SISM Welcomes 92 New Students – Senior Executive Adviser Minoru Harada Offers Encouragement

On 24 August, Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) held its third entrance ceremony, welcoming 92 new students from 12 countries and regions, including Japan, South Korea, India, the United States, Australia and Papua New Guinea. The event was imbued with the spirit of school founder Daisaku Ikeda.

In her address, principal Dr Wendy Yee recalled the founder’s message for the first entrance ceremony on 24 August 2023, encouraging students to cultivate wisdom together with their classmates and grow into global citizens who radiate the light of hope and joy to illuminate humanity’s future.

SISM senior executive adviser Minoru Harada then delivered a speech, recounting three mottos Mr Ikeda asked Soka schools students to uphold: (1) seniors should cherish juniors like younger siblings, (2) juniors should respect seniors like elder siblings, and (3) no violence and bullying.

Student council president Akiko Oka also cited Mr Ikeda’s guidance, urging her fellow students, who have gathered through a mystic bond, to become people who will shape their own stories and achieve the dreams they have set for themselves.

New students Peerawich Rattanapun from Thailand and Elyse Chong Wei Qi from Malaysia also took the stage to express their resolutions on behalf of their cohort. Peerawich said he was drawn to the spirit of learning from one another and the values of character building embodied by the school. Elyse meanwhile was drawn by the founding principles which resonated with her, convinced that they would help her better understand and strengthen her identity. Both looked forward to their new journey at SISM.

The ceremony continued with students reciting the founding principles and motto, entrusted to them by the founder. 

Students then put up several scintillating performances before all students sang the student song “Beacons of Unity,” expressing their shared commitment to becoming global citizens of wisdom, courage and compassion, brimming with hope.

Also in attendance were officials from the Negeri Sembilan Education Department, SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa, Soka Gakkai women’s division general leader Kimiko Nagaishi, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, and SGI delegations from Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

With the unwavering support of educators and parents, the new students now embark on their path of growth, ready to create value and illuminate the future with hope.