Hashimah Hashim receiving the Presidential Citation Award on behalf of Kulai Rotary Club Kulai recently.
Hashimah Hashim receiving the Presidential Citation Award on behalf of Kulai Rotary Club Kulai recently.
ONLY one per cent of 1,800 Rotarians from District 3310, which comprises 64 Rotary Clubs in Singapore, Johor, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, is Malay.
And I have to thank my mentor, who is also my boss, for without him, I would never have become a Rotarian.
Not only did I become a Rotarian, I was also the first Malay woman president in District 3310 while leading the Kulai Rotary Club. My proudest moment was when the Kulai Rotary Club won the prestigious award in the Best Non-Governmental Organisation Club category of the Kulaijaya award and the Presidential Citation Award on separate occasions. Winning both awards has boosted my confidence as I initially didn’t think that I could contribute much to the club, which was established in August 1983. The club has raised RM25,000 for 11 schools in Kulaijaya this year. Honestly, I could not have done it without the commitment and drive of my fellow club members, who have carried out numerous projects that turn benefited the community in the district. The Kulai Rotary Club’s haemodialysis centre in Taman Bintang, Senai, caters to more than 100 kidney patients who are undergoing dialysis at a subsidised rate. We also work closely with police and other NGOs in Kulai to create awareness of crime prevention and organise blood donation campaigns. Our aim is to make the lives of the people better.
Being able to be of service to others has really made a big difference in my life. Before I became a Rotarian, paying zakat regularly was the only “extra” thing I did. My boss, John Cheah, who is a consulting engineer and past district governor for D330 Johor Baru, told me that one should not only donate money but also contribute one’s energy and effort.
That remark triggered something in me.
I feel that more Malays, especially women, should join Rotary Clubs.
It builds one’s character and motivates self-development. Some of my friends tell me that they do not have the time because of their busy schedule.
But I believe that one have to make time for things that they want to do. I have been working as an architect with Cienco Consulting Engineers for the past 26 years, and at the same time, I was pursuing my Business Administration degree and doing community services. I do not feel stressed out because I love what I do.
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