Rotaract Club of Bombay North Island is back with its most popular and award winning International Service Project - ADOPT-A-TREE.

As last year, they will be planting 41 trees to commemorate the 41st year of Rotaract worldwide. This year, they are turning this concept into a Tree Exchange.

Every Rotaract club worldwide is invited to pledge one tree with RACBNI and in return they would request you to plant one tree for them in your vicinity. This planting of trees will happen simultaneously in the week of the 13th of March,2009.

Another highlight this year : 41 trees have been pledged and will be planted by students from Kalyandeep School for mentally and physically challenged kids.

An e-bulletin will also be released towards the end of the month. So do support RACBNI in this initiative of spreading the message of peace,love and friendship through ADOPT-A-TREE.All you have to do is simply pledge one tree on behalf of your club and then see the tree of our friendship grow and provide protection against global warming.

http://www.bni.in/tree

Venue and Date:
Date : March 9, 2009 - March 14, 2009
Venue : Mumbai and the World.

Yups, it's March already, people!

Seems like a slow semester for this avenue but not to worry coz we're currently planning yet another Goodwill Trip. Unlike our previous trips to i) Pune, India (2004) ii) Singapore (2006) iii) Chiang Rai, Thailand (2007) and most recently iv) Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta last December, this time round, we're going local.

What's more? We are collaborating with the Professional Development (PD) avenue.

Plans to Kuching and Sibu are taking shape. Currently, we're working hard on keeping the budget reasonable and the trip worthwhile. This 1-week-outing will not only cover the usual community service and fellowship with Rotaractors there, PD is arranging visits to a PETRONAS plant, the Bako National Park and UNIMAS as well!

Tentatively, this project is scheduled to be on the 11th - 17th JUNE 2009 and would cost just around RM800* we're trying our best to bring you the best deals :) Look out for more info to come!

Interested already?? Feel free to drop me an email at nakailun[at]gmail[dot]com.


Meanwhile, here is what RACUTP will be up to next:
Datanglah beramai-ramai and know more bout NOVO!!

Indonesia : An unforgetable experience

Voice From Universiti Teknologi Petronas III

January 5, 2009 by indonesiaonperspective

Although I would say that the traffic congestions there are no match for Kuala Lumpur. The bajai’s there are similar to the tut-tut’s in Bangkok. Jakarta is a huge place, so are its shopping malls. There are plenty there and all of them have their own specialty. MONAS is a beautiful sight at night and a significant monument, rightly so. If you have been to MONAS, you have been to Jakarta, Indonesia. Taman Mini Indonesia is a must see. Its going be tough to visit all places in Indonesia, taman mini is the solution. You can visit the whole of Indonesia in 1 day, including PNG!

Bandung was fantastic. The weather is nice, cooling and the town is peaceful. The shopping there, oh my. If you want to shop for clothes you should go to Bandung, anything and everything under the sun.

Yogyakarta, another awesome place to visit. A must place to visit in Indonesia. The Borobudur temple, a majestic sight to see is truly a fantastic building which is a world heritage site under UN. Its pyramid shape and uncountable statues portray Indonesia in another way, as though Borobudur is another country. The city of jogja, is peaceful and easy going, filled with horse carriages for tourists. Malioboro street a definite destination in jogja. Anything and everything including beautiful batik items can be found there

The people of Indonesia are really friendly and nice although I would not say the same for their driving habits haha. Being the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia also comprises of Christians and Jawanese Muslims. The 16th Century Cathedral in Jakarta, build during the Dutch era, matches the ones build in ancient Rome.

The enormous Mosque’s, largest in South East Asia, represents the large population of Muslims there.

Being in Indonesia for 10 days was really a marvelous experience. The food there, spicy for some, nice for me. Gadu-gadu, the famous of them all. The huge variety there sometimes made it difficult to choose my meals.

Finally I would like to thank all the rotaractors from all the clubs in Jakarta, RAC Semanggi, RAC Lippo Karawachi, RAC Gambir, Bandung Rotaractors also Budy and RAC Yogyakarta Molioboro for their time and wonderful company throughout the entire

trip. Not forgetting the students of Universitas Pelita Harapan, hosted us during their silence week. It wouldn’t have been the same without all of you there. Wishing all of you a wonderful new year, all the best in whatever you do. Take care!!!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Jasmitt Bullar
Rotaract Club of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, District 3300
Malaysia

Voice From Universiti Teknologi Petronas II

January 5, 2009 by indonesiaonperspective

What I think about INDONESIA:

Honestly, I have never been to Indonesia. However, it gives me the impression of a culture and tradition- rich country, where lots of monuments and historical buildings are still preserved, much to the delight of tourists. Despite the political turmoil and natural disasters that had taken place in Indonesia, the people in the country still continue to strive forward in holding the country together, a spirit complimented.

Chan Yen Pinng
Rotaract Club of Universiti Teknologi Petronas , District 3300
Malaysia

Voice From Universiti Teknologi Petronas

January 5, 2009 by indonesiaonperspective

What I think about Indonesia.

From the beginning I was skeptical about Indonesia. I was of the idea
that Indonesia is not such a good place, starting from the roads to
the environment, I wasn’t sure what to expect. All these ideas thanks
to a lot opinions from various people who themselves haven’t been to
Indonesia.

My journey from the airport told me a little about what to expect from
Indonesia, or Jakarta to be precise. The journey, albeit a little long
because of the traffic jam, I was kept occupied by the environment.
Being a scenery fan myself, I was amazed at how many trees and
greenery I met all the way to the hotel. Even in the capital city,
they were so many tress around. It was just beautiful. Even with all
these trees, I read in the papers that the city had not met its trees
quota, which means there are more trees to come. That’s great!!!!
Another thing I noted was the great architecture each building had,
preserving the architecture of those days in between modern day
buildings is just wonderful to watch.

On one of my days in Jakarta, I went out for a walk at night to soak
in the culture and get to know the people a little bit. One particular
culture that is similar with us Malaysians is the night life. Many
shops are open even until late at night. We stopped a satay shop, and
my friends got themselves some satay. While waiting, we got a chance
to have a chat with the shop keeper. He was so friendly and jovial.
That character is true for all Indonesians in my view. Even the
Rotaractors who kept us company were the same.

Being in Bandung reminded me of any town in Malaysia. It was so
similar. Since language was no barrier and was almost the same, I
really felt like I was at home. The visit to the Angklung centre was
something amazing too. We got to know a little bit about the
Indonesian culture and musical instruments. That was an experience not
to forget for me.

Finally we went to Yogyakarta by train. Eventhough the train ride from
Jakarta to Yogyakarta took nine hours, I didn’t feel the distance as I
was either enjoying the scenery or well asleep. There were paddy
fields all the way. Paddy fields even came as close as the train
track. There were also some unharmed rivers and jungle that were great
to the eye. In the city that had both Borobudur and Prambanan, we
managed to do a lot of shopping. I was amazed at how well Candi
Borobudur has been preserved. Even more impressive is the fact that
rehabilitation is still taking place,to keep the candi in its shapre
for a longer time to come.

All in all, I had a great time in Indonesia. To sum it up in a few
words, the people are great, the environment is great and so is the
culture. I had a splendid 10 days in Indonesia.

Sandeep
Rotaract Club of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, District 3300
Malaysia

We Listen to You Project…

We Listen to You Project…

This project held by International Service, Rotaract Club Semanggi Jakarta, District 3400 Indonesia. The objective of this project is to find out what is the perception of other Rotaractors all over the world about Indonesia, for supporting Indonesian Government Programme Visit Indonesian Year 2008.

We always waiting for you thinking, comment and opinion about Indonesia. It can be positive or negative, just speak your voice. It is time for us to listen to you…

For the best comment we will give you special souvenir originally from Indonesia. The winner will be anonnounced at Asia Pasific Rotaract Regional Conference (APRRC), that will be held in Bali, 19-23 November 2008.

For joining this project, as simply as following this step:
1. Write down what do you think about INDONESIA (ex. culture, social life, tourism destination, etc.)
2. Write also your name, club, district, and countries
3. Send it to indonesiaonperspective@gmail.com
4. Check on http://indonesiaonperspective.wordpress.com
5. Wait for Indonesia Handicraft for the BEST COMMENT

Jakarta Goodwill Trip

Thanx to Aira for creating this.......=p

RACUTP 9th Installation Dinner

Better late than never, errhhmm..

Yes, we had our 9th Installation Ceremony at Ipoh City and Country's Club instead! And most of the 120 people turnout arrived dressed up to the theme of a Scarf and Tie Affair. 

On the top right, it's the V.I.P table with IPP Joshua Ng, Rotarian Arthur, the District Governor and President of the Rotary Club of Kinta

The immediate past board of Directors being honoured

Board of Directors of the 08/09 term

The on-goings of the night - we had a beauty pageant, performances by Christon and Adonis (not in pic),  breakdancing and that, at the bottom left, is the lucky winner of a 3D2N room at Havana Beach Resort!!

President Jasmitt with (left) Club Advisor, Mr Zulkarnan Abdul and (right) Rotarian Advisor, Mr Arthur Yeong

Director's Note on Jakarta Trip 08

Initially, the plan was to go to Hong Kong and Indonesia was actually my backup plan.  I started looking for contacts via Rotaract.net (introduced to me by my predecessor, Director Kong), Friendster and also through the wonders of ‘Googling’.

It was then that I’ve managed to get into contact with a few Rotaractors from Hong Kong and a Malaysian studying at a Hong Kong Polytechnic University for help. The Rotaract Club that the club hosted last year, RAC of Hong Kong University, also offered to lend a hand.

The following is the initial short-listed places for us to visit : 

 

1.      Sheung Tak Child Care Centre (for hearing impaired children)

               尚德幼兒中心 (為聽覺受損兒童而設）

        2.      Wan Tsui Centre 

       環翠中心

3.      Morrison Hill Child Development Centre (SCCC)

               摩理臣山兒童發展中心 (特殊幼兒中心)

4.      Ebenezer Child Care Centre (for visually impaired children)

               心光幼兒中心 (為視覺受損兒童而設）

        5.      Cheung Wah Special Child Care Centre 

       祥華特殊幼兒中心

          

Unfortunately, due to time constraints (it was mid June when I first got into contact with them and the trip was scheduled to be in December), all of them turned me down. It seemed that they needed at least a year’s notice for such visits. It was after a board meeting that I’ve decided to switch my attention to Indonesia. A quote from Rotarian Arthur “ If you feel that you are banging your head on the wall, then you should know that it’s time to stop or quit”.

 

With that, I was back to square one. Fortunately, a handful of Rotaract Clubs of Indonesia expressed their interest in helping. And that was how it all begun. ** To tell the truth, I planned to have this trip during the semester break of July 2009 but hey, why limit our goodwill trip to being an annual affair? So, here’s the news, the avenue is planning to organize two of such trips this term (fingers crossed).

                                                        

Since the month of July, I have been keeping an eye on the rates of Air Asia. Waiting and waiting for the right time to get hold the cheap tickets. The opportunity came but I have yet finalized my plans with my Indonesian counterparts! The proposal and promotional posters were not done yet. It was in two the morning and there were just so much to do!

I would be having a lab session at 8am and with the remaining hours till then, the proposal was completed. I decided to ‘recycle’ the poster that Past Director Kong had used, with a few tweaks and all, of course. Not a glorifying thing to do – but pardon me for it was my first time coming up with a proposal and organizing such a trip.

The proposal was sent in that very morning and I managed to convince Student Support Service (SSS) to have it approved there and then. That was extremely relieving as generally, it would take at least a month for off-campus events to be approved and the Air Asia promotion was only valid for less than two weeks then. Tickets to Jakarta would normally cost around RM110-200 but on promotions, they were only RM 40-70 each!

That night, the posters were up with the help of the rest of the avenue. Of course, the worries of the tickets being snapped up still lingered throughout the ten odd days.

My first trip presentation during a club meeting went well although I had had some reservations initially. The respond was fairly good. Most of the club members thought of the trip to be a recreational one and when I got to the community service part, their expressions were a straightforward “No Way!”.

 

All in all, ten people showed their interest. They are:

1.      Jasmitt Bhullar ( President of RACUTP 08/09 )  

2.      Aira Amira Abd Raman ( Secretary I )

3.      Sandeep Ramakrishnan

4.      Tan Xiao Ci

5.      Lee Kuo Chun  

6.      Timonthy Ganesan

7.      Suren Lim Sinnaduraj

8.      Jasvinder Singh Gill

9.      Nur Fathiah Bt Jasmari

10.  Beshari

 

The original duration (10^th - 17^th December 2008) was extended till 19^th December as we wanted to make a visit to the famous Borobodur at Yogjakarta. Luck was on our side – there was a ticket promotion going.

 

Hence, the flight arrangements were made and my focus was then shifted to the activities there. With the assistance of three clubs ( RAC Semanggi, RAC Gambir, and RAC Lippo Karawaci ), the first itinerary was outlined.

Special thanks to the Director of Funding, Rtr. Lee See for helping me recruit sponsors, both monetary as well as merchandise (colour pencils and stationeries for the children there).  Besides that,I am very appreciative of Rtr Koong Xin Yi (of the Community Service Avenue) and her mother. They sponsored 40 story books and 38 pencil boxes – Thank you very much, Mdm Koong and Rtr. Koong!

Regards, 

Jerry