Speeches

Installation Ceremony of
Rotary International District 3450 for Rotary Year 2017-18
8 July 2017 (Saturday)
Speech by Prof. Sophia Siu Chee CHAN,
Secretary for Food and Health

Dear District Governor HW [HW FUNG],
Immediate Past District Governor Eric [Eric CHIN],
Past Rotary International President Gary [Gary HWANG],
the Rotary Foundation Trustee [A committee],
distinguished guests, Rotarians and friends,

 

1. First of all, it is my great pleasure and honour joining all of you at the Installation Ceremony of Rotary International District 3450 for Rotary Year 2017-18.
2. As we all know, Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities. Rotary members have devoted their passion, energy, and intelligence to numerous sustainable and impactful projects. Rotary International District 3450 consists of 90 Rotary Clubs, and in the past decades, many Rotary clubs have actively supported and participated in a wide range of charity services, including caring for the elderly, youth service, supporting the poor, education and environment protection programs, as well as the setting up of many meaningful and far-reaching charity projects. Every Rotarian tries his or her best to contribute to bring more hope to different community groups.
3. We have witnessed that Rotary clubs have brought together many enthusiastic social elites to support and conduct community service projects. Please allow me to take this opportunity to give my hearty appreciation on behalf of the HKSAR Government for all the efforts Rotarians have made. In particular, organ donation is one of the most meaningful public projects I have worked with Rotary District 3450. This project has heightened public awareness of organ donation and provided a convenient means for the public to register as organ donors. For patients suffering from organ failure, organ transplant is often the only cure and hope to gain a new life with much improved quality. The Government will spare no efforts in the promotion of organ donation in order to save more lives. We would look forward to more co-operation opportunities with the Rotary clubs in various charitable events in particular on organ donation activities in order to promote this meaningful cause.
4. In the past year, Rotary District 3450 has made immense contributions to the community under the leadership of the Outgoing District Governor Eric Chin. May I take this opportunity to thank Eric for his remarkable achievements and contributions to Rotary and the Hong Kong community as a whole.
5. At the same time, new Rotary leaders will be taking up duties as Rotary club presidents, under the leadership of the Incoming District Governor HW FUNG. I sincerely congratulate you all, District Governor HW FUNG and club presidents, on this important day of your installation. I am sure that in the days to come, you will make significant contribution to the community and write a wonderful page of your own life.
6. Finally, my congratulations to the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Dennis CHAN and his committee members on the success of this year's installation ceremony. Hope that everyone will share and enjoy the spirit of Rotary this evening. Thank you.