SIBU – The city of Sibu became a global hub for humanitarian leadership this weekend as it hosted the Asia Pacific Lions Leadership Summit (APLLS) 2026.
The event coincided with the inauguration of the Lions Clubs International District 308-A2 Governor and the installation of its new cabinet, drawing hundreds of delegates from across the region and beyond.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian extended a warm welcome to International Lions President Mark Lyon and more than 300 fellow Lions.
The gathering included representatives from Sabah, Labuan, and Brunei, as well as delegates from 19 other countries and regions, including the United States, Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. This diverse assembly underscored the international reach and collaborative spirit of the organisation.
Dr Sim highlighted that Lions Clubs International stands as the largest service organisation in the world, boasting approximately 1.4 million members and 50,000 local clubs in over 200 countries.
He noted that the group’s motto, “We Serve”, resonates deeply with his own vision for nation-building in Sarawak. For the Deputy Premier, the ethos of the Lions aligns with the state’s goal of fostering a society grounded in volunteerism and proactive community support.
The summit focused on moving beyond transactional charity towards creating sustainable, systemic changes within local communities.
Dr Sim emphasised the importance of finding solutions rather than assigning blame, a principle that he believes is essential for effective social development.
He outlined five global causes prioritised by the Lions that are particularly relevant to Sarawak’s context: diabetes, vision care, hunger, environmental protection, and childhood cancer.
In Sarawak, diabetes affects approximately 20 per cent of the population, making it a critical public health issue. Vision impairment, often a complication of diabetes, remains a major concern.
Regarding hunger, Dr Sim pointed out a unique local challenge: the state faces higher rates of overnutrition, including overweight and obesity, rather than undernutrition.
Environmental conservation was also highlighted as one of the three pillars of the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS), while cancer represents the second highest disease burden in the state.
Despite being surrounded by the lush jungles of Borneo, Sarawak faces challenges similar to those across the Asia-Pacific region.
These include an ageing population, rising mental stress levels, the impacts of global climate change, and disparities in education and digital access.
The Deputy Premier argued that these shared issues require cross-border collaboration and the exchange of innovative service ideas.
The APLLS 2026 served as a vital platform for sharing experiences and building friendships among leaders from different cultures.
Dr Sim invoked the spirit of the famous charity anthem “We Are The World”, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985, to illustrate the power of unity.
He reminded delegates that they are not just individual members but part of a global movement dedicated to improving lives.
A significant milestone was achieved during the summit when the delegates secured a place in the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most Participants in an International Leadership Service Pledge”.
Dr Sim described this achievement not merely as a certificate but as a solemn promise to millions of people across the Asia-Pacific region. It symbolises a collective commitment to actionable service and tangible impact.
Congratulations were also extended to Lion Dato Jimmy Tie, who was installed as the new District 308-A2 Governor, along with his 88-member cabinet. Dr Sim praised their dedication to leading the district with integrity and purpose.
Additionally, he acknowledged Past District Governor Dato’ Betty Wong, the organising chairman of APLLS 2026, and her committee for delivering a world-class conference.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all participants to unite under the banner of “We Serve”. The Deputy Premier’s closing remarks, accompanied by the symbolic roar of the lion, reinforced the energy and determination of the attendees.
As the summit ended, the focus shifted to implementing the pledges made, ensuring that the spirit of service translates into lasting benefits for communities throughout Sarawak and the wider region.
