31st Pan Borneo Meet

Dear fellow Rotarians,

We welcome you to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, land below the wind!

The 31st Pan Borneo Meet Organising Committee is thrilled to bring you a weekend of fun and fellowship, where Rotarians can connect and network while exchanging knowledge and ideas on all aspects of the Rotary movement. After four long years since the last Pan Borneo Meet, it is high time the 27 Clubs of the Pan Borneo belt came together to jointly undertake a project and have heaps of fun at this year’s Pan Borneo Meet.

Connect, Knowledge Exchange, Network. These are the pillars of this year’s 31st Pan Borneo Meet Conference. In line with the 7th Area of Focus, the conference and Joint project will focus on Environmental protection. Meet global industry leaders, policy makers and environmental advocates who work towards a shared goal of marine ecosystem awareness and conservation at this year’s conference. To promote exchange between these groups and Rotarians, the conference will be held as an open forum. This will not only spark conversation on environmental issues but also on Rotary’s role in applying the 7th Area of Focus. This will be an amazing opportunity to learn how we can apply Rotary’s Motto of Service Above Self in supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.

As part of the joint project to be undertaken by the participating Rotary Clubs of the Pan Borneo Meet, we will be collaborating with Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) in an effort to rehabilitate Giant Clams and Reefs in Kota Kinabalu.

This joint project aims to protect and restore the marine ecosystem in the Malohom Bay, located at the coast of Gaya Island. Malohom Bay has suffered severe damage from destructive fishing activities, indiscriminate dumping of rubbish as well as unmanaged recreational activities such as snorkeling. As such, this joint project will extend MERC’s efforts in replanting broken corals and restocking Giant Clams on the sea bed. Giant Clams are the kidneys of the ocean – they filter the water by absorbing nitrates, ammonia and harmful organics that may harm the reef and its inhabitants. Likewise, Coral reefs aren’t just a source of food and medicine, they protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. This joint project will not only benefit the marine ecosystem, but the surrounding geography and communities as well.

We have put together a program that will give all Rotarians a truly unforgettable experience at the 31st Pan Borneo Meet. From forging new friendships and reigniting old ones, this is an event you do not want to miss. Come and experience the Enchanting Ocean at the 31st Pan Borneo Meet.

Join us, as we serve to change lives.

Rosie Chong
31st Pan Borneo Meet Organizing Chair