THE Rotary Club of Penang’s more than nine-decade legacy of service continues to play an important role in strengthening communities and improving lives, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the 96th Presidential Installation Night of the Rotary Club of Penang at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town tonight, Chow said the club, established in 1930 as the first Rotary Club in Malaya, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service over the decades.
He said Rotary Clubs across Penang have contributed significantly in areas including healthcare, education, youth development and humanitarian service, with their efforts touching countless lives and helping to build stronger communities.
Chow said the state government remains committed to achieving the Penang2030 Vision of “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”, with balanced and comprehensive development centred on citizen well-being, technological advancement, environmental sustainability and social harmony.
He said 2026 is focused on the “Livelihood Economy”, which emphasises quality jobs, sustainable income and fair living standards for all.
“Even so, the state government also recognises that overcoming social challenges requires collaborative effort beyond meeting rooms and blueprints.
“Building on Penang’s communal strength of working together towards common goals, and aided by strong ties between the public sector, healthcare providers, businesses, community organisations and dedicated volunteers, I am heartened that Rotary has long been one of our most trusted allies in this effort,” he said.
Chow said he was particularly encouraged by the Rotary Club of Penang’s commitment to forging new collaborations to address emerging community needs.
He noted that the club’s engagement with members of the public and the state government reflects the spirit that has long driven Penang’s success — bringing together different strengths in service of a common purpose.
Commenting on this year’s Rotary International theme, “Create Lasting Impact”, Chow said the message is particularly meaningful, as lasting impact is not measured by a single project or a single year of service.
“Creating lasting impact is measured by the difference we make in people’s lives, by the partnerships we build, and by the communities we leave stronger for future generations.
“These are values that the state government shares with Rotary,” he said.
As the Rotary Club of Penang moves closer to its centennial milestone, Chow expressed confidence that the organisation would remain a valued partner in building a more caring, inclusive and resilient Penang.
“To all Rotarians, thank you for your continued commitment to Service Above Self,” he said.
He also congratulated Immediate Past President Rtn R. Chandra Segar and his Board for their dedicated service over the past year, while extending his congratulations to newly-installed President Rtn Michel Van Crombrugge and the new Board, wishing them every success in the year ahead.
Recalling his tenure, Chandra Segar said the club conducted various sustainable projects and activities to help the poor and underprivileged, not only locally but also internationally. He made special mention of Stephanie Wong for her role in helping a Bangladeshi girl with a hole in her heart undergo a successful operation in her home country.
He said the club had also organised a luncheon for 250 senior citizens, supported dialysis programmes and held leadership training programmes.
Crombrugge, the honorary consul of Belgium in Penang, said he is honoured to serve as the 96th president and pledged to continue serving the community with his team.
Also present at the 96th Installation & Charter Night were Chow’s wife, Madam Tan Lean Kee; Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and wife, Datin Devika S. Thiagarajan; District Governor Rtn Rajj Melambaran and organising chairman PP Ian Ong Kok Eng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
