7th YMD Academy Concludes: Inspiring Youth with the Mentor-Disciple Spirit

From 10 to 12 July 2026, the 7th Young Men’s Division (YMD) Academy was held at the SGM Culture Centre, attended by 45 YMD leaders from across the country. Launched in March, the four-month training combined online learning sessions with this in-person training session, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of Nichiren Buddhism, the Soka Gakkai spirit and the mentor-disciple spirit, while strengthening their determination to fulfil the mission of kosen-rufu.

On the opening day, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai delivered a message encouraging participants to treasure this valuable learning opportunity, inherit the spirit of the Soka Gakkai’s three founding presidents and embrace the mission of youth in a new era. This was followed by a lecture on the life of President Ikeda by SGM men’s division secretary Loke Weng Cheong. Through President Ikeda’s lifelong example of remaining steadfast in faith despite adversity, participants were encouraged to develop unwavering conviction and fulfil their own mission in life.

In addition to keynote lectures, the training included team-building activities, Buddhist study sessions, a mental wellbeing sharing session and simulated case discussions. These interactive sessions helped participants strengthen their faith, communication skills and the broad range of qualities expected of SGM leaders.

On the second day, participants embarked on an “I Seek Sensei” journey at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, retracing the footsteps of President Ikeda in opening the path for kosen-rufu in Malaysia. They then visited the Kuala Lumpur Members Service Centre, where SGM vice-general director Pang Chok Wai led a study session on the spirit of “refuting the erroneous and revealing the true.” In the evening, a dialogue session with senior leaders provided participants with the opportunity to learn from their experiences in faith and receive encouragement in overcoming life’s challenges. That evening, during the nationwide YMD commemorative meeting livestreamed to venues across the country, the participants presented a fan dance performance, reflecting the young men’s division’s spirit of courage and determination.

On the final day, SGM vice-general director Johnny Ng delivered a lecture on the mentor-disciple spirit, explaining that the true path of mentor and disciple lies in inheriting the mentor’s vow for kosen-rufu and making the happiness of oneself and others one’s lifelong mission. He encouraged participants to take concrete action and become Bodhisattvas of the Earth who would advance the progress of the era. The training concluded with a question-and-answer session followed by the graduation ceremony, bringing the 7th YMD Academy to a successful close.

One participant shared that the training deepened his understanding of the Soka Gakkai spirit and that the experiences shared by senior leaders inspired him to strengthen his faith and face life’s challenges courageously. He also expressed his determination to create more actual proof through faith, encourage more young people and work with them to open a new chapter for kosen-rufu.

Reported by Sim Dong Liang, photographed by Beh Huai Jian, Chang Chung Jun and Jeffery Lum