ROTARY CLUB OF BUKIT TIMAH

12 October 1994 was a significant day in the history of The Rotary Club of Bukit Timah. On that auspicious evening, the incumbent District Governor Ben Chng made his tour of office to the Rotary Club of Changi, the sponsor club. After the signing ceremony of the Matched Club Agreement with Rotary Club of Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, he announced with pleasure that PP Michael Foo was to be chosen as the charter president of a new club. The formation of the new club was the brainchild of then President David Chung and his two lieutenants, Rotarians Hoe Boon Huat and Chew Ban Seng. It was their sincere desire to follow the Ideals of Rotary to include women in membership.

At Furama Coffee House on 4 November 1994, the name of the club was chosen in its present form, after much deliberations, not just because of its location and historical value, but also because it was in the National Language -- Malay. DG Ben Chng commented that the proposed name and logo were suitable and meaningful. He then appointed PP Michael Foo to act as his District Governor's Group Representative (DGGR) for the extension of the new club.

On 26 November 1994, at the Grand City Restaurant, a protem committee was formed which comprised of PP Michael Foo as Chairman, Director Chew Ban Seng as Secretary, Director Hoe Boon Huat as Treasurer, and CP Tan Leong Teck and President David Chung as Ex-officios. Each of them was assigned to recruit at least 5 Rotarians in order to fulfill the minimum requirements of 25 to start a new Rotary club.

The Club received its charter from Rotary International on 14 February 1995. It was the first Rotary club in Singapore, and R.I. District 3310, with a women majority membership...
Since its inception, The Rotary Club of Bukit Timah has never failed to receive the annual R.I. Presidential Citation Award.

Major Community Service Projects
Some of the major community service projects undertaken during these past years include:-

• Established a new interact club in Tanjong Katong Secondary School.
• S$200,000 Charity Draw for Children's Charities Association.
• World Community Service "Livelihood Project" undertaken by our Friendship Club, Rotary Club of Makati Jose P. Rizal, Philippines, together with our Sister Clubs, Rotary Club of Guia, Macau, and Rotary Club of Pantai Valley, Kuala Lumpur.
• Established a Children Day Care Centre in Macau with Rotary Club of Guia.
• Raised over S$27,000 for Rotary Family Service Centre through the "Walk for the Family" walkathon together with Tanjong Katong Secondary School.
• Initiated and secured S$34,000 from a Matching Grant to train 40 physically disabled under our Rotary 2000: Jewellery Creativity Workshops in Singapore.
• Sponsored a S$10,000 Matching Grant for a Septic Tank project in Malaysia with Rotary Club of Pantai Valley, Kuala Lumpur.
• 'Substance Abuse' Workshop for GraceHaven Home for Children
• 'Feed the Hungry' project for migrant workers at Little India
• Sponsorship of fire-extinguishers for Community Service to Elderly and Handicapped staying at Redhill Close and Henderson Rd.

Staying Connected - a project to encourage volunteers to respond to the needs and wishes of the elderly

The Rotary 2000: Jewellery Creativity Workshops project won the RI Significant Achievement Award. Other awards won include:

• Best Membership Growth Award (Category A: Clubs with less than 25 members), 2000
• Best Website Award, 2000
• Rotary Foundation District Service Award to then President Chew Ban Seng.

Windows of Rotary Contest at the 3rd District Conference in Johor Bahru.