On January 15, more than a dozen Hong Kong Harbour Rotarians and spouses were present at the naming ceremony of Patrick SC Poon Amity College at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Patrick SC Poon, of course, is our Club’s Charter President and well-known philanthropist. During Charter President Patrick’s speech, he mentioned that Rotary philosophy of service above self is one of his chief guiding principles when he does philanthropic deeds. Plenty other District dignitaries were present, including District Governor Wilson Cheng, Past Governors Moses Cheng (Chairman of the University’s Council), Anthony Hung, Jones Wong, Peter Wan, Ada Cheng, YC Ho, and District Governor Nominee Keith Chow.
District Blind Bowling Tournament was held at South China Athletic Association on January 12. 12 Interactors from St. Clare’s and 5 Interactors from King’s joined President Mark, Past President Webster and Webster’s two sons to participate in this meaningful event, where Interactors learned to appreciate what we usually take for granted (eye-sight) and the perseverance and determination of those who have lost theirs. President Mark showed a real talent for throwing gutter balls and consistently missing standing pins; his scoring contribution for the day: 0. The event was of course not possible without the full support of Hong Kong’s most well-known bowler, our very own Honorary Member Vivien Lau, who was the guest of honor of the event.
On November 4, our Rotaract Club hosted their RY2019-2020 Club Installation, attended by President Mark Tong, Charter President Patrick Poon, Vice President Barry Chan, Past Presidnt Grace Yen, Past President Webster Ng, and Rotarian Kelvin Yeung. The new Board includes many faces familiar to Rotarians: Chaeri Yoo, incoming International Service Director who was an inaugural member/fantastic pianist of Harbour Lights, the Rotarian/Rotaractor band that performed at our Club’s 32nd Anniversary Party; Anuj Bhatia, incoming Professional Development Director, and Cindy Effendy, incoming Treasurer, who attended District Peace Night with us. All Rotarians gave speeches of congratulations and encouragement to the Rotaractors.
On October 9, President Mark Tong, together with Charter President Patrick Poon and Past Presidents Grace Yen and Webster Ng, attended the Club Installation of the Interact Club of King’s College. Principal KC Tang also attended the Installation and gave an encouraging speech to the Interactors. President Mark and Charter President Patrick also gave uplifting words to the Interactors, at a time of social unrest. Outgoing President Tom Lam gave a report of his achievements in the previous year, while Incoming President Marx Wong outlined his ideas for the coming year. The new 15-strong committee was pinned by President Mark and Charter President Patrick, with over 30 Interactors and school staff as witnesses.
President Mark Tong, Past President Webster Ng and Rotarian Jason Ling traveled to Taipei on September 28 to participate in Rotary Run 2019 the following day, organized by Rotary Club of Taipei Mingmen, our Sister Club. The competition course, located in the hilly part of Ruifang District in New Taipei City, was specially designed by PP Kent Yen of RC of Taipei Mingmen, a seasoned runner who is never shy of pushing the boundaries. As such, the course meandered across the hillside of Ruifang, and included a steep altitude climb of nearly 500 meters followed by a rapid descent, all within a 4km segment of the course. PP Webster, who attempted that treacherous segment, confessed that it was one of the most insane and challenging runs he has ever experienced, certainly not helped by intermittent torrential rain throughout the morning. That said, all three agreed that it was one of the most unique and beautiful scenic runs ever attempted. For the occasion, the three of us, together with additional contributions from Past President CK Wong, raised 40,000 TWD for our Sister Club to distribute to various charities, including a food bank and a local secondary school.
On August 22, our Interactors from Interact Clubs of King’s College and St. Clare’s Girls’ School attended our regular Club meeting at Regal Hongkong Hotel. Outgoing Presidents Tom and Yuki, respectively from King’s College and St. Clare’s Girls’ School, shared with Rotarians their activities in the year just passed. They brought with them their Incoming Presidents, Marx and Charlotte, who will work mainly with Youth Service Director Past President Webster Ng in RY2019-2020.
On August 15, members and families gathered at Chiu Chow C.O.C. Members’ Club (潮州商會會所) to celebrate boys and girls with birthdays between July and September. Our Club’s Board Meeting was held one hour before the beginning of the dinner. The dinner, capped with gigantic birthday buns for all, was arranged by Past President Webster Ng and Rotarian Sam Poon. Rotarian Sam and President Mark Tong also brought whisky and wines for all to share. Many thanks to Past President Webster, Rotarian Sam and attending Rotarians and family for making this fellowship a successful and joy-filled one!
Our Club’s RY2019-20 Installation was held on July 25 at Regal Hongkong Hotel. The presidential sash and gavel were passed on from Imediate Past President Lily Chan to President Mark Tong, while new pins were received by our incoming directors. The Club Installation was well-attended: 60+ Rotarians, family members and friends were present to witness this most important Club event. Many District leaders also attended, including: District Governor Wilson Cheng, Immediate Past District Governor YC Ho, District Governor Elect Eric Chak, and Assistant Governor David Thomas.
President Mark Tong, together with Past Presidents Dora Liu, Webster Ng and Patric Lee of Rotary E Club of Lantau, and Joey, visited our Sister Club in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend of July 12-14. President Mark could not stay for one more than one night as he had to return to Hong Kong on July 13 to attend District Installation, but the rest stayed behind to attend our Sister Club’s 53rd Installation. Naturally, they were feasted with fabulous food and warm hospitality from our dearest Rotarians from Pudu. President Mark did manage to join Pudu’s fellowship evening, during which the Sister Club Agreement between the two Clubs was renewed. Harbour Rotarians also managed to watch a presentation by Past District Governor Paul Lee, who is readying a Global Grant application to build water access for indigenous people in the rural forests of Malaysia.