Selangor and Negeri Sembilan Present Largest Youth Peace Cultural Festival Event; 10,000-Strong Crowd Creates Powerful Wave of Peace

On 18 and 20 December 2025, SGM Selangor and SGM Negeri Sembilan branches jointly organised the nation’s largest Youth Peace Culture Festival event at the N9 Arena Stadium in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. The event showcased the vibrant vitality of youth and ignited an overwhelming movement for peace. The festival was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Negeri Sembilan state government.

The festival drew over 10,000 spectators, with over 45% being friends of SGM, demonstrating the broad resonance of Soka Gakkai’s peace philosophy across society. Nearly 900 young performers poured their hearts into the show, supported by over 850 event staff, embodying a spirit of selfless dedication and solidarity.

The performance on the 20th was opened by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, representing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Other distinguished guests included the Malaysian Nationhood Academy director-general Dato’ Dr Haji Roslan Hussin; Negeri Sembilan exco members YB Nicole Tan Lee Koon and YB Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli; and Klang Royal City Council mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain, among others.

Themed “OMBAK – Be the Wave of Peace,” the festival was based on the concept that “a single drop of water creates a ripple, which then grows into a wave.” Through artistic creativity, the youth illustrated how individual growth can converge into a powerful force for social change. The programme was rich and diverse: after a thunderous opening by the 24 festive drums, the audience was treated to high-energy group dances, elegant traditional performances, stirring Chinese orchestral music, joyful dances by the junior division, and dynamic routines by the youth division.

Two SGM youths – Dr Siow Yoon Kee, a cardiologist, and Audrey Chew, founder of a local creative brand – took the stage to share sincere stories of their personal journeys in overcoming inner struggles, deeply moving the audience. 

The cultural performances continued to heighten the atmosphere: a harmonious choir transformed the stadium into a massive sing-along, while the spirited fife-and-drum corps and colour guards showcased the results of relentless practice with precise flag tosses. The grand finale featured the gymnastic team, whose breathtaking formations and stunts left the crowd in awe, drawing thunderous applause and cheers. The finale combined all performers for a vibrant rendition of the theme song, “I Am the Wave,” inspiring everyone in the stadium to believe in their power to be a part of the wave of peace.

Guest Impressions

Malaysian Nationhood Academy director general Dato’ Dr Roslan Hussin praised SGM as an outstanding organisation in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, injecting core values into nation-building. He noted the high artistic standard and the breathtaking spirit of cooperation, expressing his hope that Soka youth will continue to engage with the community, transcend ethnic boundaries, and resonate with even more young people.

Malaysia’s national treasure and renowned dancer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim was deeply moved by the profound meaning conveyed in the “Ombak” (Wave) script. He commended SGM for uniting youth through culture and transforming their surging energy into a force for peace. He emphasised that culture possesses the power to create instant consensus and that life should be cherished rather than sacrificed for conflict – the very key to the harmony society needs.

National Department For Culture And Arts (Negeri Sembilan) deputy director Zuhairi Ibrahim remarked that in an era dominated by electronic gadgets, it is a significant challenge to unite teenagers to produce such a high-quality performance. He particularly praised the exquisite formations and impact of the gymnastics display, noting that the children’s innocent expressions and eagerness to learn breathed vibrant life into the stage.

Negeri Sembilan Exco members YB Nicole Tan Lee Koon lauded the performance as world-class and was particularly impressed by Dr Siow’s moving story. She highly commended SGM for providing an equal stage for youth to flourish, emphasising that with diligence and collaboration, even those without a background in the arts can shine. She also extended an invitation for SGM to perform at the newly completed performing arts hall in Negeri Sembilan.

Klang Royal City Council mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain was deeply moved by his first visit to an SGM event. He spoke highly of the choreographers’ skill and the team’s chemistry, stating he was most impressed by the fife-and-drum corps’ performance. He noted that “Ombak” symbolises the ups and downs of life, and only by supporting one another and walking side-by-side can we achieve true social peace and coexistence.

Klang Royal City Council member Roy Subramaniam described the performance as
“Disney-like” in its brilliance, leaving him full of hope for Malaysia’s future. He stated that youth are not just a drop in the ocean, but the giant waves driving social change. He also highly acknowledged SGM’s profound contribution to guiding youth and nurturing strong values.

Port Dickson Chong Hua Middle School board of directors chairperson Tok Hong Soon praised SGM for its long-standing contributions to society, noting that the support of families and the organisation behind the youths’ struggles was truly moving. He pointed out that Mr Ikeda’s philosophy of human revolution is exactly what the modern world needs and expressed hope that it could be promoted in schools to help students build a correct outlook on life.

Theatre studies scholar Dr Sim Kok Meng reflected that the stage built by Soka Gakkai is extremely meaningful. Rather than technical perfection, he valued the innocence, simplicity and lack of pretension shown by the children. He felt it was vital in modern society for children to put down their phones and engage in precious person-to-person interaction. He even remarked that if he could return to his younger days, he would want to join Soka Gakkai himself.

Individual Growth is the Team’s Victory

Men’s division member Chuan Yong Seng served in the logistics team. During the preparation period, he faced significant life trials – his wife was hospitalised multiple times due to illness, and the department where he had worked for 18 years was made redundant. However, he refused to retreat, holding fast to the conviction that “the more difficult the situation, the less one should back down.” Inspired by the sight of the youth striving so hard, he used chanting daimoku as his driving force to move forward under immense pressure. He gained a profound realisation: whether in a valley or at a peak, as long as one maintains faith, life is a constant opportunity for growth.

Un Yen Chee, a young women’s division member and leader of the dance group, faced challenges early on including academic pressure and with group members burning out and leaving. Guided by the belief of “leaving no one behind,” she successfully united the group through constant communication. Her most unforgettable moment was the moving atmosphere during the first joint rehearsal, which also deeply encouraged new friends who had recently joined. She realised that all difficulties are merely the friction required for growth, and that only through chanting and the support of fellow members could they break through the many obstacles together.

Choir group leader Teoh Tiong Sheng witnessed the team’s magnificent journey as it expanded from five members to 150. Initially, he carried multiple responsibilities alone and was physically and mentally exhausted. However, he always looked to President Ikeda as his model, insisting on leading by example and never missing a single practice. Gradually, this inspired the small group leaders to take initiative and stand on their own. He firmly believes that while an individual may be as small as a “drop of water,” persistent effort can eventually gather into a “wave” that transforms society – touching lives with life and achieving a true practice of peace.

Reported by Chee Yee Von, Loo Yin Hui, Ng Siew Hoon, Tien Wye Longg and Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Beh Huai Jian, Cheng Yeeu Chuan, Chew Ying Chong, Ng Teck Lih, Roger Fong Choon Choi, Samuel Teh, Tan Chia Hong, Tan Yoke Kwee and Xavier Pang