From August 17 to 24, 2008, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) members and the public had a chance to view and enjoy paintings and Chinese calligraphic works done by artists who had graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore. About forty-five artists, collectively termed as "Nanyangism", had fielded about ninety-three artworks in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore Nanyang Art Academy and the 25th anniversary of the formation of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Malaysia.

With local themes and artworks comprising of oils, watercolours, Chinese ink, print art and batik, the exhibition also presented an overview of the style and development of Nanyangism since its inception. Particularly interesting were Kim-Hai Lim’s realistic still-lifes of juicy fruit which looked good enough to eat, Khoo Boon Seng’s numerous sparrows in equally numerous moods and Chia Hoy Sai’s lovingly rendered portrait of an old woman with wrinkly face.

In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition on August 17, 2008, a book entitled “Xinlu”, written by renowned writer Duo La and published by SGM was launched by Datuk Ong Tee Keat, the Minister of Transport. Comprising of a collection of interviews with Malaysian artists over a period of seven years recording their artistic journeys, the book is invaluable as a local art resources and spiritual wealth for future artists and art lovers.

An art talk on the “Art of Nanyang” was held after the opening ceremony.