Sonali Sinha Becomes First Indian President of Rotary Club of Singapore: Sonali Sinha has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin woman to lead the Rotary Club of Singapore, a nearly 100-year-old institution. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in diversity and inclusion within the traditionally male-dominated organisation. The Rotary Club of Singapore (RCS) celebrated its 95th anniversary at The Grand Ballroom- The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia and installed its 91st president, Sonali Sinha, and the board of directors on June 28.
In her speech, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, who was the event’s guest of honour, acknowledged RCS’s contributions to the nation’s early years.
She also highlighted RCS’s funding of mobile dispensaries, such as the Salvation Army Boys’ Home, the Home Nursing Foundation, and the establishment of the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association.
About 450 people, including around 160 Rotarians from clubs across Asia, mainly the Philippines, India and Indonesia, attended the event.
Founded in June 1930, the Rotary Club of Singapore is older than the country itself. Sonali Sinha, a Singapore resident for less than six years and a Rotarian for a decade, brings a wealth of experience in finance, community development, and leadership training. She previously served as a member of Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace and was on the board of Rotary clubs in both Mumbai and Singapore.
“I always say yes to opportunities,” said Sonali, outlining her vision to focus on member engagement and impactful projects. One such initiative is a dialysis centre project in collaboration with Willing Hearts and Renal Health Services, aiming to address Singapore’s growing chronic kidney disease issue. The project, valued at SGD 600,000, has already secured major donations and government support.
Sonali’s career began in investment banking, with roles in equity research, M&A, and corporate advisory at SBI Capital Markets. However, her passion for social impact led her to switch careers, eventually becoming the CEO of Dignity Foundation, an elder care NGO. Her transition reflects a lifelong commitment to creating positive change, rooted in her early experiences living across rural and urban India.
After leaving the corporate world, Sonali launched a leadership training programme, helping both youth and professionals discover their potential. Her curriculum focused on self-awareness, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and career development, empowering thousands to make confident, values-driven choices.
With around 170 members from 28 nationalities, the Rotary Club of Singapore now looks ahead under Sonali’s leadership, as she combines her diverse background with a clear purpose: to build a community that creates lasting, meaningful change.
