SISM First Graduation Ceremony – Young Global Citizens Set Out to Unite the World through Friendship and Trust

On 18 July 2026, Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) held its inaugural graduation ceremony, celebrating 41 graduates from Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, India and China as they completed their high school education and embarked on a new chapter in their lives.

Among those in attendance were SISM senior director Yoshiki Tanigawa, Soka University of America (SUA) president and SISM board member Dr Edward Feasel, SUA vice-president Archibald Asawa, SISM chief executive officer and chairperson Michael Kok, SISM principal Dr Wendy Yee, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, representatives from the Negeri Sembilan State Education Department and parents.

Dr Yee said that, as the school’s first graduating cohort, the students had no senior students or established traditions to follow. Through their belief in the school’s vision, perseverance and commitment to one another, they have laid the foundations of SISM’s traditions and become role models for their juniors.

Mr Tanigawa encouraged the graduates by sharing four messages that the school’s founder Dr Daisaku Ikeda had consistently given to graduates of Soka schools in Japan: to remain lifelong learners; to always be grateful and honour their parents; to face difficulties with an indomitable spirit; and to continue the path pioneered by the founder by expanding friendship and trust throughout the world.

Dr Feasel urged the graduates to follow the example of the founder in embodying the spirit of global citizenship. He encouraged them to believe in their own potential and to courageously climb every mountain they encounter in life.

The ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, with graduates looking ahead to the future with confidence and optimism. The occasion marked a historic milestone for SISM, ushering in a new chapter in the school’s development.

Guest Remarks

SUA vice-president Archibald Asawa described SISM as an institution that brings its founder Dr Daisaku Ikeda’s vision of Soka education to life. During his visit, he was deeply impressed by the strong bonds between students and teachers. He encouraged the graduates to dream as boldly as possible, reminding them that the friendships they have built at SISM will become a lifelong network of support and a foundation for future success. He also urged them never to give up on their dreams.

Negeri Sembilan State Education Department deputy director Lim Sui Fong said that SISM provides students with opportunities to broaden their international outlook, build global networks and work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds to create a better future. He added that the students’ language proficiency, confidence and global perspective reflected the growth fostered through Soka education.

Reflections from Graduates and Parents

Graduate Tejaswini Batra from India said that SISM had not only helped her discover her academic direction but had also enabled her to build lasting friendships, develop leadership skills and cultivate a strong sense of responsibility. Through her experiences at the school, she also discovered her life’s mission and resolved to contribute to society with gratitude.

Malaysian graduate Au Jia En shared that one remark by principal Dr Wendy Yee – “Your dream is my dream” – had left a lasting impression on her, reflecting how deeply SISM values each student’s aspirations. Encouraged by her teachers to recognise her own potential, she now hopes to contribute to society and environmental protection.

A Malaysian parent couple shared that the biggest change they have seen since their child joined SISM is a greater sense of maturity. Beyond personal growth, their child has also become more proactive in academics and has begun to think independently about future educational and career pathways.

A South Korean parent couple said they feel deeply honoured and proud that their child is among SISM’s first cohort of students and graduates. They believe the school not only strives for students’ academic excellence but also places great emphasis on character development, providing the best humanistic education for every student.

Another South Korean parent remarked that establishing SISM in Malaysia carries special significance. Malaysia’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society provides an ideal environment for cultivating an international outlook. By living and learning alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds, students learn to respect differences, broaden their perspectives and grow into true global citizens.

Jointly reported by Eng Joo Min, Goh Lim Erng and Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Jordann Cheng, Leong Weng Hong, Lum Heng and Nic Sik Ying Wah