THE WHEEL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER- JUNE 2024

2024/2025 DG & President- Ready to lead

 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

EDITOR
RTN. JEEVAN JOTHEE G.RAJAH
NEWS & EDITORIAL BOARD
FEATURES PRESIDENT: RTN. PRASSANA KRISHNAN
EDITOR'S NOTE SECRETARY: PP CHOO KAI HONG
PAGE 3 TREASURER: PP GOPALDHASS CHITTAYA
FROM PRESIDENT'S DESK
PAGE 4 ADVISOR CUM CLUB LEARNING FACILITATOR
PP PROF. DR. P.K. RAJESH
BOD - PAGE 5-7
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL/SISTER CLUB
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PP ARVIND U GOPI KUMAR &
PAGE 8 PP SARKURU GOVINDASAMY
VIBRANT CORNER
PAGE 9-10 ROTARY DISTRICT 3300
PP DR. BERNARD CHAN YOON NGEN
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
11-12 RCBSP ACTIVITIES AND SNAPS
AG KOEK YJ
WHATS HAPPENING IN TOWN
PAGE 13-14
ROTARACT CLUB
RCBSP ACTIVITIES PAGE 15-17 RTN. PE RAJA PRABU

ROTARACT CLUB OF AIMST ROTARY STORIES: MEMORY LANE

UNIVERSITY PAGE 18-19 RTN. JEEVAN JOTHEE GOVINDA RAJAH
ROTARY STORIES:
ROTARY TRIVIA
MEMORY LANE PAGE 20-21
RTN. CHENG YI XIN
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
PAGE 22-23 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
RTN. PRASSANA KRISHNAN
ROTARY TRIVIA
PAGE 24 LADIES ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVANCEMENT
LEAD
DEVELOPMENT (LEAD)
PAGE 25 RTN. HERY

DESIGNING
EDITORIAL TEAM

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 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

“ It always seems impossible until it’s

Aftera litf body text
done “ Nelson Mandela
EDITOR'S Wonderful sayings comes from leaders who walked
the talk. Nothing is difficult to a willing mind. With
NOTE great thoughts and passion, vision and mission is
accomplished. Rotarians from all corners of the
globe have achieved tasks and projects with great
planning. Let it be a small hand of providing food for
a meal, it is much appreciated the Rotary way. There
is no such thing as a small help. Every help is an act
of kindness, no matter who receives it. Rotary is
colour blind, and has been that way for years. Thats
the motivation and inspiration moving it.
RCBSP is continuously planning and implementing
projects . The recent Tailoring course for single
parents/B40 group was meticulously planned and
implemented and arranging help to start a business
registration and bank account. Wheelchair donation
continued, book donation is on going,
On activities for Rotarians, speakers were brought in
to give highlights on topic such as mental health,
JEEVAN JOTHEE G.RAJAH
arbitration and litigation ,toastmasters ,Joyfeel,
EDUCATION ADMINSTRATION World Peace .RCBSP’s milestone this season was the
RETIRED handing over of covered waiting area for students Of
CLUB ADMINISTRATION CHAIR SMK Dato Bijaya Setia which could not possibly have
0164831338 been done without the grant from Yayasan Rotary,
JJOTHEE@YAHOO.COM The above school and the club.
Celebrations and fellowships have thrown in vibes
and colours to the club activities. Thanks to Hery
and Rizuan for the Hari Raya dinner.
Our very own Trainer,Dr Rajesh keeps us informed
with latest updates from abroard.
DGE Arvind and Dr.Bernard keep our representation
at international level afloat and alive.
Aimsts’ creative Rotaractors keep buzzing with lots
of activities . So lets keep blasting for the next
Installation with full force to do more.
Cheers ...Jeevan ...editor-in-service.

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 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2023-2024
Dear Fellow Rotarians,

I am proud to have been given the opportunity to serve as your President f or this year. This has
been a rewarding and interesting experienc e. There are many wonderf ul people in this c lub with
great energy, helping to c reate a better lif e f or those in need around the world. Over the years I
have been involved with, and on the board of , many c ommunity groups, but nowhere have I met
better people than the members of this c lub.

I want to thank:
• Our board f or their c ommitment to the c lub, the donated time, and f or all their hard work to
ensure we had a suc c essf ul year.
• Our c ommittees and c ommittee c hairs f or doing the ac tual work of the club
• Our c lub members f or rising to the oc c asion when c alled upon. Your ongoing support of c lub
initiatives is inc redible.
• The c ommittee that put in a lot of time and ef f ort planning this evenings event.

Some of our projec ts done this year inc lude books donation f or sc hools in Kulim and Sungai
Petani, improving sanitation f ac ilities f or sc hool in Sungai Petani (SJKT Saraswathy), Ladies
Entrepreneurial Adventure Development (LEAD), Lend A Wheel (wheelc hair donations) and Women
Empowerment (WOW). These projec ts c losely align with Rotary's mission of self -servic e and
emphasizes our c ommitment to making a meaningf ul dif f erenc e in the lives of those we serve.
The grants obtained allow us to support those in need in so many dif f erent areas. Thanks very
muc h to the c ommittee f or all you’ ve done.

I am very pleased with what we as a c lub have ac c omplished this year. Almost all of what we set
out to do was looked af ter. I salute the members of the Rotary Club of Bandar Sungai Petani.

To Prabu and his inc oming board: I wish you well in the year ahead. You have an exc iting year
ahead with interesting projec ts lined up on top of all the regular day to day c lub ac tivities. Good
luc k. Fortunately, you have a strong and talented team and have the f ull support of the c lub. Good
luc k to inc oming President Rotarian Prabu. You have the club’ s f ull support.

In c losing, thank you f or giving me the opportunity to serve as your President. My main personal
goal in this role was f or us all to have f un together while supporting the things that matter to
members. I think we c ame pretty c lose.

Yours in servic e,

Prassana Krishnan
President, Rotary Club of Bandar Sungai Petani
2023-2024

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 Cheng Yi Xin
DGE Arvind Charter Member
Kalian

Komathi Charter Member PAG Dr.

Bernard Chan PAG Sarkuru Govindasamy

Mageswari Sharavanan Rizuan

Kanagaretnam
 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

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Vibrant Corner

June is Rotary Fellowships Month

Among the many things special about Rotary is the montly themes. The
Rotary year ends not just with celebrations and awards but also with
reflection, feedbacks and feedforwards to improve the Rotary experience for
the incoming year.
June thus is the best bet to be nominated the fellowship month.
Rotary Fellowships Month would be an appropriate time to focus on our
hobbies, special interests like sports or recreational activities, our own
occupation and seek to enhance those experience with a rotary fellowship.
Rotary Fellowships are international, independently organized groups of
people who have a common interest or profession. Currently there are more
than 100 officially recognized fellowships which host networking events,
professional development opportunities virtually and face to face all around
the world.. The link below opens opportunities to join any one of the Rotary
Fellowships and connect with any of the groups which share a common
interest.

https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships

Fellowships allow their members to have fun, make new friends around the
world, and enhance their experience in Rotary. Rotarians would have noticed
while setting their goals or checking their progress on the goals, one of the
easiest goals to achieve would be to fill up the number of Rotarians in the club
who belong to Rotary Fellowship groups.
Fellowships related to travel or excursions plan destination trips, while
vocational fellowships often plan get-togethers at professional conferences
and seminars. These activities will help (membership development and
retention) maintain existing members’ interest in the fellowship and in Rotary
and will also attract new members.
Quoting Rotary International, Fellowships elevate a Rotarian’s experience
beyond a club or district, encourages engagement with other Rotarians,
Rotaractors, program participants, and alumni from a variety of cultures and
regions, unites people with a common interest from all over the world, which
helps facilitate long-term friendships and a better understanding of the world.
Fellowships also further vocational development through
acquaintance with others of the same profession. They also allow
individuals to explore new opportunities for service
Rotarians are also encouraged to start their own fellowships. Those
interested in starting a new fellowship can visit
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
and proceed with the steps on how to get started.

To launch a new fellowship program, we would need

•At least 25 potential members representing at least five countries
•Completed application form with a clear explanation of the group’s
purpose
•Copy of the group’s proposed bylaws
•List of proposed officers and their responsibilities
Promoting fellowships is a responsibility that we can all share as a way
to grow and promote Rotary.
•Publicize events and activities organised by Fellowships on your
club or district website
•Invite local Fellowship officers to speak about their activities and
related service work at a club meeting or district conference.
•Seek out Rotarians who are outstanding in their professions or
are enthusiastic about a hobby and encourage them to join
fellowships or develop new ones.

Resources
www.rotary.org/fellowships.
These downloadable resources can be found on this site
•Rotary Fellowships Flier
•Rotary Fellowships Application Form

By
Prof. Dr.Rajesh
 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

DISCON 2024

Congratulations DG

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 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TOWN

OPENING CEREMONY OF LALUAN
APRIL PERMATA AT SMK DATO’BIJAYA
SETIA

BOOK DONATION PREPARATORY WORKSHOP

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 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TOWN

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 HARI RAYA FELLOWSHIP

Rotarians from India

Wheelchair recepient
RC Butterworth Event with Chief Minister

District Training Assembly

Prabu All set to lead

JUNE is Fellowship Month.
The fellowship was held in Cinta Sayang Golf Resort
and attended by Rotarians,family,guest and
Rotaractors from AIMST.
 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

ROTARACT CLUB OF AIMST UNIVERSITY

In collaboration with Bactiguard, the Rotaract Club of AIMST University

hosted an immersive Suturing Skills workshop on June 1st, 2024. This
hands-on event attracted 60 eager participants, eager to enhance their
proficiency in the art of suturing. Led by expert medical professionals,
attendees received invaluable insights and practical training, equipping
them with essential skills for future medical endeavors. This engaging
workshop exemplified our commitment to fostering knowledge
exchange and empowering aspiring healthcare professionals within our
community.

Rotaract Organised Badminton Tournament

Shuttle Smash Badminton Tournament is fundraising

initiative of the funding department of Rotaract Club of
AIMST University in collaboration with their upcoming board
of directors to fundraise for their Installation.A total of
RM230.00 was raised from the project.

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Rotaract Club of AIMST University organized a transformative
community medical health camp on APRIL 21ST, 2024, held at
KAMPUNG KONGSI ENAM With 79 registrations, the camp
flourished, offering essential healthcare services to the local
community. It proved to be a day of profound learning and active
community service for many students involved. Through this
impactful initiative, our club reaffirms its commitment to
promoting public health and well-being, while fostering a culture of
empathy and service
 https://www.rotarysungaipetani.org/

MEMORY LANE
PP THIAGGU LETCHUMANAN
PP Thiaggu Letchumanan is this issues star.He strode
into Rotary in 2011 after being introduced by the late
Charter President Dato’ Dr. Subramaniam. Prior to
joining Rotary, he had been involved in a few NGO’s.
Nevertheless, Rotary seemed to be his better choice.
He shared that it was a preference because Rotary is well
structured and organised. He enjoys working in projects as the
teamwork was good and projects had results. The other factor is of
course the good fellowship amongst members
After coming into Rotary, he held the Club Administrator post and
later became the President for the 22/23 term.
He shared instances of heart touching experiences. One of which
he received a call for help as a baby was living on only coffee as
parents were in extreme poverty.He immediately bought food and
basic ration plus milk for the baby. The baby gave a smile that
made the day for his help.
He shared his many projects participated , of which the top 5 are
1. The Spectacles project which had benefitted 200
underprivileged students with better vision.
2. Responding to victims of flood in Baling and Penang
3. Laptop donation to deserving B40 children during the
pandemic as schooling went online and these children did not
have these basic facilities .
4. Food distribution during the Covid pandemic
5. The exciting replanting of Mangrove seedlings.

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PP Thiaggu shared that giving a helping hand during times of

need for the poor is the most satisfying feeling one can get and
vowed to carry on this Rotary given opportunities.
Another aspect of serving in Rotary are the travel opportunities
for trainings and conferences. He has attended many District
Trainings and a couple of International Conventions, namely in
Australia in 2014 and another in Durban , Africa.
His visit to India too got him to meet the brother of actor Ajit who
is also a Rotarian.
On a lighter note, he shared that Rotarians never get lost in their
travels, as when in times of difficulty, contacting the local clubs
can be handy and helpful.
He shared his personal experiences while working in Sarawak. He
took the opportunity to attend a club meeting and befriended
Rotarians who helped linked him to businesses there.

PP Thiaggu is married to Ms Sarita and they are blessed with two

daughters.
He is also the Managing Director of NBB Holdings , A
construction entity involved actively in building industrial and
commercial buildings. They are also involved in renovation
works.

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TRIVIA
1. What is the Rotary International motto?
A. Service above self
B. Service through fellowship
C. Be a gift to the world

2. Who is the founder of Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary

Malaysia?
A. Dato' Seri Amirudin bin Shari
B. Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Jamil Rais
C. Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad

3. How many major focus areas Rotary has?

A. 13
B. 7
C. 4

4. Where is the venue of RI Convention 2025?

A. Hawaii
B. Taipei
C. Calgary

5. Below are District Action Group in our District 3310,

except:
A Autism (DAGA)
B Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI)
C Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (DASH)
D Disabilities (DAGD)

Answer:
1. A 2. B 3. B 4. C 5. D
 Ladies Entrepreneurial Adventure Development
(LEAD)

The Rotary year has seen many initiatives to enable women to learn
new skills - from learning how to de- stress through yoga to flower
arrangement techniques taught by Rotarian Koamathi. The grand finale
to this year long series of initiatives is our one and half day enrichment
programme titled: “You can be your best”.
This programme draws on the skills of other women who are experts in
the wellbeing industry. Participants in this programme will learn the art
of challenging their negative thoughts, mindfulness, food and mood,
goal setting and many more. The objective is to empower women to be
the best version of themselves.
Kudos to our first woman president Prassana who applied the grant
from Yayasan Kelab-kelab Rotary and project lead Koamathi who are
instrumental in making this transformative programme possible.