New Rotaract leaders strengthen Sabah youth leadership development

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 14): The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) on Wednesday reinforced its commitment to youth leadership development in Sabah through the installation ceremony of the Rotaract Club of UNITAR University Kota Kinabalu, held at the university campus.

The ceremony marked the installation of Rospeeni Binti Robert as President of the Rotaract Club for the 2025–2026 term, succeeding Aurelius Alif (2024–2025).

The Rotaract Club, first installed on 9 June 2024 when the institution was known as Cosmopoint College KK and now operating under UNITAR University Kota Kinabalu, has grown to 194 Rotaractors, reflecting strong student engagement in service and leadership activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, President of Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, said:

“Rotaract plays a critical role in shaping future leaders for Sabah. Through programmes like RYLA and skills-based workshops, we are equipping young people not only to serve, but to lead with confidence, integrity and compassion.”

She also highlighted the impact of a Public Speaking Workshop conducted by RCKK Pearl a day earlier.

“We witnessed real growth in confidence and communication among the Rotaractors. These are essential leadership skills that will strengthen their contribution to both campus and community.”

In conjunction with the installation, RCKK Pearl also conducted two value-added talks for UNITAR Rotaractors.

A ‘My Rotary’ session delivered by President-Elect Hanna Ghani Lo, providing insights into Rotary’s global network, leadership pathways, and opportunities for Rotaractors to grow within the Rotary family.

A sharing on Seri Mengasih Center by Rotarian Tulip Zaimi Noorazyze Abdul Rahim, Chairman of the Management Committee and Board of Trustees member, highlighting Rotary’s long-standing community service work supporting children with special needs in Sabah.

These sessions aimed to deepen Rotaractors’ understanding of Rotary’s impact and inspire greater participation in service initiatives.

Vanessa George, CEO of UNITAR University Kota Kinabalu, welcomed the continued collaboration with Rotary, saying:

“The Rotaract Club provides our students with a valuable platform to develop leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility. We are proud to work closely with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl in nurturing well-rounded graduates who are committed to giving back to society.”

Incoming Rotaract President Rospeeni also shared her aspirations.

“We look forward to working closely with Rotary mentors to strengthen our leadership capabilities and expand our community outreach across Sabah.”

Members from RCKK Pearl present at the installation included Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, President;

Datuk Eliza Goh, Vice President Hanna Ghani Lo, President-Elect; Hjh Chendramata Sinteh, Immediate Past President;

Majella Tan Marquez, Past President & Youth Service Chair; Datuk Aminah Ambrose, Past President/Past Assistant Governor & Community Service Director; Rosie Chong, Past President, EPN District Chair & International Service Chair RCKK Pearl expressed its intention to further strengthen collaboration with UNITAR University Kota Kinabalu through leadership workshops, youth development programmes, and community service initiatives that benefit local communities.

The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl is part of Rotary International and is actively involved in youth development, education support, and community service initiatives across Sabah.