DG Newsletter – June

Time flies, it is time to recap and review our achievements in Rotary Year 2023-24. I am so proud of all we have achieved together. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as your District Governor. You have given Jane and me valuable memories which we will cherish forever. I look forward to our continued friendship and our collective commitment to creating hope in the world.

Rotary is where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary Year 2023-24 has been an eventful year for our District. We have been privileged and honoured to be part of numerous innovative and inspiring “Create Hope in the World” service projects.

Members are the lifeblood of our District. To maximise our impact, we’ve strived to attract new members while retaining existing ones.  We see a healthy growth in membership, reaching a record high of over 4,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors.

We have surpassed our goal of contributing USD 1 million to The Rotary Foundation, achieving a contribution of over USD 1.2 million. Thank you all generous contributors who are devoted to empower the Rotary Foundation to drive positive change on a global scale.

RY2023-24 is a year of expansion. Brand Building is generating awareness and promoting District 3450 with strategies and tactics. Through effective Public Image initiatives, the interactive Governor’s Kitchen video series shared the Rotary life journeys of our Past District Governors and experienced Rotarians. The newly launched Impact Database System further strengthened our ability to measure and substantiate the impact of our collective efforts.

Our District has strived to provide more platforms for Rotaractors, Interactors and JuniorActors, encouraging them to develop leadership skills, as well as serving the community with a hope-creating heart.

Mental health workshops were held to recognise the importance of mental well-being. Our commitment to vocational service such as career expos, mentorship programs, and career development opportunities allow us to nurture a culture of excellence, integrity, and service in the workplace. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been fostered throughout the year to embrace the diverse tapestry of humanity and to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

It is our pleasure to have Rotary International President Gordon Mclnally and Heather Mclnally visiting the 3 regions of District 3450. Our honorable guests had a precious time during the 9-day visit. Their presence and engagement with Rotarians, Rotaractors, government officials, local charitable organisations and service partner left a lasting impression.

To all dedicated Past District Governors, Assistant Governors, District Officers, Presidents, committee members, fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors,  may I present my heartfelt appreciation for being my company on the path to Create Hope in the World over the year. As we march into Rotary Year 2024-25, I am confident that Incoming District Governor Nigel Lo and his team will amplify the transformative power of Rotary through “The Magic of Rotary” – a theme that embraces fellowship, diverse perspectives, and collective action to create lasting change.

Let us uphold the values of Rotary, embrace diversity and work together to work out The Magic of Rotary. Your commitment and contribution are the reasons why we are Rotarians. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

時間轉瞬便過,該是時候回顧過去一年的成就。 2023-24扶輪年度在社友的共同努力下創下不少佳績,作為地區總監,我亦與有榮焉,並為我們的成就感到非常自豪。我和太太Jane和我將銘記這一年來所發生一切,並期待能繼續與各位交流互動,共同致力為世界創造希望。

扶輪使我們齊聚一堂,身體力行在全球、社區以及我們自身創造持久的改變。2023-24扶輪年度是充實的一年,我們很榮幸能夠參與許多創新和鼓舞人心的「為世界創造希望」服務項目。

社友是地區的根基。為擴大我們的影響力,在致力吸納新成員的同時,我們不忘留置現有社友。會員增幅穩步上揚,合共錄得4,000多名新扶輪社友和扶青社員加入的新高。

我們已超額完成年初所定籌募100萬美元的目標,扶輪基金會所籌金額已逾120萬美元。感謝所有致力幫助扶輪基金會在全球範圍內推動積極變革的慷慨捐助者。

2023-24扶輪年度是拓展的一年。透過不同的策略,建立扶輪品牌,提高知名度。透過有效的公眾形象舉措,前地區總監與資深扶輪社友於總監廚房影片系列分享了扶輪的點點滴滴。新推出的Impact report系統助我們進一步衡量所投放的人力物力,肯定社友們集體的努力。

地區致力為扶青社員、扶少團員和扶雋團員提供更多平台,鼓勵他們發展領導能力,並懷著創造希望的心服務社區。

今年地區亦舉辦心理健康研討會以認識心理健康的重要性。同時舉辦職業博覽會、輔導計劃和職業發展機會等職業導向服務,培育卓越、真誠可靠和服務的就業理念。我們一如既往推動多元、公平和包容的理念,以擁抱社會多樣化,營造包容的環境,讓所有人都備受重視。

扶輪主席扶輪社長葛登‧麥金納利和其夫人Heather Mclnally探訪3450地區的3個地區,與社友們度過了寶貴時光。他們的到來以及與扶輪社友、扶青社員、政府官員、當地慈善組織和服務合作夥伴的互動給人留下深刻印象。

衷心感謝前地區總監、助理總監、地區職員、社長、委員會成員、社友與扶青社員的支持。感謝各位與我在「為世界創造希望」的道路上攜手前行。在我們邁入2024-25扶輪年度之際,我深信候任地區總監羅承益和他的團隊將透過「神奇扶輪」擴展扶輪的力量,胸懷友誼、多元觀點和齊心協力的精神,作出持久的改變。

讓我們秉持扶輪的價值觀,擁抱多元化,共同努力創造神奇扶輪。眾人的承諾和貢獻是我們成為扶輪社友的原因。謹此祝願各位來年充實豐盛。

The 64th Rotary District Conference was successfully held on 18-19 May 2024 at the Regala Skycity Hotel, Hong Kong. It is our honor to have Past Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran and guest of honour Michael Wong GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary gracing the occasion and sharing with us Hong Kong’s current economic and future development plan. On the second day, Mr. Clarence Leung BBS, JP, Under Secy for Home and Youth Affairs, shared with us on the youth development programs provided by the Hong Kong Government.

I am proud to make a conclusion on what had been done and what is going to be accomplished at the conference over the last 10 months.  The conference was filled with thought-provoking conversations, valuable exchanges, with great camaraderie. I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your enthusiasm and unwavering support.

第64屆扶輪地區年會於2024年5月18-19日假座香港麗豪航天城酒店完滿舉行。我們很榮幸能邀得前國際扶輪社長K.R. Ravindran及主禮嘉賓香港財政司副司長黃偉綸GBS,JP親臨現場參與地區年會,並分享香港的經濟現況及未來發展計劃。在年會的第二日,我們邀請到民政及青年事務局副局長梁宏正BBS,JP為我們分享香港政府為香港青年的發展所提供的機會。

我於年會上對過去10個月所作的努力與仍在進行的服務作出總結。會上充滿發人深省的對話、寶貴的交流和深厚的情誼。感激各位的踴躍參與及支持。

After the successful District Conference, another important event for Rotarians, RI Convention, was held on 25-29 May. This year, over 14,000 Rotarians from 40 countries gathered in Singapore to participate in breakout sessions and browse exhibits. The 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore focused on the future, emphasising Rotary’s continuing mission to promote peace and goodwill. Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally emphasized Rotary’s long-standing commitment to building peace and noted that the topic has been a key interest almost since Rotary began.

I extended my invitation to everyone to join the Governor’s banquet in Chijmes Hall at the District Conference. It is my pleasure to have 240 fellow Rotarians to be my guests on 27 May. I would like to take this opportunity to thank PDGs for their guidance, as well as my District teams, Presidents, fellow Rotarians and my loving family for your unwavering support in RY2023-24.

Last but not least, thank you all participating Rotarians from District 3450. At the RI Convention, we exchanged our ideas, resolution and work on how to make a lasting change in the community with Rotarians around the world.  Let’s leverage the fresh perspectives and connections gained from RI Convention to create greater impact.

繼成功舉行地區會議後,扶輪社友的另一個重要活動-國際扶輪年會於5月25日至29日舉行。今年,來自40個國家的14,000多名扶輪社員齊聚新加坡,參加不同分組會議和展覽。2024年在新加坡舉行的國際扶輪年會以未來為焦點,強調扶輪將繼續致力於促進和平與善意的使命。國際扶輪社長葛登‧麥金納利強調扶輪對建設和平的長期承諾,並指出締造和平一直是扶輪社自成立以來的目標之一。

我於地區年會上誠邀各位出席於國際扶輪年會期間在Chijmes Hall舉行的總監晚宴。我很高興於5 月27日邀得240名扶輪社友與會。謹此感謝前地區總監的指導,以及我的地區團隊、社長、一眾社友和我的家人在2023-24扶輪年度的堅定支持。

最後,感謝3450地區扶輪社友不遠千里出席年會。我們於會上與世界各地的扶輪社員就如何為社區帶來持久改變相互交流意見、解決方案和服務。把握新觀點與新聯繫,讓我們一同創造更大的影響力。

More than 300 incoming District Officers, President-Elects and Club Officers gathered at Regal Kowloon Hotel on 3 May, attending sessions by session conducted by experienced trainers and speakers, preparing them for their respective roles. Incoming District Governor Nigel Lo introduced the priorities and District focuses for Rotary Year 2024-25.

逾300名來屆地區職員、候任社長及扶輪社幹事於5月3日齊聚九龍富豪酒店,聆聽資深社友的分享與講解,為他們來年所擔任的職務做好準備。來屆地區總監羅承益介紹2024-25扶輪年度的主要的服務範疇與地區焦點。藉此祝願來屆地區總監羅承益及其團隊實現神奇扶輪。

Rotary Year 2023-24 has been a fruitful year. On 31 May, the Rotary Foundation Committee Chair PDG Belinda invited incoming and outgoing TRF Committee members to the Rotary Foundation Committee Appreciation Dinner. At the dinner, PDG Belinda recognized all subcommittee Chairs and their team members for their commitment in serving our District for the past three years. She also took this opportunity to wish all incoming TRF Committee members to achieve another great height under the leadership by PDG Wilson Cheng for the coming Rotary Years. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to PDG Belinda and her powerful team for their effort. Thank you all hope-creating Rotarians and friends for contributing to The Rotary Foundation.

2023-24扶輪年度是碩果累累的一年。扶輪基金會委員會主席前地區總監楊碧瑤於5月31日邀請現屆及來屆地區扶輪基金會委員會成員參加感謝晚宴。在晚宴上,她表彰了所有在過去三年為地區扶輪基金委員會付出的每一位成員,同時她深信新一屆的地區扶輪基金委員會在前地區總監鄭鶴明的帶領下, 定能再創佳績!謹此再次感謝前地區總楊碧瑤及其團隊的付出!同時感謝所有創造希望的扶輪社員友和朋友們為扶輪基金會所作的貢獻。

The program aims at enabling our secondary students to demonstrate their commitment to reach out and serve the community, and their ability of applying their knowledge to do services for the betterment of the society. This year, participants are required to address one of the areas with their innovative ideas: (i) care for the environment; (ii) care for the underprivileged; (iii) fight against diseases or address mental health problems; or (iv) manifestation of civic responsibilities. Over 80 teams gathered at the awarding ceremony on 13 May. Congratulations to students from Lai King Catholic Secondary School. What an innovative way to generate electricity with pressure on stairs!

該計劃旨在讓中學生展現出他們對關懷和服務社區的承諾,並鼓勵他們運用知識推動社會進步,服務社會。今年,參賽者需要善用他們的創新想法來解決以下範疇:(i)關心環境;(ii)照顧弱勢社群;(iii)對抗疾病或解決精神健康問題;或(iv)展現公民責任。逾80支隊伍於5月13日齊聚頒獎典禮。恭喜荔景天主教中學的同學們,突破思維框架利用行樓梯發電。

This year, we’ve echoed RI President Gordon’s call to address the issue of mental health. We had the Mental Health Seminar, Mental Health First Aid Training Course and Mental Health Student Ambassadors. On 12 May, our mental health campaign came to an end. Together with guests Dr. Ko Wing Man, Mr. Alex Wong and Dr. Chiu Siu Ning, over 250 people from our 5 service partners and 46 supporting Clubs members showed up at the Mental Health Campaign Closing Ceremony to show their support. The ceremony ended with creating a giant Zentangle art piece by all the participants.

今年,我們響應國際扶輪社長葛登‧麥金納利的呼籲,關注精神健康。我們舉辦精神健康研討會、精神健康急救訓練課程和精神健康學生大使。今年的精神健康計劃於5月12日暫告結束,當天邀得嘉賓高永文醫生、Alex Wong醫生和趙少寧醫生到場支持,逾250人出席閉幕禮,大部分來自我們5個服務合作夥伴及46個支持的扶輪社。計劃以全體與會者共同創作巨型禪繞畫完滿結束。

Over 30 Rotarians and Rotaractors participated in the 6-day national study tour in Shanghai and Hangzhou on 7 to 11 June. At the first stop, the team visited Shanghai high-tech enterprises, understanding the overall planning and latest development of Shanghai. The team was invited to have a tour to China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, one of the cradles of Chinese artists and Cainiao operating center, a subsidiary of Alibaba e-commerce logistics. We enjoyed the breathtaking view of Hangzhou West Lake, and bathed ourselves in the Chinese tradition at Yuewang Temple and Lingyin Temple. The team also visited the Rotary Club in Shanghai. We had an in-depth conversation with SR Andrew Hill, PSR Richard Zi and SRE Ian Cheng from District 52 on Rotary’s latest development in China.

逾30名扶輪及扶青社員於6月7日至12日期間參加為期六天的上海杭州國情交流團。一行人於上海參觀高新科技企業,了解上海規劃發展大局。同時應邀參觀中國藝術家搖籃之一的中央美術學院以及阿里巴巴電商物流子公司菜鳥。一行人亦前往杭州西湖一覽當地美景,並參拜岳王廟與靈隱寺,沐浴在中國傳統的氛圍下。此外,團隊亦有探訪位於上海的扶輪社,與52地區的SR Andrew Hill、PSR Richard Zi和SRE Ian Cheng深入交流,討論扶輪在中國的發展。