Latest news with #Rotary
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
49 Penampang students to receive prescription glasses
Rotarians, teachers and students of SMK Tansau. KOTA KINABALU (July 30): The Rotary Club of Kinabalu Sutera (RCKS) continues its commitment to community health in the new Rotary term with the Vision Care project, this time benefiting students of SMK Tansau in Penampang. Led by President Ken Chong, a team of eight Rotarians and four friends of Rotary visited the school to conduct eye screenings aimed at identifying students in need of corrective eyewear. Owing to time limitations, the team was unable to screen all 2,000 students at the school. Instead, they focused on 126 students from the B40 (low-income) group. Of these, 49 students were found to require spectacles. These students will be provided with prescription glasses free of charge as part of the club's outreach initiative. The screening activity received strong support from SMK Tansau's teachers and students, who assisted in facilitating the process. At the closing of the event, Chong expressed gratitude to the school for the opportunity to serve, noting the significant impact of free vision care on the students' well-being and academic performance. In response, school principal Dr Miller Yong thanked the club for selecting SMK Tansau as a beneficiary, and urged the students to make the most out of the free glasses. It was a meaningful and productive day for all involved. Participating Rotarians, besides the President, included Immediate Past President Dr Richard Gontusan, Assistant Governor and Past President Francis Ng, Past Presidents Abu Bakar Sheriff, Alice Kunjan and Christina Aluda, Rotarian Datin Yatie Agusyani and Rotarian Ivy Yew. The friends of Rotary who joined the effort were Kenny Tong, Dr Brinda Muthusamy and her son Vikram and daughter Sonya.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Deccan Herald
Seshadripuram Public School hosts Rotary induction
Seshadripuram Public School, Bengaluru, held a Rotary Club Induction Ceremony in collaboration with Rotary Club Bangalore South. Inspiring talks by Shivram M R and Sathish B S focused on leadership, service, and entrepreneurship.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rotarians, Inner Wheel members walk to help eradicate polio
The Rotarians and Inner Wheel Club members who take part in the 'Walk to End Polio 2025' awareness campaign. KOTA KINABALU (July 27): In a powerful show of unity and purpose, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, together with fellow Rotary Clubs across Kota Kinabalu, successfully launched the 'Walk to End Polio 2025' awareness campaign on Sunday morning at Anjung Selera, Tanjung Lipat, Likas. A total of 110 participants from nine Rotary Clubs — including RC KK Pearl, RC Likas Bay, RC Kota Kinabalu, RC Tanjung Aru, RC South, RC Sutera, RC Luyang, RC Penampang and RC Mandarin — along with members from the Inner Wheel Club — joined forces in a symbolic walk to raise awareness about the global fight to eradicate polio. This impactful event is part of the 'End Polio Now' global campaign led by Rotary International, which strives to eradicate polio, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. The campaign focuses on raising public awareness about the dangers of polio, advocating for sustained vaccination efforts, and securing funding to ensure polio is eliminated once and for all. 'This is more than just a walk — it's a commitment,' said Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, president of the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl. 'Every step we take today represents hope for a child to grow up healthy and polio-free. We are proud to lead this initiative in Sabah and to stand in solidarity with our global Rotary family. Polio is preventable — and together, we can end it once and for all.' She added, 'This initiative under our District Governor's leadership reminds us that Rotary's strength lies in consistent, collective action. From Sabah to Singapore to Sarawak to Johor to Melaka to Brunei, we are walking with purpose for a polio-free world.' This initiative is part of a broader program under Rotary District 3310, spearheaded by District Governor Dr Shahul Hameed. Every week, one Rotary Club in District 3310 organizes a 'Walk to End Polio,' engaging Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, families, and friends in support of the campaign. In Sabah, Rotary clubs have committed to holding the walk every fourth week of the month, demonstrating strong regional commitment. Objective: To raise sustained awareness and action for the eradication of polio. Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years, and during that time has made remarkable progress, helping to reduce polio cases by over 99.9%. As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary has mobilized billions of dollars, volunteers worldwide, and policy support in the fight to eliminate this crippling disease. To achieve a polio-free world, the final step is crucial: We must stop transmission of the virus in the two remaining endemic countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotary continues to lead the global call to action — through advocacy, funding, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships — to ensure no child anywhere suffers from polio ever again.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Recognise unsung heroes with state honours
The columnist at a cataract screening for local residents aged 40 and above in Pitas, part of a Rotary community service project held on 20 July 2025. Those diagnosed with cataracts will receive surgery free of charge. Every year, in conjunction with the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, the state government releases the anticipated list of individuals bestowed with state honours. These honours, ranging from medals of commendation to titles such as Datuk and Datuk Seri, are intended to recognise outstanding service and achievements across the public and private sectors. Predictably, the list is dominated by senior government officials, high-ranking civil servants, corporate figures and heads of government-linked companies (GLCs). While many of these individuals are undoubtedly deserving, there remains a significant and troubling omission: the countless ordinary citizens and community volunteers who dedicate their time, skills and resources to the betterment of others, often with no expectation of reward or recognition. This annual ritual, although celebratory, reveals a glaring imbalance in the state's system of awarding honours. Those who engage in unpaid, grassroots-level service, especially during times of hardship and disaster, are frequently overlooked. These individuals and organisations, particularly volunteer-based civic groups such as Rotary clubs, are vital to the well-being and resilience of Sabah's communities. Their absence from the state honours list is not only a disservice to them, but also a missed opportunity to promote and inspire a culture of civic responsibility, solidarity and public service. It is high time the Sabah State Government reconsider its awards framework to meaningfully include those who serve quietly on the ground, often with considerable personal sacrifice. The recognition of community service volunteers through official state honours would reflect the government's genuine appreciation for service that comes from the heart, and would send a strong, affirming message to the public that such contributions are not only welcome but essential to the progress of our society. Community service volunteers are the unsung heroes of Sabah. Their work is often invisible to those outside the affected communities, yet its impact is deeply felt by those they help. In times of natural disasters such as floods, landslides and droughts, it is often these volunteers who are first to respond. While official emergency services mobilise resources and coordinate large-scale responses, volunteers are already on the ground, helping to evacuate families, distribute food and water and provide emotional support. Their speed and adaptability, grounded in intimate knowledge of local terrain and needs, make them indispensable. Rotary clubs in Sabah offer a compelling example of sustained, impactful volunteerism. With a long-standing motto of 'Service Above Self,' these clubs have mobilised time and again to meet the needs of the underserved and vulnerable. During the monsoon season, when many low-lying districts such as Tenom, Beaufort, Penampang, Keningau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud face severe flooding, members of Rotary clubs have organised and delivered emergency relief, including dry food, drinking water, blankets, hygiene kits and baby formula, to flood victims, often in partnership with local district offices and other non-governmental organisations. The pandemic provided yet another example of civic leadership by volunteer groups. When Covid-19 strained Sabah's healthcare system, Rotary clubs coordinated fundraising drives to purchase oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters and other life-saving medical equipment, which they then donated to rural clinics and hospitals. They also supported vaccination campaigns by providing logistics support, sponsoring educational posters and distributing personal protective equipment to frontline workers. These efforts were driven entirely by volunteers such as business owners, retirees, professionals and youths who stepped up not because they were paid to do so, but because they cared. Beyond emergency response, these clubs are also deeply involved in long-term, sustainable development. In remote areas where access to clean water remains a challenge, Rotary members have collaborated with engineers and villagers to design and build gravity-fed water systems. In communities without proper sanitation, they have funded and built toilet facilities, handwashing stations and waste management solutions. In rural schools, they have contributed furniture, reading materials and even sponsored solar-powered lighting to ensure children can study after dark. These are not one-off events but parts of ongoing commitments to community upliftment. Health remains another area of concern where volunteers play a vital role. Rotary clubs in Sabah have regularly partnered with medical professionals to conduct cataract screening and eye surgeries, dental outreach, blood donation campaigns and health awareness programmes in both urban and rural settings. The beneficiaries are often the elderly, indigenous populations and those without access to affordable healthcare. These initiatives fill critical service gaps and alleviate pressure on public health infrastructure. Despite their clear and positive impact, such contributions rarely receive public acknowledgement at the state level. This lack of recognition can unintentionally signal that only institutional or political service is valued, while grassroots service is peripheral or optional. It is important to correct this imbalance. While community volunteers are not motivated by accolades, official recognition affirms their efforts and legitimises the idea that one does not need a title, a position or a budget to make a difference. Recognition also serves a strategic purpose. It has the potential to inspire others, especially young people, to take a more active role in their communities. Publicly honouring those who give back instills pride and encourages a spirit of volunteerism among the general population. Moreover, it redefines success as not merely financial or political advancement, but as the ability to impact lives positively through compassion and commitment. To ensure that deserving individuals and groups are no longer overlooked in the state honours system, the Sabah State Government could adopt several pragmatic measures. Firstly, it need not introduce entirely new awards; instead, the existing honours framework could be expanded to recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant, verifiable contributions to humanitarian, educational, health or environmental causes through voluntary service. Secondly, the nomination process should be broadened to allow for community-based recommendations. Local councils, non-profit organisations and district-level committees should be invited to submit nominations supported by testimonials, project documentation and evidence of impact. This process would ensure a diverse and representative pool of nominees from all corners of the state. Thirdly, the selection committee should include representatives from civil society and volunteer-based organisations, ensuring transparency, inclusivity and impartiality. The process must reflect the lived realities of those on the ground, and not be limited to the elite or politically connected. Finally, once recognised, these awardees should be celebrated in a manner befitting their service. Their stories should be highlighted through official publications, state media, school bulletins and community events. By bringing these stories to the forefront, the state can create role models and generate greater awareness of the value of community work. Furthermore, the state should also consider the merit of recognising entire organisations, in addition to individuals. Community service efforts are, by their very nature, collaborative undertakings. Whether it involves organising a health outreach programme or constructing essential infrastructure in a remote village, the success of such initiatives relies heavily on teamwork and a shared sense of purpose. Honouring the organisation as a whole not only acknowledges the collective effort involved, but also reinforces the principle that community development is a shared responsibility, best achieved through partnership and cooperation. Sabah's future depends not only on its economic growth or political stability, but also on its moral and social fabric. That fabric is woven by everyday citizens such as teachers, retirees, businesspeople and youth who offer their hands and hearts to lift others. Their contributions may not always appear in headlines or financial reports, but they build trust, solidarity and resilience in ways that policies alone cannot. By expanding the state honours system to include volunteers and community leaders, Sabah embraces a more holistic vision of development, one that upholds humility, service and human dignity. It signals a shift towards a society in which success is measured not merely by wealth or status, but by compassion, generosity and the capacity to effect meaningful, lasting and positive change. As Sabah charts its course into the future, let us ensure that the honours we bestow reflect the full spectrum of contribution, recognising not just those in power, but also those with noble purposes. Let the message be clear: 'To all who serve quietly and wholeheartedly, we see you, we honour you and we thank you.' Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultant. He has been a Rotarian since 2014 and has been involved in many Rotary's community service projects. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Rotarians reminded of core pillars to stay relevant
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: The new board of directors for 2025-2026. TAWAU: Rotary District 3310 Governor (2025–2026) Dr Shahul Hameed has called on Rotarians to renew their commitment to service by embracing the core pillars of Innovation, Continuity, and Partnership. These principles, he said, are key to amplifying the organisation's impact and ensuring its relevance in an evolving world. Speaking at the 33rd Installation Banquet of the Rotary Club of Tawau Tanjung held at Borneo Royale Hotel recently, Shahul emphasised that Rotary's enduring strength lies not only in its history or global reach, but in the dedication of its people. 'Rotary's greatest asset is its network of passionate volunteers who are committed to driving lasting change,' he said. 'As the world continues to change—technologically, socially, and economically—Rotary must evolve alongside it.' 'Rotary members are people of action—we do not wait for change, we create it,' he said. The event also marked the installation of Camden Thien as the incoming president of the Rotary Club of Tawau Tanjung for the 2025–2026 term. In his inaugural address, Thien expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to leading the club into its next chapter alongside a newly appointed board of directors. Thien pledged to prioritise excellence, embrace innovation, and deliver meaningful service. The 2025–2026 board of directors for the Rotary Club of Tawau Tanjung comprises: Camden Thien, Tai Yun Wu, Desmond Liew, Kiki Chang, Terrence Lee, Charles Chong, Lyion Wong, Chua Kin Loong, James Lim, Dr Lam Chin Yan, Franco Lee, Wong Koh Son, and Teo Li Ngo. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
