Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl Marks Diwali with Fellowship and Community Service

22 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl celebrated its 6th Regular Club Meeting with a “Diwali – Festival of Lights” themed gathering that highlighted fellowship, unity, and community service.

The event was attended by District Governor Dr Sharul Hameed of the Rotary Club of Singapore, District First Lady Michelle Chong, and a delegation of seven Rotarians from the Philippines led by District Governor Angel Hong Fernandez of RC Cebu Fuente (District 3860) and District Governor First Lady Riggie Hagad Fernandez.

Also present were Past District Governor Mildred Vita Tangkol (RC Makati Uptown, District 3830), Past District Governor and End Polio Now Coordinator Andre Suharto (RC Urban Kuching), and DRFC Ng Yaw Hua (RC Kuching Central), along with several visiting Rotarians from across Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, and the Philippines.

A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of a RM20,000 donation to the Seri Mengasih Centre, received by Datuk Suzannah Liaw, Madam Tulip Noorazyze Abdul Rahim, and Datuk Aminah Ambrose. The contribution, supported by Golden River Development Sdn Bhd, will aid the centre’s mission to empower individuals with special needs.

The club also welcomed Puan Kamsiah Bt Beddu as its newest member, marking continued growth and dedication to Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

In her address, President Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau thanked the distinguished guests and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to inclusivity and service.

“The presence of our District Governor and fellow Rotarians from the Philippines reflects Rotary’s global unity. Our donation to Seri Mengasih Centre embodies our mission to create hope and empower lives,” she said.

District Governor Dr Sharul Hameed commended the club’s efforts and encouraged members to continue giving through The Rotary Foundation, noting, “We don’t give to The Rotary Foundation — we give through it. Every act of generosity transforms lives.”

The evening concluded with warm fellowship and Diwali celebrations, symbolising Rotary’s commitment to spreading light, hope, and positive change within communities.

About the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl Chartered in 2015, the all-women Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl is dedicated to community empowerment through service, leadership, and compassion. The club has implemented numerous initiatives across Sabah, including clean water projects, education support for special needs children, women’s empowerment programmes, and healthcare and environmental efforts.

RCKK Pearl continues to advance Rotary’s global vision of “Creating Hope in the World” by promoting peace, inclusivity, and sustainable community development.