On 12 October, a total of 2,302 SGM youth division members gathered at nine culture centres across Malaysia to take part in the South Asia-Kansai Youth Online Exchange Meeting. Each Malaysian venue was paired with a general prefecture (an organisational unit within the Soka Gakkai in Japan) for interactive exchange segments. 

The meeting opened with a live broadcast of greetings between participants from both regions, filling the atmosphere with a warm and energetic tone. This was followed by performances by SGM youth division members and the Koto Club of Kansai Soka High School, which added to the excitement of the event.

Stirring Youth Experiences Expressing an Unyielding Vow
During the experience-sharing session, SGM young women’s division member Chew Aud Rey spoke about how she transformed her passion into a career while remaining active in Soka Gakkai activities, even introducing a colleague to the faith. Meanwhile, Zone young men’s division leader Seiki Ono from Toyonaka General Prefecture shared how he transformed from a rebellious youth into someone who chanted 10 million daimoku and achieved the shakubuku of eight households.

A representative from SGM then highlighted that this exchange marks the starting point of a new era of kosen-rufu, encouraging youths to deepen friendships and learn from one another in the spirit of global citizenship. Later, two Kansai representatives expressed that Kansai youth, guided by their mentor’s spirit, are continuing to advance their vow for world peace through dialogue and other action. 

Johor

Penang

Towards the end of the meeting, participants from both regions joined together in singing “Youth with a Noble Vow,” reaffirming their shared commitment to kosen-rufu.

This South Asia-Kansai Youth Online Exchange Meeting was part of an international exchange initiative decided upon during the South Asia–Kansai Youth Executive Conference held in Japan in November 2024. South Asian representatives expressed their hopes to further strengthen the bonds between Kansai and South Asia through continued exchanges, igniting a new wave of kosen-rufu across the region.

Question-and-Answer Session
A highlight of the exchange was the question-and-answer session, featuring a total of four questions – two from each country.

In the SGM Culture Centre afternoon session, Kansai Soka High School student Yusuke Yaman asked about the growth experienced by SISM students through campus life. SISM student Gan Jing Yi responded that living in a dormitory taught her how to communicate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, overcome differences and foster understanding. 

Selangor

Kuala Lumpur

In the Selangor session, Toyonaka General Prefecture student division leader Taniguchi Hideki asked how SGM promotes Soka ideals within a multi-religious society. Young men’s division member Pang Chun Hong shared that SGM builds bridges of trust through various education, culture and peace activities, fostering empathy and understanding through sincere dialogue.

In Pahang, high school division member Lim Wen Yao asked how to balance studies with faith. Kyoto North General Prefecture young men’s division secretary Fukuhata Shinji responded that when one prays with the spirit that “studying is also a mission for kosen-rufu,” wisdom and strength naturally emerge from challenges.

 In Penang, young women’s division member Jovan Tan asked a question about artificial intelligence (AI), wondering why people still need religion in the age of AI. In response, Wakayama General Prefecture young men’s division member Yagyu Reiji said that while AI can provide methods, it cannot offer direction in life; only faith and dialogue between people can bring genuine hope and the strength to move forward.

 In-person Activities
After concluding the online exchange meeting with Kansai youths, each venue continued with offline interactive activities, including playing traditional Japanese games, quizzes on Japan, small-group discussions and sharing of impressions.

Pahang

Perak

At the Sarawak Culture Centre, young men’s division member Ivan Seo shared his experience of overcoming bad habits through faith and how Buddhism awakened in him the profound dignity of life.

Overall, this global exchange not only strengthened the bonds between youths from South Asia and Kansai, but also ignited a renewed sense of mission for kosen-rufu among SGM youths. 

Inspired by the indomitable spirit of the Kansai youths, they renewed their determination to uphold the oneness of mentor and disciple, transform faith into action, and share the light of Buddhism with many more people, resolving to become beacons of peace who will illuminate the future of humanity.

Sarawak

Sabah