SIBU: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Lions members to continue leading through service, saying the organisation’s century-old spirit of volunteerism is closely aligned with Sarawak’s vision of nation-building.
Speaking at the Lions International District 308-A2 Cabinet Installation Banquet at a hotel here on Saturday (July 18) held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Lions Leaders Summit 2026, Dr Sim welcomed Lions leaders and delegates from 19 countries and regions.
He also welcomed past international directors, constitutional area leaders, council chairpersons, district governors, representatives of government agencies and fellow Lions, describing their presence as a testament to the global unity fostered by Lions Clubs International.
Drawing parallels between Lions Clubs International and Sarawak’s development philosophy, he said both emphasise serving others, helping the vulnerable and creating lasting change rather than offering temporary charity.
“Lions do not simply provide transactional charity. The goal is to create sustainable and systemic change that empowers people and communities,” he said.
He noted that Lions Clubs International, with more than 1.4 million members in over 50,000 clubs worldwide, has built its reputation on humanitarian service through initiatives addressing diabetes, hunger, environmental protection, childhood cancer and vision care.
Dr Sim said these priorities are highly relevant to Sarawak, where diabetes has become a major public health concern.
He noted that about one in five Sarawakians is living with diabetes, while nearly half of the state’s population is overweight or obese.
He added that diabetes-related eye disease has become another pressing healthcare issue requiring greater awareness and prevention efforts.
On environmental sustainability, Dr Sim stressed that climate change is ultimately about protecting humanity rather than saving the planet.
“The planet will survive. It is human beings who will suffer if we fail to act,” he said, urging wealthier nations to move beyond rhetoric and take stronger action to reduce carbon emissions.
He also highlighted the widening gap between developed and developing countries in accessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, comparing it with unequal access to Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic.
According to him, humanitarian values should never be determined by wealth.
Reflecting on his own medical career, Dr Sim shared how he helped establish the first public heart centre on the island of Borneo 25 years ago after returning from overseas to serve Sarawak.
He said the Sarawak Heart Centre has treated more than 300,000 patients over the past quarter-century and has trained one in every 10 cardiologists practising in Malaysia.
Despite limited manpower and resources, he said the centre has consistently ranked among the Top 100 heart centres in the Asia-Pacific for four consecutive years.
Dr Sim also highlighted the achievements of Sarawak General Hospital, describing it as Malaysia’s leading research hospital for four consecutive years.
He said the hospital has earned international recognition for conducting pioneering clinical research, including participation in first-in-human cancer studies, and has become the only hospital in Southeast Asia selected as one of Roche’s top research partner hospitals in the Asia-Pacific.
These achievements, he said, demonstrate that world-class excellence can be achieved in Sarawak through dedication, collaboration and a commitment to serving society.
Turning to the future, Dr Sim said the Asia-Pacific region faces common challenges including ageing populations, declining birth rates, mental health issues, climate change and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
He encouraged Lions leaders to continue sharing ideas and strengthening partnerships across borders to address these issues together.
Dr Sim also emphasised the importance of leadership built on integrity, saying integrity extends beyond the absence of corruption and is reflected in everyday conduct and ethical behaviour.
He expressed confidence that the newly installed District 308A2 leadership would continue strengthening Lions’ humanitarian work while supporting Sarawak’s nation-building agenda.
Congratulating the organising committee for successfully hosting both the Asia Pacific Lions Leaders Summit and the district installation ceremony, Dr Sim urged delegates to transform discussions into meaningful action upon returning home.
At the event, Datuk Jimmy Tie Hien Hwa was officially installed as the Lions International District 308-A2 Governor, for FY 2026-2027,taking over from Datuk Winnie Lee Siew Ping.
Lions International World President Mark S. Lyon; Asia Pacific Lions Leaders Summit 2026 Organising Chairlady Datuk Betty Wong Yieng; the District Governor Inaugration Banquet Organising Chairman Dixon Chiu; and other Lions leaders were among those in attendance.
