Dear Members,
First of all, thank you so much for your trust and electing me as the President for this Rotary year. On 1 July 2022, while Hong Kong SAR is celebrating her 25th anniversary of establishment, I am also celebrating myself as the new President of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East!
I grew up in Hong Kong and I love this place. Except for a short period studying in the U.K, I spent most of my time in Hong Kong in the past 36 years. I first knew about Rotary since I was the President of an Interact Club at high school in
2004. This was one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. In 2006, I was elected President of a U-based Rotaract Club. I came to know more about Rotary. I was inspired by the fact that many Rotarians had contributed a lot to our community. I pledged myself that what I take from the community, I would give back to society after my graduation.
After university, I worked in the Mainland China and the USA. In 2017, my work became more stable, and finally in 2019, I joined our Club.
Thank you PP Andy Wong for introducing me to this family. Special thanks PP Eddy Wong and PP Leo Yu who guided me to perform the role of Honorary Secretary in the past 2 years. Thank you, PDG YK Cheng and PP George Leung for your great support. Thank you all directors, chairs and advisors who worked together with me on Club affairs. Lastly, thank you IPP Bernard Lee. You will be remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted President of our Club!
This Rotary year is a special year to us, as our member Norman Lee takes office as the District Governor for RI District 3450. It is not often we ‘produce’ a Governor, and we should be proud of it. This gives our Club greater public image and with it, challenge: In particular, the impact of COVID-19 still persists. Hopefully, we will return to normal soon.
In my year, I expect to focus on supporting DG Norman’s work, membership growth/development, enhancing Rotary Foundation knowledge among members and start preparing for our Club’s 70th Anniversary through services, public image and fellowship activities. As one of the most senior clubs in our District, let’s look forward and have another successful year by imagining Rotary together!
President Rico
1st July 2022