As our President Rattakul has always emphasizing, "Sow the Seeds of Love" should be the fuel that drives all the ongoing activities of Rotary. It should also be the seeds that are sowed into the hearts of people through every Rotarians effort, and thus help maintain the proud Rotary tradition.

From December 13th to 15th of last year, the Zone 9 Institute was held in Busan, Korea with presence of RIP Rattakul, Trustee Ravizza, and senior Rotary leaders of Korea. It provided an opportunity for the Korean Rotary leaders to self-evaluate their activities and services, and an intensive discussion on the major topics for Rotary in Korea. This years institute programs focused especially on fundraising for Polio Eradication, the major Rotary activities of the year, and the leaders delved into a range of strategies to accomplish Rotary Zone 9s (Korea) contribution goal of 4.5 million dollars.

With the total contribution amount of 5.475 million dollars, Korea placed third in the world in the ranking of contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Furthermore, Korea ranked at the top position among all 34 zones in two areas of contribution; 4.450 million dollars for the annual contribution, and 813 thousand dollars for the Permanent Fund, both of which were highly complimented and encouraged by RIP Rattakul and Trustee Ravizza.

In regard to the membership development, Rotary Korea ranked high at the second position. District 3700 in our zone even achieved a net growth rate of 113% by more than doubling its membership numbers from 1,994 to 4,227 with the intake of 2,251 new members, thereby setting up an unbeatable record in the Global Quest in which all Rotarians participate around the world.

Membership development is one of the major works for Rotary as its members are the basic sources of RIs continuous growth which will further take part in ameliorating world peace and understanding. As RI Director from the Zone 9, I am very proud of the successful results of both contribution and the membership development of Rotary in Korea.

Some of our Rotary club leaders appear to be doubtful at times and ask What is the District or RI doing for us? In response, I would like to quote John F. Kennedy's famous saying that "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

One of the Rotary's significant achievements is Service Above Self which has been passed on to the 21st century by mankind. It is the clubs and its members who play the most important role in achieving these great accomplishments. Clubs are the heart and soul of Rotary. It is for this reason that RIP Bhichai Rattakul, emphasizes the need to go back to Rotary's most fundamental principles in order to efficiently strengthen our clubs.

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