Sunday, September 24, 2006

Awards & Achievements of 2005/2006

The past year was a rather eventful and busy one for the club. However, we are glad to say that all our efforts paid off, as we managed to achieve several awards and achievements, which we have never received/achieved before.

These awards/achievements would not have been possible without everyone's help. The club would like to thank Mr. Fadzilli for his guidance and help, the staff of Swinburne and the Rotarians of our parent club, the Rotary Club of Kuching Central for their support and advice. Most of all, we would like to thank all our members for their continuous support of all our activities.

Congratulations to the BOD of 2005/2006 for their success! We wish the new BOD the very best of luck in their future activities, we are sure they can do just as well, if not even better.

Here is the complete list of awards and achievements:

1. Rotary International
- 2005/2006 Rotaract Presidential Citation (our 1st ever!)
- 2005/2006 World Rotaract Week Celebration Recognition (our 1st ever!)

2. 2005-2006 Rotaract District Awards (reinstated in 2005/2006)
- Outstanding Community Service Project for 'Books Collecting for Sarawak Rural Schools' (also another 1st!)

3. 2006-2007 Rotaract District 3310 Team (1st time our club members were asked to join)
- District Bulletin Director: VP Michael F. Villarin
- Zonal Representative (Zone 4, Sarawak) : IPP Andrea Chan

4. Swinburne Sarawak Student Council (SSSC) Club Awards 2005 (1st year organized)
- Most Popular Club (as voted by students)
- Best Club Administration
- Best Club President (2nd Place)

5. Swinburne Day One Club Exhibition
- Best Club Booth (3rd Place)

Sunday, September 10, 2006

5th Club Installation

28th July 2006

Our club’s 5th Installation was held at Rajah Court Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak. The theme for the night was “The Rotaract Awards Ceremony”, to acknowledge and recognize our members who have been outstanding throughout the Rotaract year in true Academy award fashion.

The Guests of Honour for this installation were AG PP Dr. John Chan, President Chai Ko Jee of our parent club, the Rotary Club of Kuching Central and a representative of our university’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor David Booth. The MCs for the night were Rtr. Edison and Rtr. Gabriella, who provided the Oscar-esque atmosphere for the whole night.

Waiting for the start of the Installation

The night started with the showing of a “movie trailer” which showcased our achievements and activities for the past year, complete with grand Oscar winning music. After the enlightening speech by President Andrea Chan, the outgoing Board of Directors were given the recognition they truly deserved by receiving certificates of appreciation as well as BOD pins. After that, we were treated to Rtr. Edison’s rendition of “Incomplete” to start off the entertainment for the night.

The first award to be given out was “Best Attendance”. This was to reward the BOD member with the best attendance for BOD meetings. 3 candidates were nominated and Rtr. Chai Pui Ching walked away with the award, but not before giving a thank you speech such as the tradition for such award ceremonies. The next category, “Best Comedic Performance” was to choose the BOD member who provided the most comedic relief throughout the year. This was won by Rtr. Michael Villarin, who gave a thank you speech that proved he deserved the award.

Michael FV, Best Comedic Performance

Following the introduction and installation of the incoming president, Michael Kuan, the incoming Board of Directors were officially installed. He then gave a speech regarding the goals and achievements that he has in mind for the new Rotaract year. President Chai Ko Jee, one of our guests of honour, also gave his words of encouragement and wisdom to the newly installed BOD.

It's finally over to you!

Guests of Honour congratulating President Michael Kuan

After our guest performer, Tasha entertained the crowd with an Avril Lavigne song, it was time for the next award, which was “Best Newcomer”. This award was given to the “Best New Member” for the past year, and it was won by Rtr. Foo Yung Kenn, who was pleasantly surprised to receive the award.

As is true to Oscar fashion, the 2 best awards of the night, namely “Best Female Rotaractor” and “Best Male Rotaractor” were saved for last. Rtr. Indah impressed the panel of judges with her hard work throughout the year and won the award for Best Female. However, she was unable to attend. But her thank you speech was still conveyed via a video clip which was recorded earlier. (And not a “live video feed” as it was popularly believed). Rtr. Ngawang Chime Kho won the award for Best Male, this was evident through his contributions and dedication throughout the year.

Rtn. Advisor Mr. Fadzlli Amin gave a speech on behalf of Professor David Booth, congratulating the outgoing BOD on the achievements for the past year. AG PP Dr. John Chan graced the stage next, giving further words of encouragement and advice for the coming year.

With that, the evening drew to a close. Everyone enjoyed the atmospheric night, and had a taste of what it would be like to attend an Academy Awards ceremony. With renewed commitment, the new BOD is ready to “Lead the Way” and achieve great heights in the coming year.

The new BOD for 2006-2007