SIBU: In a historic milestone that cements Sarawak’s rising profile on the global NGO map, the newly minted Lions Clubs International’s President, Mark S. Lyon, addressed a high-profile press conference at the Kingwood Hotel here on Friday.
The media briefing officially kicked off the three-day 2026 Asia Pacific Lions Leaders Summit (APLLS), which is slated to run from July 17 to 19. The summit has drawn over 700 elite delegates from 17 countries and special administrative regions to this riverine town.
Fresh off his election as the 2026–2027 International President at the association’s 108th International Convention in Hong Kong on July 3-7, Lyon’s choice of Sibu for one of his first major international appearances represents a massive vote of confidence in the regional strength of Lions International District 308-A2.
Lyon, a corporate legal administration veteran from Connecticut, the United States (USA), who leads a global network of 1.4 million members, emphasised that service must adapt to the rapidly evolving social and ecological pressures of the Asia-Pacific region.
“Lions are at our best when we unite in service and leadership to strengthen our communities and support people in need. This summit in Sibu is not just a gathering; it is a tactical launchpad for cross-border collaboration and the cultivation of our next generation of leaders,” he stated.
The APLLS serves as a vital blueprinting platform for humanitarian projects ranging from environmental conservation and vision wellness to disaster relief and youth empowerment.
Organising chairperson, Datuk Betty Wong Yieng, revealed that the committee deliberately capped physical participation at 750 leaders to ensure a highly focused, high-calibre collaborative environment.
Registered participants have flown in from major global chapters, including the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore, alongside emerging delegations from Bhutan and Mongolia.
The summit is scheduled to feature an array of specialised thematic seminars and the highly anticipated ‘Red Carpet Star Walk of Fame’ during the opening ceremony, where delegates will showcase their diverse cultural heritages through traditional wear.
Sibu Muncipal Council (SMC) and local police department have closely coordinated with the organising committee to manage logistics, security, and traffic control for the massive influx of international visitors.
According to district leadership, the summit does double duty – while it charts the course for millions of dollars in global community aid, it simultaneously provides a premier window to showcase Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage, ecotourism, and warm hospitality to the world.
As President Lyon and First Lady Lyn Lyon join hands with local volunteers over the weekend, Sibu stands squarely at the epicentre of international volunteerism and civic leadership.
Among those present at the press conference were Lions International District 308-A2 Governor, Datuk Jimmy Tie Tien Hwa, and other Lions leaders.
