Vol.49 Issue 13 dated 01 October 2012 - the Rotary Club of Singapore

October 1 st , 2012 

Volume 49 Issue No.13 

Inside this Issue 

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e-bulletin published by Rotary Club of Singapore 

Proud of our Heritage , Committed to our Future 

Chartered in 1930 

In Focus Last Week Mark your Diary 

Inspirational Project Trip to 

Malang 

Last Week 

Report on our Wed., 

September 26 th 1 4 

Meeting. 

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An INSPIRATIONAL 

PROJECT TRIP TO 

MALANG 

Mark Your Diary 

What’s ahead? Don’t miss 

the forthcoming events and 

Birthday / Anniversary 

celebrants and more ….

In Focus 

AN INSPIRATIONAL PROJECT TRIP 

To The Malang Orphanage 

By: PP Raymon Huang 

Visit Date: 21st-23rd September 2012 

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It was a project trip with its value in gold – to the Malang Orphanage we “adopted” – for the inspirational message 

it imparted to all participants, for the mind-boggling impact it conveyed, for the deeply touching effect it 

had on us, and for the tremendous hospitality showered upon us by our hosts Mohan and Kawita who housed 

us in their new bungalow on the foothills of a mountain range. 

The trip was the Club’s annual pilgrimage to the Orphanage in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, located some 

two hours’ drive from Surabaja. Malang is over a thousand metres above sea level so the air is always cool and 

comfortable. 

Although the Home – called the Bhakti Luhur Foundation – is loosely known as an “Orphanage”, it is much, 

much more than that. The Home caters for blind children, those who are deaf-mute, children with mental, 

physical and psychiatric disabilities, problem kids, abandoned or suffering from malnutrition, apart from orphans. 

The size of the Home is mind-boggling. The children are housed in “wismas” (boarding houses), each 

housing about 20 children, and staffed by at least three qualified nurses who live with them. Helping them are 

many professional and lay helpers and students. Normal children mingle with the residents regularly for social 

interaction. The Centre we visited has some 30 wismas, with just over 600 children. The Bhakti Luhur Foundation 

has over 145 of such Homes, catering for some 1500 children, spread across Indonesia. 

The resident-children attend school and sheltered workshops every day, do homework, housekeeping, exercise, 

play, perform, art and craft, some even joining the Scout movement – in other words, as far as possible, live as 

in a normal family. Many beautiful batiks are produced by them. 

The history of the Bhakti Luhur Foundation? It was the great vision of a missionary Dutchman – Father Paul 

Janssen. He started it way back in 1959, creating also the “ALMA”, an organisation of layman-missionaries. The 

ALMA manages the Bhakti Luhur. Father Janssen, a tall and big man – very gentle and soft-spoken – is almost 

91 now, but still physically upright and very sharp mentally. His fitness and mobility would put many young 

persons to shame. He is still the force and main pillar of the whole outfit. Father Janssen was the very first person 

we paid a courtesy call to, visiting him in his home upon our arrival in Malang. What a man, so inspiring. 

The visit to the Bhakti Luhur Home on 22nd September 2012 was a learning journey. After a welcome and 

briefing by Sister Julia, who heads the Centre we met up with blind children who formed a band and sang 

welcome songs for us, saw deaf-mute children learning to be models and doing their thing on make-shift “catwalks”, 

chatted with children doing batiks, and other disabled children. We distributed cupcakes and other 

cakes to each and every child. The cakes, among other things, were donated by Mohan, PE Shahul, Irina, and 

Albert also brought little gifts and clothing. All in all, very heart-warming, if at times emotionally difficult. 

There was this air of so much joy, tinged with some sadness. The Message of Bhakti Luhur Foundation is “Love” 

– it “Builds New Worlds”. What we saw was love building new lives and new worlds out of broken ones. 

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An e-bulletin published by Rotary Club of Singapore – Proud of our Heritage, Committed to our Future 

email: rtyinfo@rotary.org.sg Website: www.rotary.org.sg 

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The Home needs a new 40-seater bus, suitably modified and restructured to cater for wheelchair bound and 

other disabled children. The ISC has adopted this need as a project. In Malang, Mohan is the co-ordinator. 

The visit participants from our Club, led by PE Shahul and President Jimmy, included Albert Wee and Anne, 

ISC Chairperson Irina and Nico, Garry Taylor, myself (Raymon) and Jessie, and, of course, Mohan and Kawita, 

our hosts par excellence. 

During the course of the visit, we met up with members of the Rotary Club of Malang, led by President Donna, 

and a contingent from the Rotary Club of Surabaja, led by President Hendro. President Jimmy and PE Shahul 

had fruitful discussions with them, with the others contributing where we could. The Surabaja Club made a 

good presentation of slides and a talk. Our involvement will be made known soon by President Jimmy/PE 

Shahul. 

The lunches and dinners – the accommodation – hosted by Mohan and Kawita were simply marvellous, not to 

mention the excellent transportation provided. The salubrious surroundings of their lovely home were simply 

magnificent – the sunrise behind the mountains, the cloud-covered hills, the apple orchard, the lovely flowers, 

the huge garden, and the nice people. 

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An unforgettable trip, really. 

Note:- On the last day of our stay on 23 Sep, President Jimmy and ISC Chair Irina were whisked away by Rtn 

Bernadetta Nunung and spouse of RC Surabaya Timur to be interviewed at the local radio stations, 2 to be exact. 

After a brief introduction to President Endang Kustrini of RC Surabaya Timur, we sat in the studio of Suara Surabaya 

(Voice of Surabaya) FM100 for a live interview on Rotary’s areas of focus especially on clean water follows by 

another live interview with ISC Chair Irina at SHE FM99.6 on women issues. The interviews were broadcasted 

to 25 countries as well as placed online in its website. 




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In Focus 

Bringing sunshine 

Rtn Albert Rtn Mohan 

PP Raymon & Jessie Voice of Surabaya 

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Last Week 

Last Week – Report on the Wednesday Meeting – September 26 th 2012 

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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 

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The meeting was opened by President Jimmy Ooi with a warm welcome to members and to Guest 

Speaker, Dr. Michelle Angela Gowans, Consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at 

the National University Hospital. 

WELCOME OF GUESTS & VISITING ROTARIANS 

Duty of welcoming Guests of members and 

Visiting Rotarians fell to Rtn. Jayant Gadgil: 

Guests: 

Ms. Beverley Randall 

Ms. Shirley Wong, Vice Principal of Tanjong 

Katong Girls’ School 

Visiting Rotarians: 

President Jan Rosemeyer – Taipei, Taiwan 

President Peter Tonge – Bolton-Lemoors, UK 

John Randall – Sydney, Australia 

Ram Ramakirishnan – Mulund Hills, Mumbai, 

India 

PP Henry Lim – Bukit Timah 

Nidhi Swarup – Raffles City 

Rtn Jayant Gadgil 

Pres. Jimmy with Pres. Jan Rosemeyer 

Pres. Jimmy with Pres. Peter Tonge Pres. Jimmy with Rtn. Ram Ramakrishnan 




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Last Week 

TOAST 

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Rtn. Dr. Mark Eger stated that it was an honour to raise a toast to sister club, Rotary Club of Taipei and to Rotary 

International. He added that representing the Taipei club was President Jan Rosemeyer, a friend and his 

successor in Singapore. President Jan noted that he had been in Singapore on many occasions, however, did 

not have the opportunity to visit the Club earlier and was pleased to be at the meeting. He spoke of his club’s 

commitment to work together on joint projects and extended a warm invitation to members to the Taipei 

Club’s charter celebration fashioned after the “Oktoberfest” to be held on 8th October. President Jan further 

mentioned that Rotary International’s President for 2014/15 was none other than PP Gary Huang who was 

from his club. 

EXCHANGE OF BANNERS 

President Jimmy exchanged club banners with Presidents Jan Rosemeyer, Peter Tonge and Rtn. Ram from 

Rotary Clubs Taipei, Bolton-Lemoors and Mulund Hills repectively. President Jimmy informed members 

that banners were also received from Rotary Clubs of Surabaya and Surabaya Timor. 




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Last Week 

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW (PHF) PRESENTATION 

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President Jimmy was pleased to call upon Honorary Treasurer Rtn. Dr. Mark Eger to receive a PHF Recognition, 

which he had designated for his father. Also receiving his PHF one-sapphire pin from President 

Jimmy, was Rtn. Saeed Khan. President Jimmy added that PP Peter Tan’s PHF pin was also received 

from The Rotary Foundation and would be presented to him, at a future meeting. 

COMMUNITY VISIT TO MALANG, INDONESIA 

ISC Director Irina reporting on the Malang visit 

Saeed Khan receives his PHF Dr. Mark Eger receives his PHF 

President Jimmy invited International Service Committee (ISC) Director, 

Rtn. Dr. Irina Francken to report on the recent visit to Malang Orphanage 

and the meetings with the Rotary Clubs of Surabaya and Malang. Rtn. 

Irina’s presentation showcased the children’s performances and creativity in 

their batik printing. She called on members to support and encourage these 

children with purchases of these batik products. 

Rtn. Irina also reported on the fellowship meetings with members of the 

Rotary Clubs of Surabaya and Malang and the radio interview with RC 

Surabaya Timur, broadcasted to 25 countries, an excellent public relations 

event. She noted that members enjoyed cool weather in Malang with warm 

hospitality from hosts Rtn. Mohan and Kawita Vaswani. 




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Last Week 

SPEAKER FOR THE WEEK 

SPEAKER: Dr. Michelle Angela Gowans, 

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Consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the National University Hospital 

TOPIC: “Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its two manifestations Crohns and Colitis” 

Rtn Gerald introducing the speaker 

it was not yet known why people got the disease, and while it 

occurred more commonly in some families, it could happen to 

anyone. She advised that in its milder form, IBD was relatively 

treatable, but not curable. Even with appropriate treatment, 

Dr. Gowans added that most patients would continue to have 

flares which have a major impact on their lives. Dr. Gowans 

added what made the disease particularly debilitating was that 

while it could affect people at any age, the peak age at diagnosis 

was 15-30 years, an age when people were relatively vulnerable 

to psychological trauma. She further noted the other 

major issue for people of this age who were in relationships 

was fertility as chronic inflammation reduced the chance of 

getting pregnant, and a flare when pregnant increased the risk 

of losing the baby. Because of these issues, Dr. Gowans added 

that studies have shown that over a quarter of adolescents with 

IBD have clinical depression. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Rtn. Gerald Abeyawardena was called upon 

by President Jimmy to introduce Dr. Gowans, whose main clinical 

interests were in inflammatory bowel disease and hepatology. 

Dr. Gowans explained that Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

was split into 2 entities - Crohns and ulcerative colitis. She added 

that ulcerative colitis only affects the large bowel or colon, but 

Crohns could affect the entire gut. She advised tht the inflammatory 

condition leads to ulcers in the bowel, causing bleeding, 

diarrhea, pain or worse. Unfortunately, Dr. Gowans remarked 

Dr. Gowans 

Dr. Gowan believed that education of patients was the key to better health outcomes, which in turn would 

lead to more involvement and responsibility in decision making. She wholeheartedly supported Rtn. Nidhi 

Swarup’s work in setting up an IBD society in Singapore. She noted that by patients learning about their 

condition, they would take charge of their illness and empower themselves to make decisions. She further 

stressed the importance of support groups which allowed people to openly discuss their problems in a less 

threatening environment than a doctor’s office. 

To conclude her talk, Dr. Gowans invited Rtn. Nidhi Swarup, who is the Chairperson of the Crohns and Colitis 

Society of Singapore, to answer queries raised by members. 

President Jimmy invited Director Robert Craiu to extend the Club’s vote of thanks to Dr. Gowans. Rtn. 

Robert added that it was difficult to hear the talk as his daughter was diagnosed with colitis when she was 18 

years old, had undergone major surgery and was in hospital for 3 months. Fortunately, Rtn. Robert advised 

that she was now in university and quite happy. He was pleased to learn that there was now a society and 

support group to help those who have been diagnosed with IBD, and warmly thanked Dr. Gowans for her 

talk which brought more awareness of the disease. 




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Last Week 

Rtn Robert Craiu thanking Dr. Gowans 

Dr. Gowans with Rtn. Nidhi Swarup 

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Our Book of Humour has helped the less fortunate and the needy in disaster 

stricken countries, far and near. With over 125,000 copies sold, much needed 

funds have been raised. Please help to promote the Book of Humour to your network 

of friends and families by following the simple steps below 

Please go to your Facebook and type “Books of Humour” in search box and click 

the link to the page. 

Please “Like” this page and share it with your friends and invite them to “Like” it 

too. 

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THANK YOU FOR HELPING A GOOD CAUSE 




Humour of the week 

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Keeping it secret... 

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A family was having dinner on Mother’s Day. For some reason the mother was unusually 

quiet. 

Husband: “What’s bothering you dear?” 

Wife: “Nothing,” 

Husband: “Seriously, what’s wrong?” 

Wife: ”Do you really want to know?” I’ve cooked, cleaned, and fed the kids for 15 years and 

on Mother’s Day, they don’t even say as much as “ Thank you,.” 

Husband: “Why should they? Not once in 15 years have I gotten a Father’s Day Gift.” 

Wife: “Yes, but I’m their real mother!” 

Truthfully..? 

There was a middle-aged couple that had two stunningly beautiful blond teenaged daughters. 

They decided to try one last time for the son they always wanted. After months of trying, 

the wife became pregnant and sure enough, nine months later delivered a healthy baby 

boy. 

The joyful father rushed to the nursery to see his new son. He took one look and was horrified 

to see the ugliest child he had ever seen. He went to his wife and said that there was no 

way he could be the father of that child. 

“ Look at the two beautiful daughters I fathered.” 

Then he gave her a stern look and asked, “Have you been fooling around on me?” 

The wife just smiled 

“Not this time dear...” 

Source: From the book “ Best of Humour” 




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Mark Your Diary! 

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Birthday Celebrants 

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RC wishes Happy Birthday to 

celebrants this week: 

October 1 st – PP J K Ong & David Tai 

October 5 th – Wilson Widjaja 

October 6 th – Rewa Mirpuri 

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This Week Next Week 

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Anniversary Celebrants 

RC sends best wishes to Wedding 

Anniversary celebrants this week: 

October 2 nd – PP Philip & Effie 

Leong 

Community Service 

October4 th 2012 

Date: Thursday, October 4 th 

Time: 6.30pm 

Venue: Modesto’s, 24 Mt. Elizabeth 

#01-05, The Elizabeth Hotel, 

S228518 

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October 3 rd 2012 

Reception Desk duty: PP Chiang 

Shih Fang, Joseph Chia 

Sunshine Box duty: Michael 

Boegli, Uttam Kripalani 

Speaker: Rtn. Thomas Puppendahl, 

Managing Director, Chancery 

Asset Management Pte. Ltd. 

Topic: “Investing in Gold – How to 

Successfully Navigate a Manipulated 

Market” 

Vocational Service 

October 11 th 2012 

Date: Thursday, October 11 th 

Time: 7.30pm 

Venue: To be advised 

Hosts: Ronil Sujan, Xavier Sanjiman, 

Carlo Van Den Akker 

Queries, comments and articles 

request can be sent to 

bulletin@rotary.org.sg 

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October 10 th 2012 

Reception Desk duty: PE Dr. Shahul 

Hameed, Robert Craiu 

Sunshine Box duty: Jayant Gadgil, 

Louis Lim 

Speaker: Ms. Tasneen Padiath, 

Senior Director,Head of Product & 

Advisory Services, CEB Asia 

Topic: “The Short List to Prioritize & 

Social Media” 

Coming Rotary Events 

October 

Vocational Service Month 

October 6 th 

“Love on Wheels” event {Cars 

needed to bring senior citizens on 

an island tour}. In collaboration 

with People’s Association. Contact 

Secretary Noshir Mistri to sign up. 

Hurry! 

October 6 th – 12 th 

Post tsunami & fellowship visit to 

Japan 

November 

Rotary Foundation Month 

November 16 th – 18 th 

Rotary Zone Institute at Sunway 

Resort

Before doing the things we want to do, consider first, the precept 

of the guide. Ask ourselves these 4 questions and act upon them: 

First: Have I spent some time in self-examination? 

Second: Have I spent quality time with my family? 

Third: Have I given my best to my work? 

Fourth: Have I given some time to someone near and far? 

The Guide, in fact, encompasses the 4 parts of the Object of 

Rotary. 

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Board of Directors 2012/13 

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The Four-Way Test 

Of the things we think, say or do: 

* Is it the truth? 

* Is it fair to all concerned? 

* Will it build goodwill and better friendship? 

* Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 

Peace 

Through Service 

President Jimmy Ooi 

Immediate Past President Tapan Rao 

President Elect Dr. Shahul Hameed 

Vice 

President Koh Juay Meng (Public Relations) 

Vice 

President Dinesh Sharma (Membership) 

Hon. Secretary Noshir Mistri (Administration) 

Hon. Treasurer Dr. Mark Eger (Finance) 

Directors 

Chair, The Rotary Foundation Robert Craiu 

Chair, 

Community Service Sirish Kumar 

Chair, Vocational 

Service Shalini K Sharma 

Chair, 

International Service Dr. Irina Francken 

Chair, New Generations Service Shamin Vaswani 

“ Service Above Self ”

Vol.49 Issue 13 dated 01 October 2012 - the Rotary Club of Singapore

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