President’s Message for July 2025

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After being with the Rotary family for over 16 years both in Singapore and Malaysia, I am humbled and honoured to stand before you today as the 22nd President of Rotary E-Club 3310. I do not stand alone, I stand on the shoulders of dedicated leaders – my predecessors and Past Presidents – who have left a legacy of service and compassion. On this note, I wish to extend a vote of thanks to IPP Stephanie Song and her BOD for being presented the “Club Excellence Award with Merits 2024-2025” at the district level. Shout out to Community Service Director Rotarian Cindy Teo for “Local Community Service – Distinction Award”. Also shout out to Public Image Chair PP Ong Chee Wee for “Public Image Service – Merit Award”. Heartiest Congratulations! 🎊 Congratulations, Stephanie! You had an outstanding year.

I thank all of you for your trust, your service, and your belief in what we do together — to make a real difference in people’s lives.

As we begin this new Rotary year, I invite each of you to join me in embracing a guiding principle that encapsulates not only the heart of what we do, but also the spirit with which we do it. That word is SHINE.

At first glance, it may seem simple. But within it lies a powerful commitment: to be a source of light — especially where darkness persists. As Rotarians, we are not just doers of good. We are bearers of hope, bringers of change, and keepers of light in places the world may have forgotten. In the coming year, let us strive to SHINE — in every corner of our community, and in every life we touch.

Let me share what SHINE means for us:

S is for Service. At the heart of Rotary is service — the soul of what we do. Together, we will continue to build on our impactful signature projects. Projects like the Gift of Sight and Ray of Hope, which help prevent avoidable blindness, remind us that even the smallest action — a surgery, a pair of glasses — can restore someone’s world from darkness to light. We’ve helped restore vision, dignity, independence and quality of life to our beneficiaries in Bandung, Indonesia, and low income students from Spectra Secondary School in Singapore.

H is for Healing. Our feeding programs such as “Happy Meals” and “Rotary Moments” provide more than just food — we offer nourishment for the body and uplift empty hearts.

Rotary shines brightest when we uplift the most vulnerable in our community. Healing is not just about medicine — it is about showing people they are seen, cared for, and never forgotten.

I is for Impact. This year, we renew our commitment to youths at risk at Gladiolus Place — helping them find purpose, hope, and belonging. These are young individuals often at the margins of society, facing challenges that many of us cannot imagine. Through mentoring, support, and just being a befriender, we provide a path away from despair and toward hope. Let us never forget — when we change the life of a youth, we are not just helping one individual. We are shaping the future of entire families, communities, and nations.

N is for Nurture. This Rotary Year, we take a bold new step in nurturing the mind and spirit. In partnership with the Singapore Cancer Society, we are launching a mental health initiative that addresses the silent struggles too many face. We recognise that physical illness is often accompanied by emotional and psychological struggle — especially for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Mental health is a vital yet often overlooked part of wellbeing. Through this programme, we aim to destigmatise mental health, create safe spaces for support, and nurture resilience in the face of life’s toughest battles against critical illnesses. It’s a project that strikes a personal chord with me as I have a family history of cancer. Let no one suffer alone in the shadows.

E is for Empowerment. At the heart of Rotary’s impact are our people — our members, donors, volunteers, and partners in service. You are the ones who turn ideas into action, and vision into results. To each of you — thank you. Thank you for the countless hours you have given. For your belief in Rotary’s mission. For your willingness to give generously — not just financially, but from the heart. Your commitment empowers our work, sustains our legacy, and inspires future generations to follow. You are the reason Rotary shines.

This Rotary year, let us shine not for recognition, but for purpose. Let us shine not for applause, but to bring light where there is none.

Together, let us SHINE — so brightly that others are inspired to do the same. Together, let us make this a Rotary year marked not only by achievements — but by meaning. A year where we do not merely serve, but uplift. Not just reach goals, but change lives.

Thank you once again for your trust in me. Let us go forward together — to serve, to lead, to inspire, and above all, to SHINE!

Unite For Good,
Dr. (h.c) Gracy Yap
President, Rotary E-Club Of 3310 (2025 – 2026)

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