SGM Holds 3 May National Leaders Commemorative Gongyo Meeting – Advancing towards 8,000-Youth Shakubuku by 18 November

On 3 May 2026, SGM held the 3 May National Leaders Commemorative Gongyo Meeting at the SGM Penang Culture Centre, which was livestreamed to 51 venues nationwide, with more than 4,000 leaders in attendance. Centred on the themes of “building a youthful organisation” and “establishing a culture of shakubuku,” the meeting called on members and leaders across the country to continue striving towards the goal of achieving 8,000-youth shakubuku by 18 November.

During the meeting, Saw Bee Yen, together with Chong Chai Yoong, Chong Zi Ling, Yong Xin Ru and Khoo Zhi Lynn, whom she had introduced to the practice, shared they came to embrace Nichiren Buddhism and their respective transformations. Beginning with Bee Yen introducing Buddhism to Chai Yoong, this chain of faith subsequently linked mothers, daughters and friends, demonstrating the profound impact of earnest dialogue that continues from one person to another across generations.

This was followed by reports from SGM four-division leaders. Young men’s division leader Siow Yoon Kee and young women’s division leader Koo Wei Qian jointly reported on the progress of shakubuku efforts from 2023 to date. Wei Qian emphasised the importance of continuously building a culture of shakubuku and expanding the momentum towards the goal of 8,000-youth shakubuku, while Yoon Kee explained the significance of 3 May and called on members to renew their vow for kosen-rufu.

Women’s division leader Chan Yin Kwan shared the need to break through fixed mindsets so that every generation can participate in shakubuku, moving towards the goal of “all generations shining together.” She also encouraged women’s division members to become a key force in building a grassroots culture of shakubuku through prayer, home visits, dialogue and shakubuku.

Meanwhile, men’s division leader Looi Chee Choong pointed out that amid today’s increasingly unstable global situation, inner transformation in each individual is the most reliable path towards lasting peace. He proposed three action points towards 18 November: making new friends, conducting at least one home visit or dialogue session weekly, and encouraging and fostering youth.

In his concluding remarks, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai stated that the greatest obstacle to shakubuku lies in being defeated by one’s own mind. He encouraged participants to win over themselves, overcome inertia and inner barriers, and continue challenging shakubuku through prayer and action. He also announced that 18 November this year would serve as the new milestone as members continue striving towards the goal of 8,000-youth shakubuku in building a youthful organisation and advancing worldwide kosen-rufu.

Reported by Tan Jin Min and Eng Joo Min, photographed by Shuan Tye Chuen Han and Tan Kean Leong