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!
