SGM Representative Speaks at Panel Discussion on Building Peace and Unity through Historical-Cultural Perspectives

On 25 April 2026, SGM was invited to a panel discussion, “Many Voices, One Vision,” held as part of the Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival 2026 (MYICMF), organised by Yayasan SUGAM at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTIC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The panellists were Sutra Dance Theatre and Sutra Foundation founder Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Malaysia-India Heritage Society president Prabhakaran S. Nair and SGM secretary-general Tan Leng, while the moderator of the forum was academician Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr V.G. Kumar Das. The forum discussed the organisational perspectives on peace and unity.

Tan Leng outlined three key pillars guiding SGM’s efforts to promote peace, harmony and unity through arts and culture: first, fostering a grassroots culture movement that encourages people to share in the joy of artistic expression; second, deepening mutual understanding and friendship through cultural exchanges; and third, nurturing artistic appreciation among children and youth. He also reflected on his own youth, sharing how his early involvement in the arts shaped his deep appreciation for its beauty.

Datuk Ramli Ibrahim began by sharing his perspective as an artist. He likened Malaysia’s arts and culture landscape to humanity’s consumption of food, emphasising its essential role in nation-building. He believes that arts and culture helped to foster empathy, compassion and sensitivity – qualities that are fundamental to achieving peace and unity. 

Next, Prabhakaran S. Nair emphasised that history serves as a moral anchor for humanity, and it should also help us understand what it means to be human. He added that even a small group of determined individuals or organisations can help change the world.

The forum concluded with a question-and-answer session. MYICMF is a festival that aims to bring artists, practitioners and people from all walks of life to promote arts and culture as a meaningful asset to Malaysian society. 

Reported by Ashlynn Tham, photographed by Jordann Cheng