By: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and 2nd Minister for Trade and Industry
12 July 2005, 7.30 pm at Traders Hotel
I am delighted to join you this evening for your 15th Installation Dinner. Toda's event is especially significant because we are also celebrating the centennial of Rotary, and the 75th anniversary of Rotary?s presence in Singapore.
Rotary − A Tradition of Voluntarism
I have long admired the dedication and spirit of the Rotary movement. Over the past century, your organisation has dedicated itself to providing humanitarian service, and promoting goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary's motto of ''Service above Self'' is even more relevant in today's competitive and frantic world.
In Singapore, the Rotary Foundation runs 3 centres - the Rotary Family Service Centre in West Coast, the Student Care Centre in Ayer Rajah and a Counseling Centre. Because of this strong tradition of voluntarism, you have made a real difference to the lives of many needy Singaporeans. Through your international work, you have also touched the lives of many around the world.
Rotary Club of Orchard
Among the 21 Rotary Clubs in Singapore, the Orchard Club is a fairly young club with less than 30 members. But its smaller size has certainly not been a deterrent to the scope of its contributions.
The Orchard Club maintains a keen interest in the holistic development of the young. The Club has been instrumental in the charter of 2 Rotaract clubs ? for young service-oriented individuals ? in the Republic Polytechnic and the Singapore Management University. The charter of these 2 clubs helps our young people better appreciate that, even in their pursuit for professional success, their community needs them ? for their energy, their enthusiasm, talent, and youthful passion.
On top of this, the Club provides bursaries and financial assistance to students in Singapore and Indonesia. I am told it has raised US$40,000 to help run an orphanage and a school for street children in India, and has sponsored more than 10 children for 10 years of education. The Orchard Club also joined its sister club in Japan to provide training materials for teachers and helped set up a dyslexia programme in Japan.
The Rotary Club of Orchard has sponsored five of Rotary International's ambassadorial scholarships. This is one of the world's largest privately funded scholarship programmes. It provides not only educational benefits to the young recipients but also goes a long way in promoting global understanding and goodwill. In fact, I heard that one of them came to study in Singapore, married a Singaporean, became a Rotarian, stayed on here and is now the dedicated New Generations director of the Orchard Club.
International disasters have similarly galvanised the Club to raise funds and other aid ? for tornado victims in the Honduras, earthquake victims in Gujarat and more recently, the tsunami disaster.
Conclusion
The efforts of the Orchard Club reflect the Rotary's larger ideals. These ideals have endured over the past century and still remain strong and relevant today. You have proven that everyone can do their part for the community. This is provided we put our hearts and minds to making a positive change for our community.
Indeed, powerful synergy has resulted from the joint efforts of like-minded Rotary members and clubs in Singapore working individually, jointly and with their sister clubs overseas. The impact of these efforts has been and will continue to be significant − both locally and internationally.
I encourage employers, community leaders and everyone present here to continue to uphold the spirit of ''Service above Self''. Such service never fails to energise, rejuvenate and empower those who choose this path. I wish you continued success in your endeavours.
Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening.
MCYS SPEECH NO: 37/2005
DATE OF ISSUE: 12/07/2005