Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Signing of the Rotary Intercountry Committee ASEAN Charter

Mr Shekhar Mehta, President of Rotary International

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

A warm welcome to those who have travelled to join us in Singapore. It is my pleasure to witness the signing ceremony of the Charter of the Rotary Intercountry Committee ASEAN (RICCA) today. I congratulate the RICCA organising committee, including Mr Jimmy Ooi, Dr Philbert Chin, Ambassador K Kesavapany, and Mr Rajamohan Munisamy, on the success of today’s event. It is fitting that this event is held in Singapore, given RICCA’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cultural diversity. With the easing of travel restrictions, it is my hope that we will see the resumption of more regional and international events in Singapore.

The RICCA will unite 42,000 Rotarians, who are members of the 1,600 Rotary Clubs from 10 ASEAN countries. The formalisation of this platform is indeed a significant milestone, and will provide opportunities for Rotarians from ASEAN Member States to connect, exchange ideas, and innovate as you advance your social mission. RICCA will implement Rotary International’s seven focus areas in social service, from promoting peace to protecting the environment.

The past two years have highlighted the important work of organisations like Rotary International. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities in need. It was heartening that the Rotary Clubs in ASEAN Member States remained steadfast in providing support to these communities. For example, the Rotary Club of Singapore set up the COVID-19 Unemployment Fund for individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and donated face shields, surgical masks, and medical gowns to frontline workers. I urge you to grow and expand these efforts through the RICCA.

At the same time, RICCA will support ASEAN in fulfilling its Socio-Cultural Community commitments. These commitments strive to build a socially responsible, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community, in line with ASEAN’s motto for ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’. Community-building cannot rely solely on top-down policies and must be complemented by ground-up efforts that engage people at the personal, individual level. I look forward to RICCA’s initiatives in this endeavour.

In closing, let me commend Rotary International for spearheading this new regional effort. I would also like to acknowledge the Rotary Club of Singapore, the oldest and largest Rotary Club in the region, for coming forward to host this assembly. This exemplifies the Rotarian spirit of ‘Service Above Self’ and fulfils its present theme of ‘Serve to Change Lives’. I am confident that RICCA will leave a lasting impact on the lives of communities in need in the region. Thank you.