District Vocational Services Committee – District Vocational Services Forum on 18 January 2025 (Saturday) – “Discover the Vocational Magic of Rotary”

By Past President Dominic Wai,
Chair of the Vocational Services Forum, District Vocational Services Committee,
Rotary Club of Star Avenue

On 18 January 2025, Rotary International District 3450 successfully hosted the highly anticipated Rotary Vocational Services Forum under the theme, “Discover the Vocational Magic of Rotary.” January is Vocational Service month in the Rotary calendar and therefore it was most appropriate to hold the forum to bring together Rotarians, leaders and professionals to explore the impact of vocational service on Rotary members and to announce the criteria for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Vocational Service.

71 registrants representing 38 clubs of D3450 attended the forum. The clubs include the 2 newly chartered clubs and also members of a provisional club.

District Governor Nigel Lo shared his opening remarks and introduced the Governor’s Award for Vocational Excellence.

The keynote speech was given by Past President Tim Lui, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission and from the Rotary Club of Island East, followed by two lively chit-chat sessions with esteemed panellists Past Governor YK Cheng, Past Governor HW Fung and Past Governor Kenneth Wong, who delved into how vocational service and the 4-Way Test benefit Rotary members and their clubs. The sharing of Past Governor HW Fung on the 4-Way Test can be accessed here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aX-NdYlDX7eP0VBjDzX8iy-0VGeytakY/view?usp=sharing

District Governor Nigel Lo presented the Governor’s Award for Vocational Service Excellence to Past President Tim Lui, GBS, JP and Past Governor YK Cheng.

Past President Brendon Wong gave a forward-thinking presentation on the “Magical Combination of AI Technology and Vocational Service”.

The forum continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Business Relationships with a Rotary Perspective”, moderated by Assistant Governor Scarlet Tso. The panellists, including Past Governor HW Fung, Past Governor Eric Chak, and Past President Dominic Wai, shared their experiences in integrating Rotary values into business practices and referrals.

Another inspiring session followed, with Past Governor Eric Chak presenting on “Vocational Training Team Aspiration,” showcasing how vocational training can transform lives and communities.

Past Governor Kenneth Wong concluded the presentations with an impactful talk on the “VVE – Vocational Program that Bridges Continents and Fosters International Understanding,” underscoring the global reach and significance of Rotary’s vocational programs.

The forum demonstrated how Rotary’s vocational service not only strengthens clubs but also builds bridges of understanding across professions and cultures.