District 7010 Conference Speaker

 

I will be one of the speakers at this year's Rotary District 7010 Fall conference on Lake Rousseau, in the Muskoka region of northern Ontario and will be sharing my experience as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar with all Rotarians who are able to join in the weekend!

High Commission of India

Attended a luncheon, hosted by the High Commission of India in Sinagpore, which featured a panel discussion, lunch and keynote on the macro economic situation in India.

Here are some highlights from the talk:

-The India 'story' is relatively recent (especially over the last 5 years on the global scene)
-A rising economy like India is successful because of a building 'trust' factor which has been nurtured
-Since 2005, India experienced 3 consecutive years of growth at over 90% whereas China has experienced growth at around 10% for many more years
-Independence in 1947 started India out with 3.5% growth rate, which picked up in 1980's to 5.2%, break with oil crisis in 91-93 but 1994 onwards has been above 7% GDP
-Population of Indian, of working class (age 20-60) will rise dramatically but is also the demographic that will continue to save and invest, which in turn is another driver for growth
-Big worry is the recent inflation story of all emerging economies partly as a result of a global shift from single economies and central banks creating monies to now lots of central banks and injecting into the system
-Civic engagement is extremely high in India
-Population growth rate is 1.4%
-One challenge pertaining to world food shortage is India's wastage of food based on lack of appropriate storage space and inefficient means of dispersing food
-India has been majorly growing since 2005 whereas China has been growing for 20 years already

End Polio Now

You can add your face to the official online campaign book as well - just go to www.thisclose.net !!

Last Rotary Meeting in Singapore

How to Network Interview with Sharon

Here is an interview I filmed as a part of a Student Success project at Nipissing University, prior to the Rotary Scholarship year, that I thought I would post for potential outgoing scholars following my site. This 7 minute video sums up the key networking points I would share still today and are what have helped make my scholarship year such a success!

Comparative Research on Philanthropy in Asia-Pacific

Thought I should include a photo of me actually researching. This term I am conducting independent research more focused on my area of interest which is looking at the emerging trends of educational fundraising and corporate social responsibility throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.

CASE Asia-Pacific Conference

Left to Right: Joanna Motion, Vice President International Operations CASE, Ron Mattocks, Vice President Marketing, Membership and External, CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), Washington DC at the CASE Asia-Pacific Conference @ Copthorne Hotel, Singapore -March 2011.

Emerging Markets Public Lecture

To my right is keynote speaker, Professor Eswar Prasad, Senior Professor of Trade Policy, Cornell University; Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; and Research Associate, National Bureau of Econoic Research USA.

Meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Singapore

Helping the NUS Alumni Relations Office Staff at the Welcoming Registration Table for the Canadian Film Festival

In centre, Canadian Ambassador to Singapore with his wife, far right couple is Ambassador of Germany to Singapore and his wife, far left, Ambassador of Poland to Singapore and his wife.

His Excellency, David Sevigny welcomes guests as this event was his idea, and he commented to me after how he spent much time personally selecting the films.

Ambassador of Canada to Singapore David Sevigny and wife Ms. Mary Broderick (learned she is from Guelph, ON). To my right is a NTU graduate student who also attended the VIP reception after the film.

Canadian Film Festival in Singapore

I am looking forward to dinner with Canadian Ambassador, David Sevigny, at this exclusive dinner event this Friday as well as helping volunteer at the remainder of the Film Festival which is co-hosted by NUS.

Talk at Rotary Club of Pandan Valley

Rotary Talk #10 - Hyatt Hotel, Singapore, Rotary Club of Pandan Valley

Make Poverty History: ONE Singapore

Attending a film screening in support of an Independent Make Poverty History Campaign in Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE (SINGAPORE) is dedicated to raising public awareness and taking concrete actions to Make Poverty History. Every three seconds a child dies from extreme poverty. But it doesn't have to be this way. The resources and technology exist in the world today to transform the hopes and dreams of an entire generation. From 17th to 19th October 2009, ONE (SINGAPORE)'s supporters joined 173 million people in "Stand Up" and Take Action Against Poverty" to call on world leaders to do the right thing and honour their commitments to end poverty. ONE (SINGAPORE) partners with Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) on the Cuff Road Project to assist homeless and jobless migrant workers in Singapore; Radio Give Back and the Every ONE Can campaign assist local neighbours in need. ONE (SINGAPORE) also links corporate and non-profit partners in a variety of projects in support of the Millenium Development Goals and the movement to end poverty and inequality.

Premiere Screening of The Chain Reaction Project

CODE RED FILMS presents THE CHAIN REACTION PROJECT

Four women embark on a five-day, 450km mountain bike race through a distant country where the natural beauty is as challenging as it is exotic.
...
The inaugural Tour de Timor featured over 250 competitors from all over the world. The Race for Peace was the initiative of President and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta as part of his nation-building campaign to promote peace throughout the country.

East Timor suffered a brutal Indonesian military invasion and 24-year occupation that left over 100,000 Timorese dead. Secured by a UN Police force in 1999 and guided by international support, the nation endured a shaky three-year transition that culminated with the birth of Timor-Leste in 2002.

An all-female cycling team representing the nations of Singapore and South Africa vowed not only to complete the grueling Tour de Timor together, but managed to raise over $50,000 for HIAM Health; a non-profit in the capital city of Dili dedicated to rehabilitating malnourished children.

Set out on this exhilarating journey and discover the beauty behind the scars of Asia's newest nation.

Total Run Time approximately 25 minutes

Talk at Rotary Club of Jurong Town

Guest speaker at Rotary Club of Jurong Town, March 1, 2011, Tanglin Club, Singapore

History of The Tanglin Club
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 & the advent of steamers resulted in a travel revolution. The small port founded by Raffles developed into a thriving trading centre. According to John Cameron, 'the everyday life of the British settlement had become more sophisticated, snobbish & exclusively European...'

In October 1865, "forty good men and true" convened a meeting for the purpose of forming a suburban social club to meet the wants of the Britishers' living in the settlement, and founded the Tanglin Club. A property in the District of Claymore was purchased in 1866 and this is the current site of The Tanglin Club today.

Today, The Tanglin Club is one of Singapore's oldest & prominent social club. It is not known how the name 'Tanglin' originated but as there are many places in Malaysia named after trees, it is possible that The Tanglin Club was named after the Saraca Tree aka 'Tanglin Tree'. A commemorative Tanglin Tree was planted in the grounds of the present clubhouse in 1990 to mark the Club's 125th anniversary.

For many years The Tanglin Club was one of the pillars of social life in Singapore for successful members of the European community. By the late 1930's its ballroom had the reputation of having the best dance floor in the island and the Club band was a focal point of attraction. The highlight of Singapore's social calendar was The Tanglin Ball. Even today the ball is held yearly in the Churchill Room, an icon of the Club. Squash and tennis are also synonymous with The Tanglin Club.

Before the fall of Singapore in February 1942, the Club was prepared for use as a convalescent depot for the Malayan Armed Service and an evacuee centre. During the Japanese occupation the Club was used as a Japanese officers' club. Having survived the vicissitudes of debt and war, age and apathy, even a major transformation, The Tanglin Club still retains an aura of exclusivity as one of the premier social clubs in Singapore today.

Having grown from "Forty Good Men" to 6,000 members, the Club prides itself on its international and cosmopolitan nature with more than 70 nationalities among its members. It has earned a reputation of prestige and quality. Tanglin Club membership is still very much sought after as it offers excellent facilities and a distinguished lifestyle to its members.

The presidents of Tanglin Club were persons of prominence such that there are many streets named after them eg Dunman Road, Anderson Road & Bridge, Read Street & Bridge, Birch Road, Bishopsgate and Finlayson Green.

The Tanglin Club today is an inviting oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation as its ambience still evokes the grace and charm of the past while reflecting its mission of being a "home away from home". Even more so today, The Tanglin Club with its strategic location, cosmopolitan membership and modern facilities, caters to the wants and desires of contemporary men and women.

Movement for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore

New friends from MINDS program -Movement for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore- (http://www.minds.org.sg/) We had a fun morning at a sports day and carnival hosted by Yishan Junior College.

Rotary World Understanding and Peace Day

Beautiful banquet at Mandarin Orchard Hotel, Singapore.

My Rotary Host John Ng

Guest speaker for the evening, US Deputy Chief of Mission to Singapore, Louis Mazel

Two North Bay Scholars Meet in Bali

Meeting up with Jennifer McNutt-Bywater, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Alumnus and current Owner of Vested Interest North Bay in Ubud Bali for a visit. This photo is taken after a Hash Run through Rice Fields.

The Chain Reaction Project

I'm very excited to continue my involvement in helping create awareness for the country of Timor-Leste (East Timor). After travelling there last October for one week to help finish filming a documentary on The Chain Reaction Project, Hiam Health and Timor, I am now working on public relations for the official screening event in a few weeks. For all those in Singapore, look forward to seeing you there! DVDs can be purchased for $20 with proceeds going back to Timor.

"Why Everyone Should Live in Canada"

 

                                 

 

S U M M A R Y   O F   R S O S

The Rotary Foundation Regional Scholar Orientation Seminar (RSOS) is organized specially for outbound ambassadorial scholars awarded by Rotary International.  The RSOS is offered in different districts or regions, and includes training on how to develop speeches and presentations, and provide unique opportunities for scholars to meet and share with scholars, alumni, and Rotarians in the region.  This year, our district has organized the only RSOS in Asia at the Lingnan Institute of Further Education at Tsim Sha Tsui, co-hosted with District 3520, the 3-day seminar successfully started by opening speeches of DG Jason Chan & the RSOS (2011) Chairman PP Eugene Fong on Jan 14.
There’re altogether 30 participants from 9 countries, including current year Inbound scholars from Canada, Italy & USA who are studying in Asia, as well as outbound scholars from Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Taiwan & Mongolia.  Apart from ambassadorial scholars, we also have 2 GSE teams joining the seminar, one team from our district, the other from Taiwan.
This year’s program includes Rotary International & Rotary Foundation briefing sessions to give ambassadorial scholars & GSE teams a better understanding of the ideals and visions of their programs.  We’ve invited PP Calum Thomson (RI District 1020, Scotland) and his wife (Rotarian & Past Scholar from our district -- Sarah Siu) to share their experience on Rotary service and her journey to becoming a Rotarian.
Toastmaster and trainer Ms. Yvonne Lee was invited to train participants to give effective presentations to help them create impactful speeches during their year of scholarship or exchange. Participants have the chance to exercise by presenting at the seminar on cultural or humanitarian topics, instant feedbacks were given on the ground to help them improve their skills.  Chair of the Southeast Asia Chapter of the Academy of International Business, PP Professor T S Chan, joined us and talked on personal and professional development to inspire participants think and plan what they want to achieve through their awarded programs.  Past scholars and GSE teams were invited to lead the breakout sessions to give insights to participants on what to expect and what are expected from them.
Other than training and sharing, we of course wanted to do more cultural exchange with the participants by letting them understand our district & Hong Kong. Fellowship dinner at a regular Rotary Club meeting (hosted by RC Hong Kong Harbour) and a boat ride to Lamma Island served the purpose.  Past scholar and now Head of Communications for SFC, Ms. Fanny Fong, gave an inspiring speech about her scholarship experience when she was in the UK.
The seminar came to an end on Jan 16 after the graduation lunch. Participants enjoyed the fellowship and training during the seminar, for we could see a lot of sharing among these young and energetic adults. Touched by the stories from participants and speakers, some of the participants said the seminar was the best experience in their life.  Their joyous faces are the source of fulfillment for the organizing committee.  We look forward to sharing the details of RSOS 2012 to you next year!

Hong Kong: Speaking at Rotary Orientation Seminar District 3450

Presenting a brief talk on why everyone should live work and vacation in Canada as an example of making presentations to the outgoing scholars.

Team Photo of Outbound Ambassadorial Scholars after a night boat cruise

Poverty Lunch Activity involved the large team being broken down into smaller groups. Each group was given a different meal to represent the inequalities between countries.

One of many ice breaker activities to help us remember each others' names.

Sarah Tam, past Rotary Scholar, seen speaking here was a key coordinator for the weekend.

Enjoying Rotary Fellowship on a night boat cruise on way for our Island dinner.

My attempt at painting Chinese Characters which I really enjoyed.

Pictured here with District Governor 3450 Jason and PP Ken while being recognized for Best Speaker Award.

Facilitating a group activity on Rotary Values and Objectives

After the final activity of sharing with a string, positive comments about each other.

This Red Rotary Scarf I'm wearing was a thank you gift from RI District 3450.

Enjoying one of many keynote speakers during the weekend.

A new friend, to my left, is an urban planner in Bangladesh who is concerned with environmental sustainability and is one of the outbound scholars for 2011-2012.

Listening to group discussions and dialogue.

I really loved being able to speak and share so much with the outgoing scholars.

Thank you to RI District 3450 for the invitation to speak at your orientation seminar.