On October 10, 2009, Tadika Seri Soka (TSS) held its 15th graduation ceremony at the Ikeda Peace Auditorium, SGM Culture Centre, Cheras. The guest of honour for the ceremony was Tun Jeanne Abdullah, Chancellor of Open University Malaysia. Among the guests present were OUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali and his wife Puan Sri Evelyn; Dr Ng Soo Boon, Head of the Preschool Unit of the Curriculum Development Centre in the Ministry of Education; Zulkifli Mohd Tahir, Supervisor of Special Education and Private Education Unit, Selangor Education Department and community representatives from the Hulu Langat district. The event was witnessed by about 500 guests and parents.

In his warm-hearted message to the 188 graduating children, founder Mr Daisaku Ikeda congratulated the children on their graduation, and for having grown up to be “big brothers and sisters.” He encouraged the children to be like the dandelion, which continues to grow in tough conditions. Like the dandelion, he hoped that all of them will stretch their roots deeper into the soil, and become strong and high-spirited individuals.

TSS Principal Lee Kah Poh thanked the parents for their continuous support and trust in the kindergarten, and remarked that TSS will continue to review and improve on its teaching methodologies. He hoped that the children will etch in their hearts the maxim presented by founder Mr Daisaku Ikeda to Soka kindergartens around the world: 1) Those who never give up no matter what, are happy, 2) Always get along well as members of the same family, 3) Those who treasure their parents will become great people.

This was followed by the speech of Chairman of the TSS Board of Directors, Choo Kong Fei. Stating that children are mirror of their parents, he hoped that parents will be good role models for their children in their daily lives.

In her speech, Tun Jeanne Abdullah began by talking about how fond she was of her childhood and kindergarten days. She urged the parents to treasure their children – the most precious gifts they have, and to shower love on their children, especially the ones who are naughty and stubborn. “Listen to your children. Talk to them at the same level so that they can understand you,” said Tun Jeanne, who emphasised parents’ vital role in molding their children’s character. She congratulated the teachers for their excellent work and reminded them to continue to teach the children things that are not in the textbooks – love, confidence, sharing and caring for one another.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, with some members of her family and other OUM officials visited TSS, where they were welcomed by teachers and children of TSS.

In conjunction with the graduation ceremony, these six-year-old children also staged a play entitled “The Himalayan Kingdom of Light”” based on the story written by Mr Ikeda. The theme of the story touches on values such as courage, respect and friendship, which are integral part of the educational curriculum of TSS which is founded on the principles of humanistic education. More than 2,268 children have graduated from the kindergarten since its establishment in 1995.