May 5 was designated as “Soka Gakkai Successors Day” by President Ikeda, following May 3 Soka Gakkai Day. This is an expression of his expectations of successors. In Malaysia, SGM commemorates May 5 as SGM High School Division (HSD) as HSD members are our successors.

Kedah

In May and June, HSD members in Kedah, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur held HSD Day commemorative gatherings in their respective states. On May 1, Kedah HSD members and their friends gathered at the SGM Kedah Sg Petani Centre, learning about the spirit of the three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai and the seven guidelines for the HSD. They also sang “This Is My Name” to further cement bonds of friendship.

Also on this day, SGM Sabah HSD members met at the SGM Sabah Culture Centre. Drawing on the growth cycle of the butterfly, they 39 HSD participants learnt that undergoing hardship is essential for growth and helps foster us into capable people. The faith experience shared during the gathering also strengthened their faith in the Gohonzon.

Kuala Lumpur Region 4	Kuala Lumpur Region 1

On June 2, the SGM Kuala Lumpur HSD organised a Friendship Day with the theme “Reconnect” at the SGM Culture Centre with 150 HSD members in attendance.

The day’s journey was divided into three sessions. The first, “Let’s Be Friends” encouraged the participants to make new friends through games and helped formed the groups for the next session. In “Hey Friends, I’m Troubled”, the participants were encouraged to discuss the challenges they faced, especially where communicating with others are concerned. They discussed overcoming their challenges and becoming people whom their friends trust, encouraging each other.

Kuala Lumpur Region 5	Penang

Koay Sher li shared her experience of studying at Soka University, Japan (SUJ), expressing gratitude for friendships she made at SUJ. She urged HSD members to always break new ground and take on challenges to become better, stronger persons.

In the final session, “Friends, How Are You?” they learnt the influence of our words, including its usage on social media and the consequences. In small group discussions, they discussed methods of communication and the importance of listening patiently to their friends’ problems and giving them encouragement. They also learnt the importance of praising people. The joyous gathering ended with songs of hope and joy. 

Sabah	Selangor