Tun Dr. Mahathir officiating RYLA2008
Some of the 100 participants of RYLA 2008, this is the KANCIL Team.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is being conducted annually by Rotary District 3300. It is a leadership seminar to prepare youth to be the future leaders. This year RYLA is being hosted by Rotary Club of Melawati and take place at Nur Eco Resort located at Pangsun in Hulu Langat District.

In the space of four days these youth in the age group between 18-25 are exposed to leadership training, discussions, inspirational addresses and social activities designed to enhance personal development, leadership skill and good citizenship.

RYLA started in Australia when the state Queensland was preparing to receive Princess Alexandra for state visit in 1959. A group of youth were trained to participate in some of the activities. As the program had produced a group of outstanding youth, the Rotary movement there decided to make it an annual affairs. Since 1971 the activity had been adopted by all Rotary district world wide as a district activity.

RYLA 2008 was launch by TDM on 3rd April 08. TDM gave a talk on 'Visionary Leader'. Nothing political of course as Rotary activity always put aside politic, religion and race issues. The participants were very lucky indeed to hear personal experience of the former Prime Minister. On the final day which is Sunday 6th Apr 08 they will have another opportunity to hear from the first Malaysian Angkasawan.

Note: My daughter was one of the participant.