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History of
Rotary in
the Republic of Singapore
A Part of Our History of
Rotary in Asia
The History of Rotary in Singapore is linked to the history of
Malaysia. Singapore was given independence from Malaysia in
1965. The history is also linked to
Jim Davidson,
RI Special Commissioner for Asia, appointed by Paul Harris to
assist in the expansion of Rotary throughout this part of Asia.
Jim Davidson entered South East Asia from Burma
(now Myanmar) and slowly traveled down
the Malay Peninsula assisting in the formation of Rotary clubs
in Penang, Ipoh, Klang and Coast (now Port
Klang), Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Malacca
(Melaka) and Singapore.
While Singapore was the last on Davidson's list
of places to visit, it was the fifth club to receive its
charter, all within 6 months of each other.
Singapore at its inception was, like the other clubs above, not
part of any district. It was not until 1 July
1931 that Provisional District B was created to cater for all
these clubs. In 1935 this area of South east Asia was renumbered
District 80. then District 46, then District 330.
Singapore now is included in
District 3310 which incorporates
all the clubs in Singapore together with clubs in Brunei and the
southern half of Malaysia. Singapore has been
host to Regional Conferences, the RI International
Convention of 1999, and is the home of over 60
Rotary Clubs in an island nation of only a little over 3.5
million people. Singapore is also the home of the
only eClub in South East Asia. Singapore is a
vibrant country. It has the highest GDP of any country in South
East Asia and is home to the region's largest international
airport and seaport. |
