Bukit Kiara Sunrise Rotary Club celebrates 30th anniversary, eyes empowerment

KUALA LUMPUR – As it commemorates its 30th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise has pledged to step up its initiatives towards improving the wellbeing of underprivileged communities. 

Speaking during the installation ceremony for its new president and board of directors yesterday, incoming president Carmen Lee said she intends to empower women through upskilling programmes and language classes.

Stressing the importance of instilling confidence in women, she spoke of endeavours to target single mothers from the B40 income group and female refugees. 

“We aim to drive projects that will empower women with entrepreneurial capabilities and language lessons, and enable refugees to better interact with the local community,” she said. 

“We want to encourage women to believe that they are capable of being self-reliant and earning a living to support themselves and their families.”

The club will also continue its annual medical camps where free medical screenings, consultations, and medicines are provided for those in need, with an emphasis on women’s health. 

Besides that, Lee, whose term begins on July 1, said that ongoing efforts to develop young leaders will be strengthened through the club’s signature project, the Rotary Education Fund. 

Established in November 2009, the fund strives to reduce urban poverty through education by providing financial aid and mentorship services to over 360 secondary schools.

Pointing out that the project has won district awards, Lee said that students who received the assistance have provided glowing testimonials after their academic results greatly improved. They managed to secure tertiary education scholarships, she noted. 

Another community service effort organised by the club involved the building of a hostel in Kota Marudu, Sabah, for 60 financially challenged primary school students after about RM500,000 was raised through various means. 

Prior to the completion of the hostel in 2015, students had to walk up to 30km just to attend school. 

Lee also highlighted the club’s Covid-19 emergency relief project, which saw welfare packages being distributed to about 500 underprivileged families and refugees who suffered during the pandemic. 

The event attended by nearly 200 Rotary Club members from numerous districts was held at HELP University Subang.

Also present was former president Dr Yee Yoke Leong who commended the club for its efforts thus far. 

Expressing a sentiment shared by many club members, the founding member said that the value-based organisation is a way to give back to the community and lighten loads shouldered by the less fortunate.

“To me, being a Rotary member means doing good and bonding with likeminded people over shared values and common aspirations,” the president from 1993 to 1994 said. 

“As we utilise the values of hard work, kindness, and humility to bring light into the world, we hope to better understand our own personal journey and heal ourselves too.” – The Vibes, June 26, 2022