6th General Meeting

Reported by President Gregory

It had been a very busy period for members of the club. Personal matters aside, we have been going around the region, attending installations and Rotaract functions. It was a good opportunity to learn from other clubs and share experiences. It was also a wonderful chance to make friends and celebrate fellowship through service.

On the 28th September 2006, RACKM had our 6th GM for the year, where members shared their various Rotaract experiences from all ends of the district as well as on a memorable trip to Philippines to attend the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference.

The first item to be presented on the night was from PP Dr Dharmindra who had attended the installation of the Rotaract Club of Likas Bay, Sabah. PP Dharmindra and Secretary Pearly, took the opportunity of the short holiday to the Land Below The Wind to catch up with the Rotaractors there and witness the installation of their new Board of Directors.

After sharing on his trip to Sabah, PP Dharmindra also shared his experiences attending a project conducted by the Rotaract Club of North West, Singapore, Project I-Care. Project I-Care is a successful series of projects conducted by RAC North West for the pass three years in efforts to prevent avoidable blindness. PP Dharmindra took it to himself to experience the project and to understand the work required to successfully carry out this project. This time, the project was held at an old folks home, where the residence had their eyesight screened. It was a heart warming project and as PP Dharmindra shared his photos taken, the stories of the so experience, the residences and the fellow Rotaractors and helpers, moved many of us with their warmth and compassion.

Next, IPP Yik Chuang, Treasurer Lenny and Club Service Director Eugene shared their experience at the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) in Makati City, Philippines. The 4-day conference was truly amazing with Rotaractors coming from far and wide - as far as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore and of course, Malaysia. District 3310 sent one of the biggest contingents to the APRRC, complete with their own uniformed contingent T-shirts. IPP Yik Chuang, who narrated their experiences introduced many of us to other Rotaractors from around the region and also about Philippines, a country not too far away yet so different in terms of culture, social lifestyle and traditions. They tried some of the Filipino delicacies, photos of most for which left many of us with rumbling stomachs. They were also treated with cultural shows put up by the local Rotaractors and various Rotaract forums by various Rotaract leaders around the globe.

But the event that was most memorable to them was the cultural show and booths put up by the various contingents. Here, they shared with other Rotaractors what Malaysia and Singapore were about, with photos and mementos decorating their booth and a cultural performance of local dances and songs. Awards were also given out on the night for Best Cultural Performance, which eventually went to a contingent from Japan, and Best Dancers, which was won by a representative from our own District 3310.

The GM was somewhat short and sweet as we learnt more about different Rotaract clubs from around the region. Rotaract, despite most clubs having the same structures and fundamentals, is truly international with various blends of cultures and traditions. With every club being uniquely different, there is much that we can learn from others and much that we can share for the betterment of ourselves and for the people around us.

Club Service Director Rtr Eugene sharing his experience at the APRRC in Philippines
Jollibee burgers, anybody? The presentation on the food at the APRRC certainly caught everybody's attention!

Announcement: 6th GM

DATE:
28th September 2006, Thursday

TIME:
Meeting starts sharp at 8.30pm. Pls arrive earlier.

VENUE:
The Malacca Club, Taman Melaka Raya

HIGHLIGHTS:
*Project updates.
*An insight on the recent Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference held at Philippines (not to be missed!!!).

District tour to Melaka, 8th-9th Sept 06 (5th GM)

Reported by President Gregory

The Rotaract District 3310 Team, led by District Rotaract Representative PP Mohamed Zakir and District Rotaract Chairman, PP John Ng, paid the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka a visit as part of their Zone 1 leg of the District Tour. It was an honour to host their visit, to discuss various upcoming Rotaract issues, as well an opportunity to meet up with old friends. Also, it was an excuse to bring them around Melaka town and eat to our hearts content.

The team that came to Melaka comprised, apart from the DRC and the DRR, IPDRR Audrey Cheong, District Treasurer Winnie, District Professional Development Director Kah Hian, Assistant District Community Service Director Amanda and Assistant Club Service Director Kumar. They arrived on Friday night in the DRC’s Toyota and went straight for the famous Melaka fried oyster in Jalan Bunga Raya. Greeting them on arrival was IPP Yik Chuang, Club Service Director Eugene, Community Service Director Calvin, DRRE PP Dharmindra and I.

After the grub, we checked them into the Garden City Apartments for the night and proceeded with discussion sessions about Rotaract. The DRC, the DRR as well as the IPDRR, took full opportunity to meet up with DRRE Dharmindra to discuss plans for the year as well as the coming one. District issues were ironed out as three generations of District Rotaract leaders; the past, the present and the future, had their power talks with their Rotary advisor.

After the power talk, we had a night cap at Friend’s Café… how appropriate!

DRR Mohamed Zakir presenting the District 3310 bannerette to President Gregory

We had an early start to the next morning, with the District team enthusiastically up and ready by 8.00 in the morning. It was an important date, especially for IPDRR Audrey, who was determined to try the elusive Limbongan half-boiled eggs and kaya toast. Dubbed the most perfect half-boil eggs by visiting Rotarators in the past, IPDRR had failed to try it in her previous three visits. Thankfully, the shop was open today!

After breakfast, the District team decided to check out the Happiness Home, a voluntary home for children with cerebral palsy. The home, of 35 children, provides food, shelter, care and love. The unfortuned effects of celebral palsy meant most of the children suffer various physical challenges and illnesses that meant 24-hour care. The children had to be constantly monitored for illnesses and complications that could be sudden and fatal. Yet, the children at Happiness Home, despite their misfortunes, seemed happy and friendly. Seeing the dedicated staff and the warmth of the children, openned our eyes and melt our hearts away. We bade farewell to the home with a small parting gift of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a favourite among the children, and resolute hearts.

Visiting the Happiness Centre

The children at the home

We proceeded back to the apartments for the District meeting. Pulling on his cap as District Community Service Director, IPP Yik Chuang took part in the meeting while the rest of sat in to learn more about the upcoming District plans. Then, we took a break for lunch. Lunch was at Bayonya Restaurant, a favourite among the club members for a lovely Peranakan cuisine. We were joined for lunch by Vice President Sujen and our guest Jeya. As we mauled into the rich, traditional nyonya food, laughter and fellowship filled the air.

Lunch at Bayonya

Eugene brings new meaning to the phrase “Dig in”

Dessert was durian cendol, one of the many must-have for visits to Melaka. As we sat back and savoured the sweet, ice-cool desert, I gave a short presentation about the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka, our club background, accomplished activities and upcoming plans. The club members and the district team further exchanged ideas and shared grand plans for the future.

President Gregory presenting about the club to the District team

DRR Zakir in full attention of the club’s plans

After desserts, the group broke to two as some of the members of the District team went to Jonker walk for some shopping while others decided to adjourn to my house for a quick game of Risk. Quick proved an understatement, was I was embarassingly torned apart in the game by the keen forces led by generals Kumar, Amanda and Winnie. Alas, I shall get my revenge!

By 6pm, the rest of the team had gathered in my house. A short break to freshen up and recharge, before they set off to Batu Pahat for the Rotaract Club of Batu Pahat Installation. This visit, despite a short one, proved fruitful and educational. It rekindled friendship and fellowship and aligns with the district theme of “Leading the way towards a unified District”.

We look forward to hosting the District team again, soon!

Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference - Pilipinas 2006

Reported by Rtr Lenny Chee

Tagaytay City, Philippines was the venue for the 3rd Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC). IPP Wee Yik Chuang, Rtr. Eugene Tan and I, representing the Rotaract Club of Kota Melaka were part of a strong contingent from District 3310 to Pilipinas 2006 from the 31st of August to 3rd of September 2006. Other delegates in our party included members of Rotaract Club of Northwest, Rotaract Club of Marina City, Rotaract Club of Raffles City, Rotaract Club of NUS, Rotaract Club of Kota Kinabalu and Rotaract Club of Likas Bay.

Delegates from District 3310 to PILIPINAS 2006, Tagaytay City, Philippines

Tagaytay, 70km south of Manila, perches on a 600 metre high ridge overlooking Taal Volcano, is a popular weekend retreat because of its cool climate. Upon arrival at Clarke International airport, we were being transported by bus to Tagaytay International Trade Center where the conference was being held as well as where most participants including ourselves were accommodated.

The first day of conference was basically free and easy whereby we were required to register our attendance and attend a welcoming dinner for all delegates. At the dinner, we were able to mingle with the other 500 plus participants, some coming as far Canada and Australia while majority of them are from our neighbouring countries Taiwan, Japan and the host country Philippines. Exchange of name cards and bannerettes started at a furious pace while we were treated to some local delicacies as well as local traditional dances.

Exchange of bannerettes with other clubs was a norm throughout the conference

For the next two days of conference, we attended various forums on topics relating to the development of Rotaract movement within the Asia Pacific region as well as notable community projects being carried out by Rotaract clubs to better the lives of less fortunate people.

Q & A sessions with some of the speakers during the conference

The highlight of the 4 days conference was the Cultural Night whereby all the delegates appeared in their traditional costumes. In addition, each District was given a 5 minutes window to do a cultural performance. District 3310, led by Rtr. Michael Choy, did a medley of traditional folks songs comprising of Rasa Sayang, Burung Kakak Tua and Chan Mali Chan. We did not win anything on the night but certainly enjoyed performances from other Districts especially the Taiwanese who did a kungfu style dance.

Performance by District 3310 contingent during PILIPINAS Cultural Night

On the last day of the conference, each District was given a booth to showcase their country. On our part, we decided to distribute Malacca tourism brochures obtained from the Malacca Tourism Board as well as a free sample of durian and coconut dodols. Within an hour of the setting up the booth, all the dodols and brochures were snapped up like hot cakes.

The conference ended with a farewell dinner on the last night whereby all participants let their hair down and danced the night away. The APRRC bell was then passed on to the next host Malaysia which will be organized by District 3300.

For those that miss all the fun and excitement of this year’s APRRC, do save up now for the 4th APRRC next year in Malaysia scheduled for 24th to 28th August 2007.