By Margaret Chau (Incoming President of Rotary Club of Kowloon North)

62^nd Anniversary Gala cum Installation Ceremony

On 6 June 2026, the Rotary Club of Kowloon North marked a very special milestone—our 62nd Anniversary Gala cum Installation Ceremony—held at the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Golden Mile. It was an evening filled with gratitude, fellowship, and reflection. As President Elect, I felt deeply honoured to witness and be part of such a meaningful occasion in our Club’s journey.

We were privileged to welcome our Guest of Honour, Professor Andrew Chi-fai Chan, SBS, JP, Emeritus Professor of Marketing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, President of The Left-Right Circles Academy, and advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation. His keynote speech on “Passing the Torch” offered thought-provoking insights that resonated with the spirit of Rotary and the heart of the evening.

Professor Chan eloquently connected Rotary’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” with his Left-Right Circles Theory, reminding us that true service is rooted in selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Drawing from marketing and strategy, he described the journey from awareness to understanding, to affinity, to action, and ultimately to habit—encouraging us to see Rotary service not as isolated acts, but as a sustained and purposeful endeavour that creates lasting impact.

His sharing on the “Left-Right Circles Analysis” and the concept of Zones A, B, and C further inspired us to think strategically about how we extend both the reach and depth of our service. His message was clear and timely: lasting change requires clarity, intentional design, and persistence.

Perhaps most memorable was his reminder: “Start with why, then consider how, and finally decide what to do.” As Rotarians, we are called to remain anchored in our core values—truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all—ensuring that each of us carries forward the torch of service with purpose and integrity.

Since beginning my Rotary journey in 2024, I have come to appreciate deeply the concept of Tài (泰)—harmony. In the wisdom of the I Ching, Tài represents alignment between heaven and earth, enabling all things to flourish. In many ways, Rotary embodies this harmony: where people, purpose, and service come together. Through fellowship, mutual support, and shared vision, we uplift one another and build communities where positive change can truly thrive.

The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of distinguished guests and dear friends from across sectors. We were honoured by the attendance of PDG Mr David Harilela, PP Dr Joseph Lee, CP Mr Gary Harilela, Ms Susanna Chiu (CEO of Bonjour Holdings), Dr Kenny Kung (CEO of Greater Bay Area Healthcare Group), Mr Simon Chu (CEO of Hong Kong Endoscopy Centre), Ms Connie Leung (CEO of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation), as well as esteemed members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and many valued community partners. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the shared commitment across our community to serve and uplift others.

The evening was further enriched by a series of delightful and heartfelt performances. Our sincere thanks to The Variety Music Academy, led by Brian Tse, and their lovely group of young singers, whose joyful and uplifting performance brought warmth and energy to the room—beautifully reflecting the spirit of hope and the next generation. We are also grateful to Dr KK Kung for his generous and spirited singing, the CUHK EMBA community for their moving rendition of “Together”, and Mr Simon Chu for his charming performance of “Sway”, which added elegance and vibrancy to the celebration. These performances not only entertained, but also reminded us of the power of music in bringing people together.

We are deeply grateful for the generous support that made the evening so special. Our heartfelt thanks go to Professor Andrew Chan for his inspiring sharing.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Organising Committee, board members, and dedicated volunteers—including AG Josephine Leung, Gordon Chin, Jessica, and many others—whose tireless efforts brought this celebration to life. We are equally thankful to President Novy for highlighting our service initiative supporting the Chicken Soup Foundation, a meaningful example of Rotary’s compassion in action.

We were honoured as well by the presence of District Governor Cassy Cheng and her daughter Stephanie, who delighted us with a wonderful singing performance, alongside our outstanding Masters of Ceremony, Carman and David. The fellowship shared among Past District Governors, Assistant Governors, District officers, fellow Rotarians, and friends made the evening all the more memorable.

As we look ahead, the Rotary Club of Kowloon North remains steadfast in our belief: Service Above Self, Unite for Good, and Create Lasting Impact. These are not merely themes, but guiding principles that connect and inspire our actions.

Together, we will continue to strengthen our bonds, carry forward the torch, and let the Rotary spirit shine ever brighter—for our community and for generations to come.

We warmly welcome all who share this spirit of service to learn more about our club and join us on this meaningful journey.