Nationwide Junior Division Day Celebrations: Fostering Responsible Citizens of Tomorrow
To commemorate SGM Junior Division Day on 3 July, a series of celebrations were held nationwide, featuring Buddhist study, exchanges and outdoor experiences. These programmes enabled junior division members to strengthen friendships, broaden their horizons and embrace the spirit of hope, courage and friendship as they looked towards the future with confidence.
Penang
On 5 July, SGM Penang held its celebration at its culture centre, attracting over 340 participants. The programme featured an exchange session, Buddhist study and performances, providing opportunities for junior division members to interact with one another while showcasing their youthful energy and potential.
Kelantan
On 10 July, SGM Kelantan held its celebration at its culture centre, with more than 20 participants. Junior division person-in-charge Eng Ching Inn delivered a Buddhist study session on shakubuku as an act of compassion, encouraging members to begin with small acts of kindness and show genuine care for others in their daily lives.
Kedah
Also on 10 July, SGM Kedah’s Northern Zone held its celebration at the SGM Kedah Culture Centre, bringing together over 15 junior division members. Participants watched an animated adaptation of President Ikeda’s children’s story The Princess of the Desert Kingdom, followed by interactive games that deepened their understanding of the Gosho and helped them learn the values of courage, hope, respect for life and care for nature.
Negeri Sembilan
On 11 July, SGM Negeri Sembilan held a junior division gathering at the S2 chapter venue, attracting over 50 participants. Despite heavy rain that required the programme to be moved indoors, junior division members, parents and leaders enthusiastically took part in games and interactive activities that inspired the young participants to create happiness and peace.
Melaka
Also on 11 July, SGM Melaka organised a one-day trip for 40 participants, with visits to a farm, a chocolate factory and Putrajaya. Through hands-on activities and cultural exploration, participants broadened their horizons, strengthened team spirit and gained inspiration to continue learning and growing.
Johor
On 18 July, SGM Johor organised a trip for the junior division to the night zoo in Johor Bahru, bringing together over 170 participants. Despite heavy rain during the journey, the weather cleared upon arrival, allowing the children to discover the world of nocturnal animals, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
Sabah
On 19 July, three regions of SGM Sabah Kota Kinabalu Zone jointly organised a trip for some 100 participants. Visiting the science discovery centre Petrosains PlaySmart and a tropical rainforest park, junior division members gained hands-on learning experiences while spending quality time with their families. Zone women’s division leader Kok Fui Vien encouraged them to uphold the spirit of hope, courage and friendship, and grow into capable contributors to society.
Kuala Lumpur South
On 26 July, Kuala Lumpur South’s Bandar Sungai Long Region held an event themed “Swap to Share, Care to Sustain” at the SGM Culture Centre, attracting over 30 participants. Through item exchanges and interactive sessions, junior division members learnt the importance of reducing waste, sharing resources, valuing belongings and cultivating gratitude, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Across all the celebrations, junior division members gained valuable experiences through learning, exchanges and practical activities. They deepened their understanding of the spirit of hope, courage and friendship, taking a meaningful step towards becoming individuals who shoulder the responsibilities of the era and help build a peaceful future.
Jointly reported by Eng Ching Inn, Fung Jin Yee, Lee Heong Mien, Lee Lie Li, Ng Siew Hoon, Tan Hee Hong and Tan Sook Hoon, photographed by Charlie Low, Chong Tze Chen, Eu Jie Li, Jeffery Lum, Kee Lian Kim, Ong Bak Hee, Roger Fong and Shaun Tye
