On July 17, 2009, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) donated books authored by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda to Open University Malaysia (OUM) at a book presentation ceremony held at the Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Sanusi Digital Library in the OUM Campus in Kuala Lumpur.

The books were presented on behalf of SGI by SGM General Director Choo Kong Fei to Prof. Tan Sri Dr Anuwar Ali, President/ Vice-Chancellor of OUM. The ceremony was witnessed by senior management staff of OUM and representatives of SGM.

Among the 124 books donated to OUM were President Ikeda’s essays, university addresses, peace proposals, children’s stories and Buddhist philosophy. Included among the books are also his published dialogues on the pressing issues facing the modern world with thinkers, activists and leaders in various fields. Over the years, Mr. Ikeda has engaged in dialogue with eminent thinkers and leaders in search of viable responses to global problems and written extensively on a range of issues related to peace and the human condition. Central to Mr Ikeda’s thinking is the idea that a self-directed transformation within the life of each individual, rather than societal or structural reforms alone, holds the key to lasting peace and human happiness. Mr Ikeda’s books have been published in more than 30 languages including the Malay language.

In his speech, SGM General Director Choo remarked that President Ikeda, who is now a member of the OUM family after being conferred an honorary doctorate by OUM, donated these books with the hope that it will be beneficial to the students and staff of OUM. Mr Choo also expressed his hopes that the educational cooperation between OUM and SGM will continue to expand.

Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali said that OUM is honoured to be chosen to receive SGI President Ikeda’s books, which he said will benefit the thousands of learners of OUM. He said the book presentation reflects the strong relationship OUM shares with SGI. He also thanked SGM for their support of OUM.

The Tan Sri Dr. Abdullah Sanusi Digital Library was named in honour of the university’s first president/ vice-chancellor. The library has more than 22,000 volumes of books in the main campus and learning centres nationwide. As for the digital collection, the library has access to more than 72,500 titles from e-books and about 30,000 titles from e-journals.