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The Rotary Club of Seremban was formed before the
District was formed.
 Seremban
is the capital of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan and is the
first Rotary Club to be formed in this part of South East Asia.
Centuries ago, the Minangkabau people of Sumatra, settled in this state
and brought with them, the distinctive and unique architecture which
Negeri Sembilan is known for and which can still be seen today in
Government and private buildings.
Two years after our club was formed in 1929, the district
was known as “Provisional District B”. Those countries included in
this original district, included what are now Sabah, Sarawak, mainland
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
The District had its number changed 4 times before in
1991, we were allotted the present number.
We were Chartered 24 years before the first Rotary Theme,
30 years before the first Rotary Logo and 28 years before Malaysia
gained independence from Britain.
We have 5 Interact Clubs and have sponsored 3 additional
Rotary Clubs in our area.
Our formation was included in the annals of
James W. Davidson who
officiated at the Application for Membership signing ceremony.
Davidson's visit to this part of South East Asia resulted directly in
the formation of the first six clubs - Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca (Melaka),
Penang, Ipoh and Singapore, all within a year of each other.
We have 37 active and financial members of whom 18 are
past Presidents. We have 17 Paul Harris Fellows and we are privileged to
have DYMM Tuanku Yang Di Petuan Besar (The Sultan) of Negeri Sembilan as our Patron.
Our clubs history goes back to around March 1929 when a
group of local and foreign businessmen met to discuss the concept of
joining Rotary International. |
Seremban is a thriving commercial center of around
350,000 people.
For 5 star accommodation, visit the Royal Adelphi (where
our weekly meetings are held), or the Allson Klana Resort, both within
walking distance of the city centre.
The Sri Malaysia Hotel is our favourite local hotel chain
of 3 star rating.
Nearby Port Dickson (another Rotary Club) offers great
seaside holiday packages at the dozens of high class hotels and
apartment buildings.
Kuala Lumpur and the International Airport within a 50
minute drive on a 6 lane highway.
The nearby towns of Nilai and Senawang (both have vibrant
Rotary Clubs) are major heavy industry and commercial centers.
There is much to do and see within close proximity to
Seremban and you will find some interesting facts and photos on our web
site. One of our state's most beautiful towns is Tampin with
another vibrant group of Rotarians. Tampin is 40km south of Seremban on
the old road to Melaka. Bahau, 50km south of Seremban, hosts the
well-known golf course and has an active Rotary Club.
This report written by Rtn
Greg Barlow, of Seremban.
Acknowledgements to Rotary International Archives.
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