Kaho Group Ignites “Women’s Peace Fiesta” for an Inclusive Future
During the Second National Kaho PICs Training Course, the Kaho Group hosted the insightful “Women’s Peace Fiesta – Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future Together” on 1 November at the SGM Culture Centre. The event was a dynamic platform featuring interactive booths themed “Living as Learning” and two forums on inclusivity and mental wellbeing.
The fiesta successfully galvanised reflection on inclusivity, mental wellbeing, and social care through a combination of education, dialogue, and hands-on experience, inspiring participants to commit to a sustainable and inclusive future through understanding and action.
“Living as Learning” Booths Transforms Theory into Action
The heart of the fiesta was the “Living as Learning” interactive booths, inspired by the profound exchange between Dewey scholars Jim Garrison and Larry Hickman and SGI President Ikeda in the book, Living as Learning – John Dewey in the 21st Century.
Kaho Group committee leader Dr Angela Ng highlighted the unique approach: Kaho leaders spent two years studying the book and transformed its concepts into 30 creative, interactive and experiential booths. She declared: “The true power of women lies not in applause, but in the ability to transform society through education and action.”
Leaders from every state selected different chapters, culminating in displays across themes like education, humanity and environmental protection embodying “Living as Learning.” Highlights included:
Kelantan and Terengganu: Interpreted the mentor-disciple spirit in their “Education and Legacy” booth.
Kedah: Encouraged everyone to take social responsibility with their exhibit, “You Don’t Have to Be a Superhero to Change the World.”
Penang: Featured 100 handmade dolls in “Happiness – The Heart of Education,” celebrating children’s individuality and diversity.
Negeri Sembilan: Promoted inclusion and global awareness with interactive games and an SDGs checklist in “Be a Global Citizen.”
Kuala Lumpur: Fostered sustainable learning through their “Drop One, Pick One – Book Exchange Station.”
Shared Insights and Deeper Conviction
The curatorial experience itself was transformative. Tay Ching Yun (Kelantan) realised that the essence of education is the transmission of conviction. Kong Lee Ping (Penang) reflected that each handmade doll represented a light of life, underscoring that the joy of education begins with respecting differences.
Ultimately, this was more than an exhibition; it was a social education practice using dialogue as a vital bridge for understanding, proving the immense potential of women to drive meaningful transformation.
Kaho members making final preparations and arrangements for the exhibition area.Kaho members engaging in lively discussions and sharing ideas on how best to present the exhibition.Visitors enthusiastically take part in an interactive session, exploring “A Child’s World” through kaleidoscope cups. Laughter filled the air, reflecting the joy of learning.The exhibition also featured paper art houses displaying finely crafted furniture and President Ikeda’s guidance. Deeply impressed and moved by the warmth and creativity, visitors took numerous photos.Participants holding books and conversing in front of the “Where Our Books Come From” panel, which is inspired by the joy of reading.Narrators engaging cheerfully with visitors, while children listen attentively – a heartwarming scene of intergenerational learning and interaction.
Forum Highlights Neurodiversity and True Inclusivity
On 1 November, during the Second National Kaho PICs Training Course, a forum on inclusivity titled “Building an Inclusive and Caring Society – Cherishing Diverse Abilities and Neurodiversity” was held at the Ikeda Peace Auditorium. The event drew an audience of 360 in-person and 312 online participants.
Diverse Perspectives, Actionable Insights
The forum was moderated by paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ho Sheau Chui and featured four speakers who shared actionable insights on implementing inclusivity from various perspectives: medical, educational, familial and social. The speakers included:
Assoc Prof Dr Subhashini Jayanath (consultant developmental paediatrician, University of Malaya)
Key Takeaways
In opening the forum, Dr Angela Ng set the stage by emphasising: “Inclusivity is not a slogan but a practice. Only through listening and taking action can society ensure equal opportunities and a sense of belonging for everyone.”
Neurodiversity: Dr. Subhashini stressed that society often uses “normal” standards to measure differences, failing to recognise neurodiversity as a natural variation in human thinking, not an illness. She asserted that understanding and acceptance grow when systems and mindsets evolve together.
Parental Journey: Kok Siew Yenn shared her experience with her autistic child, realising that diagnosis is not the end, but the crucial starting point for understanding and support. Ashley Pang, raising a child with Down syndrome, highlighted that the main challenge for caregivers is not the child’s condition, but social prejudice and that accepting a child’s uniqueness allows parents to redefine happiness.
Inclusive Education: Jo Ann Chow advocated for going beyond classroom integration. He introduced the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concept, urging educational systems to create conditions where flexible assessments and diverse teaching approaches allow everyone to succeed.
Dr Ho concluded that true inclusivity is more than just allowing people to “exist”; it is about ensuring everyone has the space to realise their potential. She urged society to make respect and understanding part of everyday culture through awareness and action.
The speakers presented an insightful forum on neurodiversity.Participants listening attentively to the discussion, occasionally smiling when the speakers struck a chord.The speakers posing for a group photo at the end. (From left to right) Jo Ann Chow, Dr Subhashini, Ashley Pang, Kok Siew Yenn, Dr Ho and Dr Angela Ng.
Inner Peace: Kaho Forum on Mental Wellbeing Inspires Compassion
An insightful forum on mental wellbeing, aptly titled “It’s OK Not to Be OK: Opening New Perspectives on Mental Health,” was also held on 1 November at the Ikeda Peace Auditorium. Attracting approximately 570 in-person and 500 online participants, the session featured three distinguished women professionals who explored how awareness and compassion can truly nurture inner peace.
Compassion Starts With Self
The session was moderated by chartered counselling psychologist Wong Siew Lee. The speakers included psychiatrist Dr Ling Shiao Ling, educator and mindfulness engager Ng Teng Yan, and kindergarten principal Chan Foong Kuan. The forum encouraged attendees to build a more compassionate society, starting with self-awareness and empathy.
SGM women’s division leader Chan Yin Kwan reminded everyone that “peace is not a grand ideal but begins within each individual’s heart.” She urged all to embody the Buddhist spirit of respecting life and treat oneself kindly as the crucial first step towards genuine peace.
Key Insights on Healing and Balance
Dr Ling explained that mental health is not about being free from stress, but rather being acutely aware of the body’s “warning signals.” Fatigue, insomnia, or irritability are not signs of weakness, but important reminders to pause and restore balance. Healing, she noted, lies not in escaping difficulty but in adaptation and equilibrium.
Chan Foong Kuan shared her experience of learning to embrace vulnerability whilst facing caregiving and educational pressures. She employed techniques like “emotion naming” and “doll dialogue” with her children, which helped her rediscover empathy and the practice of active listening.
Ng Teng Yan spoke about her transformation from a strict perfectionist to someone who allows herself to make mistakes. She led mindfulness sessions, guiding participants to observe their breathing, release self-criticism and restore inner balance.
Wong Siew Lee concluded that mental health is not about eliminating pain but learning to live with it. The speakers collectively reminded attendees that healing is not about escaping hardship but about reconnecting with oneself and others through awareness, understanding, and action.
The four speakers sharing their perspectives and experiences on mental wellbeing.Ng Teng Yan leading participants in a “mindful stretching” session, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere.The speakers posing for a group photo. (From left to right) Dr Ling, Ng Teng Yan, Chan Foong Kuan, Wong Siew Lee and Chan Yin Kwan.
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