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ROTARACT CLUB OF SUBANG

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT

“HOSTING OF RAC KOWLOON GOLDEN MILE, RID3450”

Prepared by: Jamie Lioh Kee Mei Secretary Belvinder Kaur

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PART A: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The hosting of Rotaract Club of Kowloon Golden Mile (RAC KGM), RID3450 took place from 5th November to 9

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November 2011, mainly in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. A total of three joint community service projects were carried out

throughout the 5 days 4 nights goodwill visit in collaboration with the host club, Rotaract Club of Subang (RAC Subang),

RID3300. These included:

1. Christmas Wishlist Project with Myanmar Refugee Children

2. KL Bird Park Educational Visit with Myanmar Refugee Children

3. Charity Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Malacca

Charted in 1997, under the sponsoring Rotary club of Kowloon Golden Mile, RAC KGM now has a total of 31 active

members. Focusing to serve the physical and social needs of their communities, to enhance the knowledge and skills that

will assist them in personal development, to gain unique international experiences through participation in international

conferences, volunteer work in other countries and visits from Rotaractors from other countries, RAC KGM organizes

different projects and activities, brings different members together with young men and women of similar backgrounds and

interests to enjoy the fruits of effective teamwork, the success of worthwhile projects, and the bonds of lasting friendship.

As such, a group of 16 RAC KGM Rotaractors participated in the visit to RID3300, Malaysia with the intention to expand

Rotary and Rotaract’s humanitarian reach around the world and to promote world understanding and peace. RAC Subang

on the other hand has always extended our hospitality to visiting international Rotaractors and with the sanction by District

Board, RAC Subang was to be the main host for RAC KGM visit as part of district official International Service Inbound

Visit.

PART B (1): OBJECTIVES

1. To foster international understanding and friendships between RAC Kowloon Golden Mile, RID3450 and RAC Subang,

RID3300.

2. To promote international goodwill through undertaking international development and assistance projects.

3. To develop professional skills and instill leadership qualities in members through organizing and executing the project.

4. To provide a better understanding to guests on Rotaract organization and its avenues.

5. To involve active participation and fellowship among the club members and guests.

6. To achieve the objectives of World Rotaract Week, Presidential Citation and DRR Citation.

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PART B (2): ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Overall Organizing Chairperson : IPDRR Sanjeev Kumar

Treasurer : IPDRR Sanjeev Kumar

International Service Director : Rotaractor Sylvia Chew

Christmas Wishlist Organizing

Chairperson

: Rotaractor Lim Phui Cheng

KL Bird Park Visit Organizing

Chairperson

: Rotaractor Jimmy Cheng

Hosting Committee Members : IPP Belvinder Kaur

PP James Ong

Rotaractor Jamie Lioh

Participants : Pres. Rudran

Rotaractor Aaron Tang

Rotaractor Jasmine Ng

Chea Sook Mei

Hannah Tan

Tan Hui Peng

PART C (1): ITINERARY

November 5, Saturday

1245 PM Arrival of RAC KGM at KLIA

0300 PM Christmas Party with Myanmar Refugee children

Venue: StART Society

Program Flow:-

1) Performance by children

2) Game Time - RAC KGM

3) Lunch / Fellowship

4) Gift Presentation - RAC Subang, RAC KGM, Sponsors

0600 PM Depart to Malacca

0800 PM Check in to Hangout, Jonker Street

0830 PM Welcome Dinner at Portugese Settlement

1000 PM Malacca Night - Jonker Street, Malacca River

1200 MN Satay Celup at Capitol

0200 AM Return to Hotel

November 6, Sunday

0800 AM Breakfast around Jonker street

0900 AM Malacca Historical Tour

1) St. Paul’s Hill and Church

2) A' Famosa Portuguese Fort

3) Red Square (Stadhuys, Christ Church, Victoria Fountain)

1130 AM Check out from Hangout, Jonker Street

1200 NN Lunch at Chicken Rice Ball

Dessert & Local Delicacies Shopping at San Shu Gong

0230 PM Community Service Project - Tun Fatimah Orphanage

0330 PM Depart back to KL

0630 PM Check in at MyHome, SS2

0730 PM Dinner in Restaurant 88, Aman Suria

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1000 PM Return to Hotel

Clubbing at Sanctuary, The Curve

November 7, Monday

0800 AM Breakfast at Pelita, SS2

0900 AM Bus pick up at Tesco, Puchong

1000 AM Community Service Project - KL Bird Park Visit

0130 PM Lunch at KL Bird Park

0300 PM Depart to Tesco, Puchong

0400 PM Visit to Batu Caves

0600 PM Indian Food Dinner

0800 PM Night Market at SS2

Durian at SS2

Yum Cha at Mamak, SS2

1100 PM Return to Hotel

November 8, Tuesday

0800 AM Breakfast in SS2

0930 AM Check out MyHome, SS2

1000 AM Check in/Luggage drop off at Frenz Hotel, KL

1200 NN Lunch at Bat Kut Teh

0100 PM Community Service Project - UNCHR in Cheras

0330 PM Visit to Central Market and Petaling Street

0600 PM Farewell Dinner at Kim Lian Ji Hokkien Mee

0900 PM Hangout in Dataran Merdeka

Night Visit to KLCC

0200 AM Return to Hotel

November 9, Wednesday

0800 AM Check out Frenz Hotel, KL

0830 AM Breakfast at Hotel

0930 AM Visit to KL Tower

1100 AM Lunch at Sri Penang, KLCC Suria

0100 PM Shopping at KLCC Suria

0300 PM Depart to KLIA

0645 PM Departure of RAC KGM to HK

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PART C (2): ACCOUNTS

No. Items

Debit Credit

Club

Expenses

District

Expenses

(RM) (RM) (RM) (RM)

1 Christmas Wishlist Project

Christmas Wishlist Sponsorship Collection 2,950.00

Christmas Party Ticket Sale 730.00

Purchase of Gifts 1,738.50

Clown Performance 200.00

F&B, Canopy Rental 1,655.00

Garbage Bag 20.00

Napkins 14.00

2 KL Bird Park Educational Visit

Collection from RAC Subang Members 175.00

Collection from RAC KGM Members 630.00

Breakfast 13.95

Printing of Name Stickers 5.10

KL Bird Park Entrance Ticket 455.00 210.00

Lunch 350.00 154.55

3 Welcoming Dinner @ Portugese Settlement, Malacca 610.40

4 Souvenir (District Pin, Postcard & Envelope) 102.40

GRAND TOTAL 4,485.00 4,418.50 610.40 500.00

Revenue Amount (RM)

RAC Subang Community Service Fund for Myanmar Home 66.50

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PART D: PHOTOS

Christmas Wishlist Project

Christmas presents awaits! RAC KGM Rotaractors striking a conversation with Myanmar kids

despite the language barrier

A personalized Christmas note for each child

Ex Interactor, McRoyRoy keeping the children entertained with his balloon twisting performance

RAC KGM Vice President, Thomas Chan presenting gift to sponsored child

Myanmar children with their printed artwork on Shelter Home 2012 Calendar

Say cheeeeseeee!

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RAC KGM at Malacca

RAC KGM at Stadhuys, Malacca Some artsy shot at the Red House

RAC KGM at the A’Famosa Portugese Fort 1, 2, 3, Jump!

Another tourist pose at the fort Lunch time! Finger licking good chicken rice balls!

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Charity Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama

Briefing on the history and operation of Charity Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Ashram to Rotaractors

Bonding with the orphans at Sri Ramakrishna Ashram

Origami workshop by RAC KGM Stationary pack for the children

Presentation of reading materials to orphanage Group picture!

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KL Bird Park Educational Visit

Group picture before entering KL Bird Park Amazed by the variety of birds at the park

Say hi to the camera above! Highlight of the day – KL Bird Park Bird Show

RAC Subang, RAC KGM, Volunteers, Guest and children from the Myanmar Refugee Home

Yumssssssss~

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RAC KGM at Kuala Lumpur

At the Batik factory, Melawati Mabel looking good in Batik

Standing high, the world's tallest statue of Murugan outside Batu Caves

Huffing and puffing up Batu Caves Finally at the top!

Getting all excited to try Banana Leaf Rice the traditional way – eating with your bare hands

Curryyyyy~

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RAC KGM IS Director, Gelati Ting exchanging souvenir with RID3300 DRR Sunil

Group Picture time – Smile!

Indulging in the famous Bat Kut Teh Shopping time at Petaling Street

Gifts for the host club, RAC Subang Cheers the Malaysian way – Yuuuummmmmmmmm Seng!

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Farewell Note by RAC KGM IS Director, Gelati Ting Camera time~

Exchanging of club banner – RAC KGM Pres. Jennie Wong and

RAC Subang Pres. Rudran

IS Directors from both clubs – Sylvia Chew and Gelati Ting

The Battle of “Chok” (Poser) Hong Kong vs Malaysia

Group Picture at Dataran Merdeka Square Lunch at Little Penang, Suria KLCC before departing

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Must take Shot #1 – Petronas Twin Towers Must Take Shot #2 – Suria KLCC

Must Take Shot #3 – KL Tower With RAC Subang guest, Hannah Tan Last stop at Malaysia!

Hosting of RAC KGM Facebook Group Encore from the visit!

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PART E: PROJECT PLANNING

The goodwill visit to Malaysia was first proposed by RAC KGM’s president, Jennie Wong back in June 2011 when she

was planning for her term’s international service projects. She contacted District Secretary PP Koshla to enquire about

projects in D3300 that is worth collaborating with. PP Koshla proposed RAC Subang’s Christmas Wishlist Project, and

with the blessing of DRR Sunil Hasmukharay and District International Service Director, Jitco Chin, District 3300

approached RAC Subang to not only include RAC KGM in the project but also for RAC Subang to be the main host of

RAC KGM as part of district official International Service Inbound Visit. After few rounds of initial discussion among board

of directors, RAC Subang happily agreed to host RAC KGM during their visit to Malaysia. There marked the beginning of

itinerary planning, joint projects and etc in regards to the hosting.

Hosting a group of 16 foreign guests definitely posed a challenge to RAC Subang’s organizing committee to ensure all

matters are well-planned and coordinated throughout the visit. To do so, RAC Subang divided the organizing committee in

such that each committee member will be in charge of one aspect of the hosting and work closely with the overall

organizing chairperson during the planning stage. This not only helps to distribute tasks evenly among members, it

ensures an active participation among club members.

Upon the confirmation on the number of visiting Rotaractors, the committee had a discussion with club members on

transportation arrangement for the guests as well as for the KL Bird Park outing with Myanmar children. Members

explored and compared the prices of several transportation options before all decided to hire a 48-seater bus for the

guests as well as children due to its cost effectiveness and convenience. Based on the experience of hosting 21

Taiwanese Rotaractors from RID3500 back in early 2011, it was a consensus decision that a bus will be a better option to

eliminate the troubles of fitting huge luggage in cars, drivers dropping out of the convoy on trips, hassle of coordinating

timing among drivers and most importantly it helps to manage our timing and schedule more efficiently.

Moving forward, the committee started on the planning of visiting dates, itinerary as well as when to conduct the

community service projects taking into consideration of the availability of club members, volunteers, Myanmar children as

well as the opening hours of parks. Finally, the visiting date was set from November 5 to November 9 as it was a long

weekend in Malaysia which enables more members to take part in the hosting. Most RAC KGM’s Rotaractors are first

timers to Malaysia and were extremely excited about the visit suggesting places such as Taman Negara National Park,

Penang, Langkawi, Pulau Redang and many more. However, due to the tight schedule and distance, the committee

advised RAC KGM to visit just two states, Malacca and Kuala Lumpur so that the group does not spend most of the time

travelling on road. Upon agreement, RAC Subang also contacted RAC Kota Melaka, RID3310 to see if they were

interested in joining both clubs during the visit in Malacca.

For community service project, RAC KGM and RAC Subang joined resources to organize the Christmas Wishlist Project

for Myanmar children. As the dates of visitation were set in early November, the project was brought forward a month

earlier to accommodate RAC KGM’s visit. The committee quickly requested Shelter Home to gather and submit the

children’s wishlist so that members can kick start to seek gift sponsorship from public. As RAC KGM and RAC Subang

shared the ownership of the wishlist, there was lots of coordination required to ensure there wasn’t any repetition of gift for

the same kid. What’s more the wishlist varies from daily necessities, sport equipment, footwear, clothing, toys to books.

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To ease the communication, a Whatsapp group chat was created to help communicate any queries and timely responses

to both clubs’ committee.

At the same time, Jimmy and Jamie were in touch with KL Bird Park’s marketing executive, Vin to inquiry on the

sponsorship of entrance tickets for the Myanmar children and Rotaractors. With much help from Vin, we managed to get a

special discount on tickets where the fee is only RM5 for children and RM15 for adult. Although the entrance tickets were

not 100% sponsored, it was still a steal as the normal admission fee for adult is RM48 and RM38 for children. This saved

us a large amount of money! Also, considering that the KL Bird Park is an outdoor activity and subject to weather

conditions, RAC Subang also prepared a back up plan to visit National Science Centre if the weather on that day does not

do us any good. And as the weather forecast stated, it was raining in the morning on the day of our KL Bird Park visit.

However, lucky enough for us, the rain stopped when we arrived at the park with the children.

Throughout the entire hosting, the organizing committee strived to ensure it is a superb experience for everyone. Keeping

that in mind, the committee ensured RAC Subang members are always with the RAC KGM Rotaractors throughout their

visit to assist them in terms of planning of activities, coordination on accommodation, liason with the bus driver, and last of

all act as a local tour guide or even a translator! The effort of doing so ensure everything’s on schedule and nothing’s

overlooked.

In overall, all events during the hosting were well managed and went on smoothly with the cooperation of district and co-

host clubs, RAC Melawati and RAC Kota Melaka. By dividing the organizing committee to take charge of different aspects

of the hosting certainly eases the planning process and helps to develop professional skills and instill leadership qualities

in members. It was a great learning and hosting experience for RAC Subang!

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PART F: PROJECT EXECUTION

Throughout the 5 days 4 nights goodwill visit, RAC KGM in collaboration with the host club, RAC Subang in RID3300 has

successfully carried out a total of 3 community service projects. These projects include the Christmas Wishlist Project and

KL Bird Park Educational Visit with the Myanmar Refugee Home as well as a Charity Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama,

an orphanage in Malacca.

These projects were conceived and executed mainly to achieve two of the Rotaract goals which are: To develop

knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide and To

provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international

understanding and goodwill toward all people (Rotaract Handbook, page 1).

Community Service Projects in Malaysia

Christmas Wishlist Project

This project is an annual project for RAC Subang since 2009 and this time, with the collaboration of RAC KGM, we are

able to organize the project at a bigger scale sponsoring gifts for approximately 100 children. By doing a joint project, it is

now a collective effort of both clubs to bring our forces and contributions together to help more underprivileged children

to have a Christmas to remember.

Besides getting their wish list granted, we also held a Christmas party for the children which gives both clubs the

opportunity to work and interact with the refugee children, person in charge to better understand the needs,

problems faced by the community and perhaps are able to devise and implement appropriate activities to address

those issues in our next projects.

Amidst the language barriers, jet lag and tiredness after long haul flight, all Rotaractors were so enthusiastic taking part in

the project, so were the volunteers, children and their caretakers. The project was a huge success and creates a

memorable lasting Christmas experience for everyone who attended.

RAC Subang together with RAC KGM sincerely hopes the effort in undertaking the Christmas Wishlist project would make

a difference and bring smiles to these underprivileged children. In return, these children have again reminded us to

be grateful for what we have and be more appreciative of the simple luxuries of life that we have taken for granted. In

line with 2011/2012 Rotary theme, “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”, the project encourages members to

harness their inner resolve and strength to accomplish great things in their own life, surrounding communities

and lastly around the world.

KL Bird Park Educational Visit

One of RAC Subang’s long term projects includes organizing outings for the Myanmar Refugee children. The main

purpose is to improve the quality of life and provide opportunity for the refugee children to learn, grow and experience

regardless of their background and status.

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As such, during the RAC KGM visit, RAC Subang proposed to organize a day trip to the world’s largest free-flight walk-in

aviary, KL Bird Park with Myanmar refugee children. Not just to sightseeing and fellowship among Rotaractors, the

project is able to expand both Subang and RAC KGM’s members understanding on the hardships and different life

paths of these refugee children that live within our community. This project also managed to demonstrate and practice

Rotaract’s motto, “Fellowship Through Service” where Rotaractors are given the opportunity to give service while at

the same time enjoying the fun and fellowship of working with others who have the same “Service Above Self” goals.

Charity Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama

Beside sight-seeing in Malacca, RAC Subang and RAC KGM visited an orphanage in Tengkera, Malacca before heading

back to Kuala Lumpur. After a quick briefing by the person in charge, Rotaractors spent almost three hours with the

children playing a friendly football game, conducting origami paper folding workshop and present each kid with a

stationery pack and toys.

Despite the short-term impact of our visit, both clubs believe our presence surely lifted up the orphans’ spirit by

showering them with small gifts and most importantly our attention and companionship. By reaching out to the community

outside our serving community, it also helps to increase awareness and enhance Rotaract and Rotary’s public image.

International fellowship with RAC KGM Rotaractors

Rotaractors from KGM set foot on Malaysian soil on November 5 and the following four days was a fun-filled never ending

fellowship. Besides the above mentioned community service projects, KGM Rotaractors had the opportunity to visit

Malaysia’s historical state, Malacca for a two days one night trip and spent the remaining trip touring around KL city centre

meeting various Ratoractors from RID3300 and RID3310.

During the Malacca trip, RAC Kota Melaka’s President JS Leong and his guests joined both clubs’ fellowship showing the

troop around Malacca. The group visited St. Paul’s Hill and Church, A’Famosa Portuguese Fort, the Stadhuys, Christ

Church, Victoria Fountain and Jonker Street. The visit is guided by Malaysian Rotaractors to foster cultural exchanges

and increase understanding of one another’s cultural. Then, the guests were brought to savor the must-try chicken

rice balls and cendol in Malacca. All Rotaractors enjoyed the time bonding over good food and friendship.

Back in KL, the group visited the National Monument, a batik factory, Batu Caves hosted by RAC Melawati, then to

Central Market, Petaling Street, Dataran Merdeka, and not to be missed the iconic buildings of Malaysia, Petronas Twin

Towers and KL Tower. A dinner hosted by RID3300 at Melawati was joined by Rotaractors from RAC Subang,

Damansara, Bangsar, Pudu, Melawati, and Gombak. It was quite an adventure for most RAC KGM’s Rotaractors who

tried authentic Indian cuisine for the very first time. On the last night before the guests depart to their home country, a

farewell dinner was arranged at Kim Lian Ji, Petaling Street as the two clubs, RAC Subang and RAC KGM marked a new

beginning of a relationship in the family of Rotaract.

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Conclusion

In overall, the hosting was a success. The experience not only allows us to make new foreign friends but foster a

greater sense of community by serving the less fortunate in our neighborhood. Furthermore, by involving volunteers and

guests of RAC Subang throughout the hosting, it has helped to plant the seeds for future Rotaract Club membership

as an initial positive experience often encourages people to get involved in other service activities.

Another benefit of the hosting is RAC KGM has extended their invitation to RAC Subang members to visit Hong Kong to

learn what life is like in their country, providing members the opportunity to learn more about different cultures.

Lastly, it has always been RAC Subang’s pleasure to welcome our fellow Rotaractors from around the world to Malaysia.

Whatever our native language or culture, we are bound together by the spirit of Rotary and Rotaract and its motto of

Service Above Self.