Year of the Horse Chinese New Year Gongyo Meetings: Galloping with a Shared Vow to Advance Kosen-rufu and Achieve 8,000-Youth Shakubuku

On 17 February 2026, the first day of the Year of the Horse, joyful Chinese New Year gongyo meetings were held nationwide, with members gathering in a vibrant and festive atmosphere to welcome the new year, amid the thunderous boom of drums and lively leaps of lion dances. Pre-recorded New Year greetings from SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, men’s division leader Looi Chee Choong, women’s division leader Chan Yin Kwan, young men’s division leader Siow Yoon Kee and young women’s division leader Koo Wei Qian extending heartfelt greetings to members nationwide added to the festive cheer. 

In his message, Mr Koh encouraged members to continue expanding the ranks of kosen-rufu for the sake of establishing a firm foundation for world peace and a stable society, and strive to achieve the goal of 8,000-youth shakubuku this year, advancing with the vibrant momentum of youth as part of the five-year journey towards the centennial of the Soka Gakkai’s founding in 2030.

He also attended one of the two gongyo meetings at the SGM Culture Centre, offering his best wishes to attendees in person. In his address there, Mr Koh urged members to emulate the swift and resolute horse that presses forward courageously and steadily towards its goal, no matter the obstacles ahead. A vigorous and majestic lion dance performed to rousing drums heralded a dynamic and inspiring start to the Year of the Horse. 

The gongyo meeting at the SGM Selangor Culture Centre in Klang saw the attendance of Sentosa assemblyperson YB Gunarajah George, with community leaders and representatives from various ethnic groups. Youth division members presented a creative and ingenious original live festive production titled “Zhumanji: A Game into the Martial World,” in which four friends unexpectedly find themselves in a martial arts world, ultimately returning to reality through unity and wisdom, to share a reunion dinner. The humorous and fast-paced storyline, coupled with energetic performances, captivated the audience and created an atmosphere reminiscent of a Spring Festival gala.

In Johor, gongyo meetings held at the state culture centre and the Kulai Centre drew over 700 participants. The performances initially held outdoors at the Kulai venue were disrupted by a sudden downpour, but performers maintained their composure and completed their segment confidently and with smiles, before the event was relocated indoors. Their resilience drew warm applause and shone like a beacon despite the grey skies. 

Meanwhile, Sabah conducted simultaneous gongyo meetings at the state culture centre and three regional centres. The youth division’s lion dance uplifted spirits; the women’s division presented a graceful traditional dance; the young women’s division sang festive songs brimming with youthful energy; and a grand chorus finale brought the entire assembly to a stirring climax, concluding the celebration in an atmosphere of heartfelt blessings.

Chinese New Year is more than just an ethnic festival; it is a precious occasion for family reunion and strengthening bonds of family and friendship. Let us take the encouragement of the four-division leaders as our driving force, and based on the eternal guideline of “faith for a harmonious family,” advance together in the year ahead to open up a new chapter for the advancement of kosen-rufu.

Reported by Adeline Tay, Ang Chin Xuan, Elaine Chia, Khor Yu Wei, Koo Wei Xin, Leang Hui Si, Leu Bae Huey, Lim Bee Chiu, Sandra Quek, Tan Khin Seng, Tan Pwei Sun and Yat Yu Mi.

Photographed by Allen Au, Bong Piang Nam, Chin Vui Lip, Chong Wai Chung, Jeffery Lum, Lai Chee Thing, Lum Heng, Ong Bak Hee, Roger Fong Choon Choi, Tan Boon Keong, Tan Peng Xuan and Wong Shinn Suong.