"Seeds of Hope" Exhibition Held

Y.B. Senator Gan Ping Sieu listens to the narrator's explanation

It also introduces the positive vision for sustainable living expressed in the Earth Charter, and gives examples of eight individuals and groups who have successfully taken action for change, from Africa to the Arctic and Eastern Europe. The overarching message of the exhibition is that a single individual can effect change on a global scale. The exhibition was held in three languages; Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese.

On April 10, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Y.B. Senator Gan Ping Sieu officially opened the exhibition. Also in attendance was the Ambassador of Romania to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Petru Petra and wife, and Prof Dr Tai Shzee Yew, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community Relations at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

In his speech at the opening ceremony, SGM General Director Choo Kong Fei said that WKSGM will continue to play a role in promoting activities dedicated to serving society through advancing peace, culture and education. He also said that in line with Earth Day on April 22, SGM has decided to designate April as the "Month of Sustainable Development" and this exhibition is to promote that theme. Mr Choo also quoted from SGI President Ikeda’s 2002 proposal for education for sustainable development that education should create understanding on how environmental problems are intimately connected to our daily lives and to inspire individuals that they have the power and responsibility to effect change on a global scale.

Thirteen-year old Celine Lee then delivered a heart-warming plea on behalf of future generations. She said that our actions can cause a huge impact on Mother Earth and if we all play our part, we can build a better world. The world is not as healthy as it should be and the younger and future generations are the victims. She called upon all to work towards building a healthier Earth. She ended with a poem that encourages everyone to stop running away from environmental problems that confront us and to change the way we live to create a better future.

Learning games and activities based on the theme of "Reflect, Learn, Empower"	A view of exhibition hall

Y.B. Senator Gan Ping Sieu commended SGM on its impressive track record in education for sustainable development and for successfully encouraging young people to volunteer for its activities. He was also impressed with the themes of peace and social justice that are touched upon in this exhibition. People often stress upon what they are entitled to or deserve to have. We ought to develop a viewpoint that we are holding this Earth in trust for future generations. He appreciated SGM’s constant and structured efforts in promoting peace, social causes and education in society to appreciate our differences.

In conjunction with this exhibition, various activities were also held to promote awareness among the young and old alike on the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle. Most of the activities were held on weekends. There were learning games and activities based on the theme of "Reflect, Learn, Empower" for children, teenagers and young adults. These games and activities include "The Museum of Garbage", "Count Your Carbon Footprint" and "Colour Your World". Participants also left their thoughts on the exhibition and sustainable development on the "Impression Tree".

The film A Quiet Revolution was also aired. Sharing of the book Planetary Citizenship, a dialogue between SGI President Ikeda and futurist Hazel Henderson was also conducted in English and Mandarin. There were also photography-sharing sessions conducted based on the theme of protecting the Earth through photography.

His Excellency Mr Petru Petra said that this exhibition contains beautiful images and words that illustrate the relationship between humans and the natural world. He recounted that in the past, the well-being of the natural environment in Romania was neglected. In the last two decades or so, the government instituted new rules to protect rivers, lakes, forests and other elements of the natural environment and to ensure sustainable development. The exhibition sends messages that are valid to Romania and people all over the world.

Film "A Quiet Revolution" was aired

Prof Tai commented that this exhibition is a good initiative. He also said that UPM will collaborate with SGM to hold this exhibition in UPM in September. There will also be a "Green Forum" during that time in UPM. "The idea is to expose university students to ideas on sustainable development, especially the new students who will enter in September." He says that if more people are aware of SGM’s initiative to promote sustainable living and development, we would have a better future.

In total, over 3,400 people viewed the exhibition and participated in its related activities.