30 January 2026

By ~ Rema Menon


Bridging Hearts Across Borders: An Inspiring Exchange of Friendship, Sisterhood, and Service


Almost a year after our club’s visit to renew our sisterhood with the Inner Wheel Club of San Fernando La Union (IWCSFLU) in the Philippines, four members from IWCSFLU visited us on 30 January 2026. We were delighted to reunite with President Anna Liza, Immediate Past President Cristine, International Service Officer Ellaine, and Past President and Secretary Elsie. Our club was one of the stops on their historic journey across Malaysia and Singapore. Representing the Inner Wheel Club of Subang Selangor (IWCSS) were President Rajani, Past National Representative Parimala, Immediate Past National Representative Shanti, Immediate Past President Rani, Club Correspondent Rema, and Committee Member Indrani, who warmly welcomed them at the Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur.

We were doubly delighted to also meet President Diane of the Inner Wheel Club of San Fernando La Union South, the daughter club of IWCSFLU.

The ladies arrived from Ipoh on 29 January, where Ms Parimala and Mr Satheesan, as always the most gracious hosts, warmly opened their home to our visitors. Mr Satheesan also graciously took on the role of tourist guide, ensuring our guests experienced the warmth and charm of Malaysian hospitality.

Lunch was hosted by Ms Parimala and Ms Shanti at the Bunga Raya Restaurant at the Lake Club. Our guests were treated to a sumptuous Chinese course lunch and, in true Malaysian spirit, we began with the traditional Yee Sang, offering them a delightful glimpse into how Malaysians celebrate Chinese New Year. We introduced the “Prosperity Toss” while enthusiastically sharing auspicious wishes aloud, explaining the belief that the higher the toss, the greater the prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Our guests joined in wholeheartedly and tossed enthusiastically. Unfortunately, amidst all the excitement, we forgot to capture the joyous moment on camera. The delightful meal ended on a sweet note with banana fritters served with ice cream, truly Malaysian style.

Beyond the laughter and camaraderie, there were also meaningful and enriching discussions. We exchanged ideas about our clubs’ activities and commitments towards improving the communities we serve. We spoke about cultural similarities and differences that influence how activities are organised and conducted, while also sharing the challenges we face in carrying out service projects and sustaining impactful initiatives.

The gathering also provided the opportunity for two special face-to-face flag exchanges. The first, between Ms Ellaine of IWCSFLU, our sister club, and President Rajani, reaffirmed our long-standing friendship, solidarity, and shared commitment to service. The second exchange, between President Diane of IWC La Union South and President Rajani, marked the beginning of a new friendship and sisterhood between our clubs.

We were also thrilled to receive thoughtfully curated gift bags from our guests. What made the gifts especially meaningful was that they represented products from livelihood projects involving the wives of fisherfolk and farmers. Among the gifts were the “Baroro Bubbles Seabon,” a unique soap made from seaweed and papaya leaves, as well as the delicious Baraos Golden Peanuts, sweet-coated garlic-flavoured peanuts that quickly became a favourite among us. These livelihood projects aim to help women become self-reliant while contributing to the wellbeing of their families and communities, truly a brilliant example of “Stepping Up to Lead by Example.”

Our guests also introduced us to The Loom, IWCSFLU’s periodic publication, which beautifully highlights and documents the many impactful activities and projects carried out by their club.

Not to be outdone by our younger and exuberant guests, we joined in the fun and created some memorable reels. It was an absolute blast and also served as an unexpected workout for muscles that had apparently assumed they were already retired. Safe to say, there were a few creaks, plenty of laughter, and many happy memories made along the way.

The visit was far more than a reunion between clubs; it was a heartfelt celebration of friendship, fellowship, service, and sisterhood that transcended borders. As we parted ways, we carried with us not only cherished memories, but also renewed inspiration and a deeper commitment to continue serving our communities with compassion and unity. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, friendship, and shared service between our clubs.