KOTA KINABALU (Sabah): The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl ushered in a new leadership phase during its 12th Installation Imperial Gala Dinner, officially welcoming Ms. Hanna Ghani as President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, taking over from Datin Dr. Jeanette Tambakau.
The event gathered Rotarians, community allies, honored guests, and supporters to honor the club’s accomplishments, welcome the incoming Board of Directors, and renew its dedication to impactful, long-term service initiatives.
Proceeds from the evening benefited the Sabah Autism Society and Seri Mengasih Centre, underscoring the club’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and community empowerment.
President Hanna Ghani introduced the annual theme: “A New Rotary Year: Returning to Our Why,” urging members to reflect on the core values that inspired their involvement—friendship, empathy, and service—as the foundation for creating meaningful change.
“Our purpose is straightforward but profound. We joined because we believed we could make a difference. Through compassion and collaboration, we can uplift lives and build stronger communities,” said President Hanna Ghani.
Under her guidance, the club will deepen efforts in key areas such as clean water access, vision restoration, youth and women’s empowerment, education, environmental stewardship, and responsive community support.
The focus will be on building sustainable programs rather than simply increasing project volume.
“The real success of Rotary isn’t measured by how many events we run, but by how many lives are transformed through our actions,” she emphasized.
In her farewell remarks, outgoing President Datin Dr. Jeanette Tambakau highlighted a year of significant growth in both membership and mission.
The club expanded from 48 to 79 members with the creation of two satellite clubs—Pearl Lumina and Pearl Prismatic Ranau.
It also achieved full participation in the Annual Fund, raised over USD 15,000 for The Rotary Foundation, reached 100% Paul Harris Fellow recognition, and earned designation as a PolioPlus Champion Club.
Service highlights included the award-winning Kelip-Kelip Fireflies and Mangrove Rehabilitation Project, flood relief operations in Pitas, school supply distributions via Project REAL, eye and cataract screenings, blood and HPV testing, maternal health education, and economic development programs under PearlEmpower.
Key initiatives continued to serve communities throughout Sabah.
Project REAL has supported more than 12,780 students and 786 teachers across 57 schools in 17 districts, while the WASH Project has delivered clean water and improved sanitation for over 15,000 rural residents across 40 villages in seven districts.
“These successes don’t belong to any single individual or team. They belong to every volunteer who believed that collective action can bring change,” said Datin Dr. Jeanette Tambakau.
She also acknowledged the board, committee leaders, project coordinators, members, and partners whose efforts made the year possible, and expressed strong confidence in President Hanna Ghani and her leadership team.
The Guest of Honour, YB Dato’ Sr Mohd Ishak bin Datuk Ayub, delivered a message on behalf of the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor.
The address congratulated the club on its 12th installation and praised Rotary’s humanitarian work and collaborative spirit.
“It is admirable that this year’s gala supports the Sabah Autism Society and Seri Mengasih Centre. Such efforts reflect Rotary’s enduring commitment to uplifting society’s most vulnerable,” said YB Dato’ Sr Mohd Ishak, reading the Chief Minister’s message.
The message also stressed the importance of cooperation among government, private sector, and civil society in meeting community needs and building sustainable solutions for the people of Sabah, extending best wishes to President Hanna Ghani and her team for the coming year.
The new leadership team includes Vice President Dr. Sylvia Lim; President-Elect Datuk Eliza Goh; Immediate Past President Datin Dr. Jeanette Tambakau; Secretary Ann Jackrey; Treasurer Datin Phyllis Lo; Club Service Director Doris Chung; Community Service Director PP Datuk Aminah Ambrose; International Service Director PP Rosie Chong; Youth Service Director PP Majella Tan Marquez; Vocational Service Director Marianne Kiob; Rotary Foundation Chair Shareen Tan; Public Image Chair Christy Liew; Bulletin Editor Nicole Lee; and Sergeant-at-Arms Jayne Stephen.
As it enters its 12th year, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl continues to uphold the principle of Service Above Self, striving for lasting change through compassionate leadership, strong partnerships, and practical, community-driven action.
