Rotary Club of Sentosa Lunch Meeting - Conquering Mount Kinabalu, 11th June 2009

Eager to prepare for the upcoming expedition, Rotary Sentosa had the pleasure of inviting Rotarian Joey Gan to speak about her ascent of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia located in Borneo. Rotarian Joey, of Rotary Bugis Junction, together with fellow Rotarian Kelvin Low had made the challenging climb in April 2008.

Joey shared valuable snippets of the climb, as she recited her group's missing guide on the first day at Kinabalu Park HQ, and the need to acclimatise to the high altitude. The inspiring photos of the climb probably had many thinking of their long overdue holiday. Indeed, while hot water at Laban Rata could be a luxury, many would be more than happy to stay on to take in the majestic mountain views.

As she brought the audience through the experience, it was clear that the climb was not going to be a mere stroll in the park. While the Rotary Sentosa Mount Kinabalu team looked visibly concerned with the mention of high altitude sickness, missing guides and pitch dark treks to the peak, the rewards of fresh air and breathtaking views was enough to excite everyone.

With the rest of the club rooting for them, the Rotary Sentosa Mount Kinabalu team looks set to make the expedition.

We thank Joey for sharing a most exciting trip with us.

Rotary Club of Sentosa Evening Dinner Meeting, Appreciation of Modern Music, 30th April 2009

A truly musical evening.






Rotary Sentosa had the honour of having guest speaker Dr Eleanor Tan enlighten the group on the finer points of modern music appreciation. Dr Eleanor Tan is Head of Academic Studies (Music) at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where she educates Singapore's young minds on the many possibilities in music. Dr Eleanor Tan has many years of professional practice in both Singapore and the United States. She undertook undergraduate and graduate studies at Indian University, Bloomington and later pursued two years of doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music with Nelita True. Dr Eleanor also pursued her PhD candidature at the University of Queensland in Australia.


With her wealth of professional experience, Rotary Sentosa was truly enthralled with a rather unique and interactive talk on the development of modern music in the 20th century. For the group, it was probably the first time many had been exposed to such a wide array of composers and equally intriguing scores. From composers such as Charles Ives, the full time insurance man, part time composer to Cathy Berberian, with the Stripsody - a score with comic illustrations rather than musical notes. Dr Eleanor Tan introduced the various influences for modern music, including the importance of the Paris International meeting which became the confluence of Western and international music styles and cultures. The highlight of the evening, was perhaps the clapping experiment which she patiently guided the group through.


After the talk, Dr Eleanor Tan also highlighted some of the challenges of music education in Singapore. Institutions such as NAFA, play a key role in training and providing the talent that's required to promote and sustain quality music education for Singapore's younger generation. Indeed, even in the area of music, Singapore appears to face the challenge of encouraging innovation and flexibility rather than just academic excellence. A truly educational evening.

Rotary Sentosa wishes Dr Eleanor Tan the best in her musical endeavours.

Rotary Sentosa Inaugural Happy Hour Lunch Programme, 23 April 2009

Rotary Sentosa had her very first Happy Hour Lunch Programme and spirits were high amidst friendly banter.

At the invitation of Rotarian Elaine Teh, the event was also graced by the powerful vocals and melodious voice of Ms Catherine Loria. Catherine, who started to sing since she was just 2 years old, is a phenomenal rising teen diva who has won several singing championships, including the WCOPA 2008 in Hollywood, USA. Catherine kept the crowd mesmerised as she serenaded them with all-time hits such as "I Will Always Love You"

But not to be outdone, the Rotary Club had her own singing talents as well. As the tenors and sopranos gathered round the piano, it was clear that there was too much talent to stay hidden. What better way for the Rotary Club and her guests to spend a Happy Hour...

Rotary Fellowship - PE Budi and PP Terence Ng from EClub, Dr Adrian Koh from Sentosa and PP Andrew Tan from RC Jurong Town.

PE Budi and PP Andrew Tan from RC Jurong Town show how it's done...

Happy Together with RC Sentosa...

PE Thomas Ngu from RC Kuching Central "I smile better than I sing"...

CP Michael Quek entertains on the piano.

PDG Fong H B "I wanna sing also la!"

Rotary Sentosa at the District Assembly April 17 - 19, 2009

Rotary Club of Sentosa, Singapore was proud to be represented at the District Assembly that just passed in Melaka.

Below are snippets of the fun times at the District Assembly.

Family of Sentosa 




CP Michael Receives an Award from DG Edward. Award is a PHF donated by PDG Ben Chng and PDG David Tong for his 8 years of promoting bowling amongst all the Rotary Clubs. 

PDG Ben and CP Michael presents memento from Sentosa to DGE Latip

From Left: CP Michael, PDG Ben, VP Treasurer PP Linda, Lily (PDG Ben's spouse), Rtn Alan, Chairman PR Jean-Paul, Rtn Dicky and VP Club Admin PP Karen.

From Left: Rtn Dicky, Rtn Alan, VP Treasurer PP Linda, Director  Elaine, VP Club Admin PP Karen, CP Michael, PDG Ben

From Left: Chairman PR Jean-Paul, VP Club Admin PP Linda, VP Treasurer PP Karen, Director Elaine, PDG Ben, CP Michael, VP Special Projects Choon Hou, Angeline (spouse of Rtn Choon Hou), Rtn Alan, Rtn Dicky

Lunch Fellowship: 9 April 2009

Another fellowship, another induction and another friend who has decided to join the family that is the Rotary Club of Sentosa.

This week we welcomed Mr Victor Khoo into the family. Victor was previously a guest of PP Linda Wong, who were university mates with Victor while they studied at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Upon graduation, Victor came to the shores of Singapore and had worked for some years at NCS before heading to Fontainebleau to study for his MBA is INSEAD. Victor came back to Singapore again after his MBA, to start a Physiotherapy Center, Core Concepts. 

Core Concepts now has 3 clinics in Shenton Way, Parkway Parade and Novena Square.

After the induction, Rtn Kenneth Low presented a short presentation on Rotary Sentosa's Google Apps applications on the web to members.

Rtn Kenneth then presented his talk on Competitive Intelligence. Members were initially thrilled to see if it was anything like what James Bond had potrayed, but was dissapointed to learn about the legal way to conduct Competitive Intelligence.

In the end, the members learned briefly on how Competitive Intelligence can be applied to their companies and the various business functions.

The club will not meet on April 16 due to the District Meeting in Melaka, and will continue on April 23 with an informal fellowship at the Piano Bar of the Orchard Hotel with lots of singing and merriment.

Rotary Sentosa President and members receive RI President DK Lee at Changi Airport

The club was excited to receive the RI President, DK Lee in his inaugral visit to Singapore. The purpose of his visit was to bestow the Rotary International Award Of Honour to MM Lee Kuan Yew on March 6, 2008.

Charter President Michael Quek, PDG Ben Chng and spouse, Lily and PP Karen Kang were all there to receive the arrival of President DK Lee at Changi Airport on March 5.

Lunch Fellowship: April 2, 2009

For this week's lunch talk, Rotary Club of Sentosa invited one of her own, to wow the audience gathered at fellowship. The speaker of the day was Rotarian Elaine Teh.

But before Elaine took to the podium, the club took the opportunity to induct another 2 members; Rotarian Malcolm Wong and Amy Sze.

Malcolm has held leadership positions through his schooling days, eventually winning the MAS scholarship to the London School of Economics. Upon his return to Singapore, he worked in MAS and eventually became Assistant Director for Banking Supervision.

Her has since joined GIC as a portfolio manager in commodities trading. 

Amy, was an ex-Rotarian and currently runs her own company in the hospitality line. She has been a good friend of PP Karen Kang, who was able to use her charm to invite Amy back into joining the Rotary Club.

Finally the audience got to learn a thing or two about owning and runing a pub or club from Rotarian Elaine Teh.  She is Director of several companies and also the Executive Director of Octopus Holdings Pte Ltd which owns and manages more than 70 Pubs in Singapore . She is sometimes known as the ‘Queen of Pubs’.