Last week's Proceedings -

The weekly luncheon was started by President Paul. A total number of 15 members attended the meeting. Conspicuously absent was PP John, who was reported to be performing his filial duties. No visiting Rotarians nor guests were present.

Acting SAA, Rtn Heman Lam, told us that the collection for the red box totalled $900.

Pres. Paul made several announcements and reminders:

1. Confirmed to accept the invitation from RC of Hong Kong North to the Joint Luncheon on 3^rd May 2007 to be held at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel . Speaker : Ms. Connie Lau, the new Chief Executive of the Consumer Council . Our regular Luncheon Meeting at Excelsior Hotel on Wednesday 2^nd May 2007.will be moved to the above Joint Luncheon.
   
   
2. The progress of Water Cellar Project supported by the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East is going well and most of the household has completed the first stage of hole digging. They will soon distribute cement and brick to the household for the next stage construction work.

They will have a plaque on the site and they wish us can advise the wording for acknowledgement. Then the World Vision colleagues will draft the plaque wording for our approval accordingly.

Moreover, they could arrange a visit at late June if our Club members are interested and available, please advise the best time to us for further arrangement.

PP Hubert introduced our speaker, Mr Anthony Tang, Centre Director of the HK Wireless Development Centre. He spoke on the topic of " The Development of WiFi City in HK".

In his recent report, the Financial Secretary in the HKSAR Government announced that $210million has been earmarked for the development of Hong Kong into a WiFi city, where people can have free access to WiFi in the public places. Mr Tang began by comparing the nearby Asian cities, Taipei, Singapore and Seoul, which all had become WiFi cities. Taipei was the first, and as it started the project some 9 years before, it got in first and had earned many prizes and awards. They have 4,000 Access Points (AP) in the public hospitals, libraries, convenient stores etc. But subscribers reached only 10% of the target. Issues included disappearing APs, coverage only 50% ( the Taipei urban areas only) and speed only 1/6 of GSM. Applications are also lagging behind. Singapore started only this year, and has 900 hotspots, aiming to increase it to 5,000 by Sept 07. 50,000 subscribers signed up by Feb 07. It was operated by 3 companies for the 3 zones in Singapore. The connection is good as Mass Technology was used. But one has to pay if faster services are desired. Afterall, Singapore is a "Fine" City. Seoul uses its own brand of technology. For the first 8 months, only 1057 subscribers signed up, and 1 out of 3 operators gave up. Issues included inconvenience, areas too small, and performance not good.

Back to Hong Kong- the Government initiative provoked a lot of comments and public discussions. There were 2 plans, the government to place WiFi in own buildings and by private operators. Infrastructures will be for open tender, but after 2 years, the maintenance fees will be high. PCCW is already providing 3000 Aps with 10 mbps. HK will have the advantage of using matured technology, but in view of 70% of homes having Broadband, hot spot pollutions may occur. Data security is also a concern. New revenue model ( who pays for it) and new business opportunities will be of interest to the public. Success of the project will lie in the development of applications. Further information may be browsed at the web sites www.hkwdc.org.

Several keen questions followed but in view of the time constraint, President Paul presented the momento to the speaker who was thanked by PP Rudy.

The RI Foundation, through PDG Uncle Peter, conferred the honour of Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor Level 1 to PP Hubert, for his contribution of USD10,000. PP Hubert is the fourth member of the club to attain this honour, the three predecessors being our Founding President PP John Yuen, PP Sam Lam, PDG YK Cheng.

The meeting was closed at 2pm after a toast to the RI and the RCHKIE.

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Major Donor of R/C of HK Island East

PDG Peter Hall had a pleasant task to perform during the lunch meeting to-day to present our own PP Hubert C.Y. Chan with a crystal recognition confirming him a (first level) Major Donor of The Rotary Foundation plus a square lapel pin mounted with one diamond. The crystal is engraved with Hubert's name and depicted doves bearing olive branches – universal symbols of peace

PP Hubert Chan had made a substantial contribution toward the goal of international understanding and peace. In doing so, he supports and honors the humanitarian and educational program of The Rotary Foundation that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Contributions like this enable the Foundation to carry out an array of programs through Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the globe that

1. improve living conditions for needy families locally and globally;
2. increase food production and clean water programs;
3. provide classrooms and educational materials for schools;
4. allay the suffering of the sick and disabled by providing immunization, medical treatment and rehabilitation, and;
5. provide new channels for international understanding, and brighter hopes for peace through Group Study Exchanges, Ambassadorial Scholarships and University Teachers in developing countries.

Thank you once again, Hubert, for your generous support to The Rotary Foundation. May I ask all members to join me in appreciating the generosity of our PP Hubert Chan.

Just a short note to mention the previous Major Donors of our club as follows:

1. Rotary Club of HK Island East (in memory of the late Charter president & PDG John Yuen through the contribution of his family members)
2. Former PP Samuel S. Lam
3. PDG Y. K. Cheng.

Any member who wishes to become a Major Donor may contact our club's Foundation Chairman, PDG Peter Hall. Just make a phone call or email to him and he shall take care of the procedures.

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Clubs News

(A) President Paul Chan presented to Rtn. Heman Lam with the following prizes for his achievement on the 27^th March 2007 at the PP John Kwok’s Golf Tournament at Mission Hills Golf Club :

1. Closest to the hole No. 15
2. Gross Score – 2^nd runner up.

(B) Members please note that we are having a joint meeting with our daughter club – R/C of Hong Kong North on 3^rd May 2007 at the Habour View Renaissance Hotel for lunch in Wanchai, HK. The speaker will be the chief executive of the Consumer Council.

NO lunch meeting on 2^nd (Wednesday) May 2007 at the Excelsior Hotel

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The speaker today was Mr. Anthony Tang, Centre Director of the HK Wireless Development Centre. He spoke on "The Development of WiFi City in Hong Kong"

PP Hubert introducing our Speaker for today.

PP Rudy thanked the speaker.

(L to R) PDG Uncle Peter, Mr. Anthony Tang, and Pres. Paul.

(L to R) Dr. Tony, PP's Rudy, Tim, Rtn Kenny, Hon Sec Andy.

PDG Uncle Peter presenting PP Hubert his Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor Level 1 medal.

Pres. Paul presenting Rtn Heman his golf trophy For his 2nd Runner up on Gross Score.

(L to R) PDG Y.K., PP's Eddy, Hubert, PE Laurence, Rtn Heman, and PP Li.

The group photo of our meeting with PDG Uncle Peter, Pres. Paul, our guest speaker and members on 18th April 2007.

(L to R) heavy discussion by Pres. Paul with PP Li, PDG Uncle Peter, and PP Henry are all ears.

(L to R) Dir Norman, Pres. Paul, PP Li, PP Henry, Dir Jason, Hon Sec Andy and IPP Eddy all more or less paying attention.

(L to R) now all calm down (front row) Pres. Paul, PP Henry, IPP Eddy, (back row) Dir Norman, PP Li and PDG Y.K. with Rtn Eric and Heman in the background.

(L to R) PP's Li, Stephen, PE Laurence, Dir Norman, PDG Uncle Peter, Rtn's Peter II, Heman, Eric and Pres. Paul.

(L to R) PDG Y.K., Hon Sec Andy, Rtn Kenny, PP Henry, Rtn Kishu, Dir Jason, IPP Eddy.

Look at the main course, D E L I C I O U S   F I S H, ordered by Pres. Paul.

(L to R) PDG Uncle Peter, Dir Norman, PE Laurence.

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