4th SGM Headquarters Leaders Conference (Part 4)

General Director’s Nationwide Leaders Study cum SGI Training Course Sharing

The 4th SGM Headquarters Leaders Conference was held from 28 to 30 November 2025 at the SGM Culture Centre. A total of 1,024 nationwide region-level and above leaders gathered for this three-day, two-night conference filled with intensive learning and inspiring sessions.

In conjunction with the conference, the General Director’s Nationwide Leaders Study cum SGI Training Course Sharing was also held on 29 November. The session was livestreamed via the SGM YouTube channel, bringing total participation, both onsite and online, to more than 2,500 members.

General Director’s Nationwide Leaders Study

In conjunction with 15 November, the third memorial (second anniversary) of President Ikeda’s passing, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai spoke on “The Vow of Mentor and Disciple” to leaders nationwide in his study session, emphasising the mission of the disciple following the mentor’s passing.

Recalling the period following Josei Toda’s passing, Mr Koh said that although President Ikeda was grief-stricken, as Toda’s one true disciple, he travelled ceaselessly to to realise the mission that his mentor entrusted to him and bring Toda’s vision for kosen-rufu to fruition. Through President Ikeda’s efforts, Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai spread to 192 countries and territories, fulfilling Nichiren Daishonin’s decree of the westward transmission of Buddhism and worldwide kosen-rufu. 

President Ikeda also established Soka education institutions, the Seikyo Shimbun and numerous organisations in Japan and other countries. Each victory was a victory offered to his mentor. General Director Koh explained that disciples today can learn five key points from the struggles of the three founding presidents, emphasising that as long as the spirit of mentor and disciple is upheld, the Soka Gakkai will forever advance and worldwide kosen-rufu will be achieved without fail.

He further stressed that disciples must discern the mentor’s wishes and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the achievement of world peace. Only by walking the path of mentor and disciple can the Soka Gakkai continue to flourish and the ideal of kosen-rufu be realised.

The full content of this study session will be published in FLOW No. 836 (February 2026).

SGI Autumn Training Course and Kyushu Youth Training Course Sharing

On the evening of 29 November, Dr Wendy Yee shared her experience at the SGI Autumn Training Course in Japan and reflected on the MOU signing ceremony between Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) and Soka University Japan, in her capacity as SISM principal.  She noted that during her training in 2015 she wrote to President Ikeda, vowing to dedicate her life to Soka education. Returning to the same campus 10 years later, she felt profoundly that “Nothing in our lives is a coincidence. Everything is part of our mission.”

During the training course, her understanding of “doubt-free faith” deepened through the guidance of seniors in faith. She reaffirmed education as her life’s mission, noting that President Ikeda consistently emphasised that education exists for the happiness of humanity, and that SISM and Tadika Seri Soka are vital platforms for advancing the mentor’s peace-driven educational vision.

In addition, eight youth representatives from Malaysia travelled to Kyushu, Japan, for a three-day youth training course. On 23 November, alongside 50,000 members from Kyushu and around the world, they participated in the “Asia Peace Festa 2025” held at the Mizuho PayDay Dome Fukuoka. Together with those present, they sang “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of President Ikeda’s favourite tunes. They were deeply moved by Kyushu’s long-standing pioneering spirit.

During the report, Chiew Tak Hong shared that the Ninth Symphony symbolises peace and human dignity, and was a powerful source of courage for President Ikeda in his youth. In the difficult years following the priesthood issue, Kyushu members responded to President Ikeda’s call for mass choirs of 50,000 and 100,000 members and forged ahead with indomitable resolve. This year’s festival, led entirely by Kyushu youth, featured the awe-inspiring chorus performed in German by all 50,000 participants.

The delegation also visited mentor and disciple halls at the Fukuoka Training Centre, Kyushu Ikeda auditorium and Kumamoto Peace Centre. Mak Hoi Ching shared that seeing President Ikeda’s handwritten calligraphy of the character “Vow” profoundly reminded the youth of the spirit they must uphold. Representatives expressed that the warmth and unwavering faith of Kyushu members strengthened their own sense of mission and determination to advance peace, culture and kosen-rufu in Malaysia.

Shakubuku Victory Report

Representatives from Penang, Sarawak, Greater Kuala Lumpur and Johor shared this year’s achievements in shakubuku and youth fostering, demonstrating the victories realised through united efforts.

From Penang, region women’s division vice leader Tan Baby reported that the Permatang Pauh Chapter welcomed 52 new Professors of Happiness this year, of which 41 were youth. She highlighted how the men’s and women’s divisions, together with seniors in faith from the golden age group, supported the youth through prayers and warm accompaniment, making “many in body, one in mind” the key to victory.

From Sarawak, zone women’s division leader Linda Lam shared that as of November, Sarawak had achieved 230 Form 1A submissions, 150 were submitted by youth. Several chapters steadfastly conducted home visits with pure faith, while sharing their victories in human revolution and utilising the Run for Peace platform to inspire shakubuku. These efforts exemplified Sarawak’s steady progress throughout the year.

From Greater Kuala Lumpur, chapter young women’s division leader Choy Poh Mun reported that her chapter engaged and united youth through chanting sessions, sports, community visits and a Mid-Autumn event. They achieved 17 Professors of Happiness this year, including 14 youth, offering this as a victory report to the mentor. She emphasised that the chapter’s growth is indebted to the men’s and women’s divisions, which empowers the youth to advance shakubuku and study.

From Johor, region women’s division vice leader Chin Ting Ting reported that the Indahpura Chapter in Kulai is striving towards the mission of 200 Professors of Happiness and has already achieved 58. She noted that even the future division members enthusiastically distribute shakubuku cards, showing that the spirit of propagation has taken root in the chapter. She encouraged all present to continue opening new chapters of kosen-rufu with the spirit of the oneness of mentor and disciple.

Jointly reported by Goh Lim Erng and Eng Joo Min, photographed by Lum Heng and Jeffery Lum