7th Young Men’s Division Academy Commences – Nurturing the Spirit of Protection and Becoming Pioneers of Shakubuku

On 14 March 2026, SGM officially commenced the 7th Young Men’s Division (YMD) Academy, with a total of 48 participants nationwide.

The YMD Academy serves as a crucial platform for fostering capable leaders for kosen-rufu, as well as a training ground for young men shouldering the mission of protecting the organisation and taking the lead in shakubuku. This year’s programme comprises six sessions, with the first held at the SGM Culture Centre and broadcast live to centres nationwide.

In his opening address, SGM young men’s division leader Siow Yoon Kee encouraged participants to make the most of the learning opportunity, actively ask questions, and elevate their life state through daily practice. He urged them to aspire to become pioneers of shakubuku and give their utmost towards achieving the 8,000-youth shakubuku goal.

Following this, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, citing the Gosho passage “Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword,” (WND-1, pg 303) encouraged participants to understand that both life and faith require continuous refinement to build a solid foundation. He expressed his hope that they would grow into individuals capable of fulfilling the great vow of kosen-rufu and dedicating their lives to protecting the organisation.

Next, SGM study department leader Chia Kok Peng conducted a lecture on Nichiren Buddhism, outlining its nine key characteristics and clearly explaining its profound significance as a fundamental and global religion. He noted that Nichiren Buddhism is like a vast ocean embracing all streams, and emphasised that only by confronting evil can one discern good from evil. He encouraged participants to strengthen their conviction in Buddhism and courageously share it with others.

The session concluded with participants engaging in small-group discussions, where they exchanged views openly and made a shared pledge to commit fully to achieving the 8,000-youth shakubuku goal.

Reported by Goh Lim Erng, photographed by Lum Heng