Yearbook 2012 - The Rotary Club of Bangkok South

A CHAT WITHPRESIDENT ELECTNICK PISALYAPUTRotary is part of our lives, but it’s not the centre of the universe.It is ONE of our responsibilities. If you agree to do something,you do it. If you can’t commit to something, don’t say you’ll doit. I’ve learned that in my time in Rotary. Once you volunteer, it’sno longer just optional. It becomes an obligation, as importantas something you’re being paid to do.Do you have any goals or themes for the year? years, and build a foundation for the future. The turnover ofof our Club are sound. So we need to maintain our activitiesat the level that we are used to.So is that another theme – “back to basics”? younger members. We’ve just recently inducted 2 newmembers who are under 40. Considering our future, we needto attract new members AND younger members. The makeupa brief to explore new ideas and ways to attract youngermembers. We’ll try – and see what happens.Also, at a recent dinner with the new Board, we talkedabout how we want everyone to have fun. Of course, we still to be followed, especially considering we’re spending otherpeople’s money. But we also need to have fun, as a club. Howdo we make the club more enjoyable for everyone? That’sour challenge. I’m not talking about making changes justfor change’s sake. Maybe there just need to be some smalltweaks that will make the difference.Why are you a Rotarian?For me, the best part of being in our Club is being able tocontribute to a better community. There are so many peoplewho are less comfortable than we are, and we can help. Whatwe do as a Club gives value to why we all work so hard. If I’mcomfortable, people in my community should be comfortabletoo.What has being a member of Bangkok South meant to you?I’m an introvert. But the number of people in Rotary and inour Club that I consider to be my friends actually exceedsall my other friends. The genuine friendship and fellowshipthat is extended by Rotarians around the world and thatI’ve experienced as a Rotarian has been amazing. It wasn’texpected, but it’s always appreciated. It’s been a real delightto meet so many Rotarians, just because I have a Rotary pinon my lapel. In Thailand, the bond among Thai clubs is alsoimpressive. For me, it’s great to experience that goodwill andwarmth from other Rotarians in Thailand.Tell me something that no one in Bangkok South knowsabout you.I’m Thai, born and bred (laughing).Probably what I do. I’m an entrepreneur and educator. I’m aand I see myself moving into education more and more. At themoment, I teach new venture business plan development andlead teams to business plan competitions in Asia and NorthAmerica. I also lecture on Corporate Social Responsibility andsustainability studies, and I’m Head of Sasin’s SustainabilityCentre. We are trying to integrate sustainability into corebusiness thinking, instead of it just being a sideshow, an addonto corporate thinking. Sustainability is the new norm of doingRotary Club of Bangkok South Yearbook 2012 17