out this great opportunity to have fun in Malacca with fellow Rotaractors! See you there!

Group Study Exchange 2009/2010 - UK

Tentative date: Mid September to mid October 2009
Location: UK

INTERESTED?
Application to be a member of this GSE team (of 4 youth) is currently open on the following criteria:-

1) Youth beteween the age of 25 to 40 years old;

2) Be professionally employed for at least two years;

3) No blood relation to any Rotarians;

4) Must be sponsored by a Rotary Club in the District.

This is Vocational Tour whereby team members are given the opportunity to experience their vocation in another part of the world, in this instance - England. Team members will be attached to their respective vocation in the suitable industry in England and also experience Home Stay and Hospitality of Rotarians in that country.

Most of all, Team members are our District Ambassadors of Goodwill as well as Ambassadors from our respective country.

This is an all paid Study Tour of approximately 4 to 5 weeks. For those who require a written message from the District to apply for leave from your employers, arrangements could be made for District Governor-elect Datuk Hj Md. Latip Sarrugi (who will then be the District Governor) to provide such a letter to your employers.

Please submit your application through DRC PP John Ng (after endorsement by your sponsoring Club's President) @ ppjohnng@singnet.com.sg, for his onward transmission to PP Jimmy Tay & DGE Datuk Latip. You can also obtain more information on the RI website of www.rotary.org under Rotary Foundation - GSE.

Join the District in Earth Hour 2009

Our district will be taking part in 'Earth Hour' on 28 March 2009 between 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Do join us and play a part in Earth Hour 2009.

District 3310 Intercity Meeting‏

DRR Wee Yik Chuang and DRRE Michael Choy at the District 3310 Intercity Meeting on 6 March 2009 in a photo with RI President Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee and District Governor Edward Sung Burongoh!!!

Rotaract District Conference 2009

Register to be part of one of the biggest events this Rotaract year NOW!

MM receives Rotary award

MM Lee (right) received the Rotary International Award Of Honour from Rotary International president Lee Dong-kurn of South Korea (left). -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

MINISTER Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was honoured last night by one of the world's largest and oldest philanthropic organisations, Rotary International, which gave him a rare award.

He received the Rotary International Award Of Honour, in recognition of his 'long and visionary leadership in Singapore and in the international community'.

Reading the citation before presenting the award at a gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Rotary International president Lee Dong-kurn of South Korea described it as a 'small token of the great respect that you have earned for your many achievements'.

He also noted that MM Lee's 'grasp of global politics has made you a great statesman'.

'Your achievements, global outlook and vision complement the Mission and Objectives of Rotary International.'

Accepting the award, MM Lee, 85, thanked the Rotary International president.

MM Lee said voluntary welfare organisations like Rotary International that help the less fortunate, are better alternatives for society than relying too much on state-funded welfarism.

Updates on Hunt 4 Fun-D

1) The hunt will be now be on 14 Mar 09! Same time and venue :)

2) Closing date for registration is 4 Mar 09

3) Get RM25 off registration fees when your team refers another team to join the hunt. This mean that if your team can get 4 other teams, you get to join the hunt for free!!!

4) Attractive prices to be won! RM500 for first place, RM400 for 2nd, RM300 for 3rd + some consolation prizes.

Can't wait to join the fun? Get the updated form right here!

Rotaract District Conference 2009

GET READY FOR ROTARACT DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2009 - MELAKA 17-19 April 2009!!!