The Malaysian chapter of Asia-Pacific Forum on Families (APFAM-Malaysia) awarded a certificate of commendation and commemorative plaque to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in Osaka, Japan on March 31, 2008.

APFAM-Malaysia President, Prof Jamilah Ariffin, an eminent sociologist, presented the certificate and plaque to Soka Gakkai Kansai Region General Leader Ryozo Nishiguchi, who received it on behalf of the SGI leader. Also present at the ceremony were APFAM-Malaysia Honorary Secretary, Hajah Fadhlon Mokhtar, Committee member Dr Rohana Ariffin, SGM representatives Tan Kiang Howe and Chang Wee Leong. The presentation was made at the Kansai Ikeda Memorial Hall in Osaka, Japan.

The commendation was awarded in recognition of SGI President Ikeda’s contribution to the cause of peace and to the well-being of people regardless of nationality, race, religion, ideology or status Prior to the presentation, Prof Jamilah Ariffin, who is also wife of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, gave a lecture entitled “Indicators of Family Resilience: An Overview and Comparative Analysis from an International Perspective,” to about 120 women members of Soka Gakkai from the Kansai region.

APFAM-Malaysia is an affiliate of APFAM International, an international voluntary organisation that seeks to promote the well-being of families and individuals in the Asia Pacific region. Much of its work is done voluntarily by members in the twelve countries of Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Fiji, Thailand, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Malaysian Chapter of APFAM was formed in 1999.