By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: At a time when community needs are growing more complex and volunteerism is being tested by fast-changing lifestyles, senior Johor Bahru Rotarian Gan Chin Soon, who is the Youth Service Director has issued a heartfelt clarion call for more young people — especially young men — to step forward and join the Rotaract movement.

Speaking to Apakhabar TV News online, Gan who is with the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB) did not cloak his message in formality. Instead, he spoke with urgency and conviction, describing Rotaractors as the “backbone” of many Rotary community service and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

“Whenever we talk about service — whether it is health outreach, literacy programmes, poverty alleviation or emergency relief — Rotaractors are there, working quietly but tirelessly,” Gan said. “But today, we need more of them. We especially need more young men who are willing to take up the challenge.”

Rotaract clubs, the youth arm of Rotary International, are made up of young adults aged 18 and above who commit their time, skills and energy to service projects that address real needs in their communities.

In Johor Bahru, Rotary clubs have long depended on Rotaractors for hands-on support — from organising events and managing logistics to engaging directly with beneficiaries on the ground.

“Rotaractors are not just helpers,” Gan stressed. “They plan, they manage, they lead. They are partners in service.”

He noted that as senior Rotarians grow older and professional commitments increase, the dynamism and adaptability of Rotaractors have become even more vital. “They bring fresh ideas, digital skills, and a willingness to get their hands dirty,” he said. “Without them, many projects would simply not move forward.”

Beyond service, Gan highlighted that Rotaract is also a powerful platform for personal growth. Members develop leadership, communication and organisational skills by running their own clubs, managing funds, planning activities and collaborating with Rotary sponsors.

“Rotaract is where young people learn responsibility in a real-world setting,” Gan said. “They learn ethics, teamwork and accountability — not from textbooks, but from experience.”

Rotaract clubs operate independently, deciding how to organise themselves and which causes to champion, as long as these align with community needs. Rotary clubs act as sponsors, offering guidance and support, but the initiative and execution lie firmly in the hands of Rotaractors.

“This sense of ownership is what shapes strong leaders,” Gan added. “They are not told what to do — they decide, and they deliver.”

While Rotaract has traditionally attracted strong participation from young women, Gan observed a noticeable decline in male involvement in recent years.

“Many young men today feel pressured to focus only on career and income,” he said. “But service is not a distraction from success — it is part of becoming a well-rounded, respected individual.”

He described Rotaract as a space where young men can test themselves, build confidence and form lifelong friendships, while contributing meaningfully to society.

“Leadership is not built in comfort,” Gan said. “It is built by stepping up, serving others, and learning from challenges.”

The name “Rotaract” stands for “Rotary in Action”, though it originally emerged from a combination of “Rotary” and “Interact”, the high-school programme introduced by Rotary International in 1962. Today, Rotaract clubs exist worldwide, promoting peace, global understanding and ethical leadership.

Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Members meet regularly — in person or virtually — usually every two weeks, for talks, discussions, social activities or visits to other clubs. They also come together for service project days, professional development workshops and community outreach.

“These meetings are not boring boardrooms,” Gan said with a smile. “They are vibrant, energetic spaces where ideas are exchanged and friendships are formed.”

To be eligible for membership, individuals must be at least 18 years old, committed to service and of good standing in their community. Once approved, they are formally inducted into Rotaract — a moment Gan described as “the beginning of a lifelong journey of service.”

As Johor Bahru continues to grow, Gan believes the need for engaged, service-minded youth has never been greater.

“Our community challenges cannot be solved by one generation alone,” he said. “We need young people to stand beside us — not someday, but now.”

His message, delivered with quiet intensity, was clear: Rotaract is not merely a club, but a call to action. And for young men seeking purpose beyond personal ambition, it may be the place where leadership truly begins.