Greetings dear KGM Members,

Summer is creeping upon us as we welcome May, a month dedicated to Youth Services in Rotary. History has shown us that Young people have great potential as changemakers and we should reaffirm our commitment to nurturing their talent, creativity and leadership skills.

Youth are the heart of Rotary’s future. By empowering them, we pave the way for a world driven by innovation, compassion, and collaboration. From Junioract to Interact and then to Rotaract and other youth-oriented programs, we have a unique opportunity to guide and inspire young individuals to take the lead in creating positive change.

I visited the Rotary Club Saigon International on 17^th April and met their President Mr John Bayarong and visiting Rotarian Sophia Stone from RC Paramus Sunrise (USA). The club has 17 members and was chartered in 2021. Rotary in Vietnam is new and starting to grow slowly.

This month, we have a host of important and signature activities that have been conducted for several years and which bring fame and recognition to the RCKGM brand. We start with the Elderly Medical Check-up at Tin Shui Wai on 03 May where we will screen 150 elders. On the 7^th, we have the Vocational Service Awards night where we will honor and recognize those unsung selfless heroes in our community, those who go the extra mile to serve, without fear, favor or rewards. Several top dignitaries from Police Force, Fire Dept, Hospital Authority will attend together with the awardees while we have also planned to honor the HK Heroes who assisted in the Myanmar earthquake. PP Nanu has been doing sterling work with this service since RY 2000.

On the 14^th we have our regular luncheon where we have invited our Rotaractors from Cambodia to visit us and present their story. This is the time we listen to our youth who are making all of us proud. We have the District Conference being held on 24/25 May at Macau and it will be a good time to bond with other club members. And finally on the 31^st, our Flagship Annual Fundraising ball at the Grand Hyatt will ring in a fitting close to the Rotary year. I strongly urge every member to attend with their spouse and to bring their best friend and spouse along. On this occasion, I would expect every member to show their commitment and love for RCKGM as their participation will go a long way in ensuring that KGM can continue its service projects next year. 

As you can see, the month of May is packed and there’s lots to be done. Let’s roll up our sleeves, open up our hearts, loosen the purse strings and ensure the success of all our flagship activities. Let us be bold, let us be purposeful, let us do things that will touch hearts!

I close with this quote from Nobel prize winner Laymah Gbowee:

You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe