JOHOR BAHRU: Doing good is more than just a commendable act; it’s a reflection of our innermost values and the manifestation of our shared humanity.

When we choose to uplift others, champion justice, or simply spread kindness, we are weaving a tapestry of positivity that can ripple through communities and change the world.

Dr Vishwadeep Singh Sandhu feels even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water as it will make ripples throughout the entire pond.

After having served as president of the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB) for one year he now hands over the baton to president-elect Steven Wu at the end of June.

During his tenure, Dr Vishwadeep’s actions have not only transformed communities, but have also ignited movements, inspiring others to step forward and carry the torch.

Having been a member of RCJB for almost 20 years now, Dr Vishwadeep who joined the club when he was only 24 years old said, “For me, taking on the presidency of RCJB was certainly an endeavor that I held off for some time seeing as I was rather young in age and experience.”

For Dr Vishwadeep becoming the president of RCJB had always taken 15 years of seniority before being offered the chance or privilege of leading this club.

He said, “Back in the day, there were many members who lined up for the opportunity to lead but as time has passed, I found those numbers have dwindled and it is a huge burden for every incoming president to find a suitable member to take on the post of vice-president or president-elect.”

According to Dr Vishwadeep it is over the last five years or so that he was repeatedly called upon to take his turn at the helm of the club.

Initially, he repeatedly declined but finally the caucus of past presidents took out the big guns and sent Dr Shanmugam Subbiah after him.

“Due to the long history and respect I have for Dr Shanmugam as my doctor, my mentor and of my family’s dearest friends, I agreed,” he retorted.
Dr Vishwadeep believes that extending a helping hand is always the right thing to do, no matter how small the deed may seem.

He said it will surely make a difference in someone’s life, adding that, “Helping others will also bring your expertise to good use, and the feeling of fulfillment for that action is undoubtedly priceless.”

During his year in office his aim was to live up the Rotary theme of the year which is “Create Hope in the World”.

“As such my primary aim was to perform as many service projects as I could over the course of my presidency,” he remarked.

However, due to work commitments, Dr Vishwadeep had divided his year in office into two parts between July to December 2023 and from January to June 2024.

Among his main projects envisioned for RCJB were the Merdeka Day Project where they provided essential items and facilitated repairs for the Sherun Old Folks Home and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Shan de Orphanage.

He also stated that RCJB partnered with OCBC Bank to install solar heaters at the Johor Cheshire Home.

“We were also able to provide solar panels to the Ang Tiong Loi Rotary Children’s Home,” he explained.

As a medical personnel himself, Dr Vishwadeep ensured he tackled dengue through a gotong-royong event with residents in Taman Abad and Wadihana housing area.

Continuing on mental health, a workshop was conducted for some 300 students at 100 Lambs International School addressing the mental health issues and needs of adolescents and young adults.

On the education front, he said the club supported the Persatuan Cerebral Palsy Johor Bahru with a donation of RM5000.00 towards their cause as per the club’s tradition.

On the Cambodian Project, he said, RCJB went the extra mile to sponsor the education of 25 needy children at a cost of USD 3750.

He said the club also sponsored 200 schoolbags for the children at a cost of USD920.

Whilst there, they held a dental camp for some 250 poor children with the assistance of the Cambodian Dental Association which cost a sum of USD1500.

The club also worked with District 3310 on the environmental project. Working with four other rotary clubs in the district they planted trees worth a sum of RM3600.

Their aim is to restore forest landscapes, as having more trees provides livelihood benefits, enhances biodiversity by providing a habitat for other organisms and otherwise protects the environment.

Bag 2 School project, the club according to Dr Vishwadeep donated some 40 schoolbags to needy school children from SJK(T) Gelang Patah. It was in collaboration with Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia (YKKRM).

He said the club also conducted a medical camp in collaboration with Newcastle School of Medicine Malaysia (NUMed). Held at SK Kampung Pulai, the medical camp provided health screening to the public.

This endeavour of bringing the basic medical services to the people helped in reducing living costs for the underprivileged.

Dr Vishwadeep also ensured the club did not miss out in its festive giving especially during Deepavali, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift,” he asserted.

During his year in office, he ensured the needy is taken care off. From trying to raise funds to support projects to encouraging Rotarians to attend projects, he made it all in one year.

Not mincing his words, Dr Vishwadeep said, “Community service gave me a valuable opportunity to walk into a different community that is less familiar to me but just as colourful and most importantly, in need.”

As he hands over the truncheon to president-elect Steven Wu, he said, the members dedication reflects the spirit of rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self’ and reinforces the club’s mission to create positive change in the world.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world,” he opined.

For Dr Vishwadeep his task would not have been achieved if not of the support and collaboration from all members of the club.

“Whether it’s through extending a helping hand, speaking up for the voiceless, or simply being present for someone in need, our actions ripple through the tapestry of existence, leaving traces of love and resilience,” he added.