by KT Leong
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 was held from 24 to 26 April at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Tanjung Malim. It brought together 95 young participants, aged from 18 to 30, for an immersive leadership experience centered on the theme “Leadership via Back to Basics.”
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Rotary District Governor Edward Khoo. During his speech, he reminded participants that they had been “carefully selected by their sponsoring Rotary Clubs and were present at this event with the purpose of serving as future leaders”.
RYLA 2026 began with a session by Past District Governor Siti Subaidah titled “Different Strokes, Shared Purpose,” where participants were encouraged to recognize that RYLA is a space “where individual differences are sharpened, while Rotary is where shared purpose turns into meaningful action”.
Participants were engaged in outdoor activities including trekking, orienteering, and obstacle courses. These team-based challenges required them to navigate unfamiliar situations, build trust, and develop resilience and discipline through experience. Teamwork was at its best during these activities, as team members encouraged, cajoled and helped each other along.
Participants also had the opportunity to set up their own tents. The RYLA participants shared these tents as their living base for the entire 3 days.
The programme also addressed relevant issues faced by today’s youth. Rotarian Dr. Sasitharan Moorthi, in his session on digital behavior, encouraged participants to reflect on their use of technology, noting that “what one holds on to for too long, can eventually begin to take hold of them”.
Inspirational sharing by former Olympians Dr. Mon Redee Sut Txi and Rotarian Anthony Ang highlighted the “importance of perseverance, self-drive, and pushing beyond limits, reminding participants to remain focused and never give up until they reach their goals”. In addition, Rotarian Morgan A/L Ramayan, who has undergone a double amputation, shared his personal journey with honesty and courage, reinforcing the message that “resilience and determination, rather than circumstances, define one’s ability to overcome challenges”.
RYLA concluded with group presentations, where participants reflected on their experiences and demonstrated growth in confidence, teamwork, self-awareness and creativity.
RYLA 2026 was organized by the Rotary Club of Greentown, supported by Yayasan Kelab Kelab Rotary Malaysia, District 3300 and the Rotary Youth Committee.
As one participant reflected, the experience shifted their understanding of leadership; from leading others to first learning how to lead themselves.
At the Closing Ceremony, District Governor Edward Khoo saluted the participants for getting through the entire 3 days, which involved some tough activities, adapting to different living conditions, building new friendships and already becoming leaders.
