By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: In a ceremony marked by warmth, fellowship, and shared purpose, two Rotary Clubs from neighbouring nations came together to formalize a partnership rooted in friendship and service.

The Rotary Club of Makati-Paseo de Roxas (RI District 3830, Philippines) and the Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang (RI District 3310, Malaysia) officially signed a Sister Club Agreement on Friday, pledging to strengthen ties across the seas through mutual cooperation and community service.

The agreement, inked in Johor Bahru and witnessed by members from both sides, symbolizes a renewed regional spirit of collaboration — one that transcends borders and unites Rotarians under their shared ideal of “Service Above Self.”

Representing the Rotary Club of Makati-Paseo de Roxas was Past President Tan Choon Kah, signing on behalf of Club President Rowena “Weng” Ruaro, while Francis Chan Chong How, President of the Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang for Rotary Year 2025–2026, signed for his club.

“This Sister Club bond is more than just a ceremonial tie — it’s a commitment to learn from each other, grow together, and create a positive impact that reaches beyond our individual communities,” said Chan in his address. “In an age where collaboration defines success, partnerships like this remind us that goodwill and service know no borders.”

Under the agreement, both clubs pledged to promote friendship and understanding, coordinate on joint projects, and encourage reciprocal visits between members. They also committed to exchange information and materials relating to Rotary activities, and to collaborate on service initiatives benefiting communities in need within their respective regions.

For the Philippine counterpart, the partnership represents not only a strengthening of inter-district ties but also a bridge between two dynamic Rotary communities sharing common values.

“Our clubs are united by a passion to serve — and through this Sister Club Agreement, we are also uniting our hearts and efforts toward peace and progress,” said Ruaro in a message read during the ceremony. “Together, we can multiply the good that Rotary stands for.”

The Sister Club pact will remain in effect throughout Rotary Year 2025–2026, in alignment with Rotary International’s goals of promoting understanding, goodwill, and peace across nations. It reflects Rotary’s enduring mission to connect people of action — fostering lasting relationships that translate into tangible impact.

Rotarians attending the event described the moment as both historic and heartfelt. The signing was followed by an exchange of club banners, a long-standing Rotary tradition symbolizing unity and friendship, and a fellowship dinner celebrating the partnership’s launch.

The two clubs plan to kick off their collaboration with joint community outreach programs, youth engagement initiatives, and vocational service exchanges, focusing particularly on education, environmental sustainability, and health-related causes — areas where both have made meaningful contributions in their home countries.

As the evening drew to a close, the mood was one of optimism and camaraderie. The partnership, Rotarians agreed, is not merely an agreement on paper, but a living testament to Rotary’s mission of building bridges where once there were distances.

In the words of Francis Chan, “When we join hands across borders, we remind the world that service — when done with heart — has no boundaries.”

Through this Sister Club Agreement, the Rotary Clubs of Makati-Paseo de Roxas and Pasir Gudang are set to embark on a new chapter of friendship and collaboration — one that promises to inspire service, strengthen unity, and light the way for future partnerships across Rotary International.

The visit by the Philippine delegation to Johor marked more than just a ceremonial exchange — it was a meeting of shared purpose and enduring service.

During their stop at the Rotary Eye Centre, the visiting members were given an in-depth tour and briefing on the centre’s operations and humanitarian impact. The facility, a cornerstone of the Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang’s (RCPG) community service, has over the years become a beacon of hope for the visually impaired across Johor.

Following the official signing ceremony between the Rotary Club of Makati Paseo de Roxas and RCPG, attendees were treated to a series of enlightening talks.

Past District Governor John Cheah Kam Loong shared insights on the ongoing efforts of the Dengue Control Committee, highlighting close collaboration with government agencies in combating and containing the spread of dengue.

Regional Assistant Governor (Johor/Melaka Coordinator) Lee Chin Guan then engaged the audience with a talk on property investments, elaborating on the benefits of purchasing court auction properties and the growing potential of the e-Lelong system — the digital future of property bidding.

Former RCPG president Tan Choon Kah traced the club’s humble beginnings. Established in 1986 with just 31 members, the club’s early initiatives included building bus stops, basketball courts, and refurbishing homes for the elderly. But it was in 1995, under Tan’s leadership, that RCPG launched what would become its most defining legacy — the Vision Eye Project.

Chosen for its simplicity, affordability, and long-lasting impact, the project aimed to combat avoidable blindness.

Partnering with Hospital Sultanah Aminah’s Eye Clinic, RCPG later established the Rotary Eye Foundation in 2000 and the Rotary Eye Centre in 2007. Together, these initiatives have restored sight — and with it, dignity — to thousands through cataract surgeries, cornea transplants, and community eye screenings across Johor.

“Beyond restoring vision,” Tan said, “the project restores dignity — sending children back to school, breadwinners back to work, and seniors back to independence. It is, in every sense, a mission that brings light, hope, and new beginnings.”

Samuel Tan later shared an overview of the Johor Economic Zone, noting the state’s rapid transformation into a regional hub for investment, trade, and innovation.

Representing the Rotary Club of Makati Paseo de Roxas, President Rowena spoke passionately about her club’s community work in the Philippines — from providing musical instruments to teachers, to supplying wheelchairs for children with special needs, and even gifting motor engines to local fishermen to sustain their livelihoods.

The session concluded with a joint dialogue between the two clubs, where both sides expressed their commitment to developing future collaborative projects in health, education, and social upliftment.

As the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that what binds these Rotarians across borders is more than fellowship — it is a shared vision of service, compassion, and the enduring belief that together, they can illuminate lives.