On 11 January 2026, Soka Gakkai Malaysia convened the 3rd Daisaku Ikeda Memorial Lecture, supported by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB) together with the Brickfields Asia College Education Group. For the first time, the lecture was hosted at Brickfields Asia College, following two earlier editions at ISTAC‑IIUM. The event honoured President Ikeda’s 95 years of life dedicated to peace, culture, and education, drawing 341 participants on-site and approximately 300 viewers via live broadcast.
The lecture featured Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, former International Islamic University Malaysia rector and 14th International Association of Universities president (2012–16), as distinguished guest speaker, who, inspired by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s profound philosophy of human revolution, offered reflections shaped by his own understanding of it.
In his welcoming remarks, the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Network Malaysia and Brunei executive director Faroze Nadar stressed that the private sector plays a vital role in peacebuilding by fostering inclusive growth, reducing inequalities and acting as a responsible force for good in supply chains. He further added that President Ikeda’s legacy offers enduring guidance even in the business world for those who seek to create value not only economically, but socially and spiritually as well.
Later, in his opening speech, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai highlighted President Ikeda’s dialogue efforts with world leaders, his lifelong advocacy for education and peace, and his prolific contributions as a writer, most notably in writing The Human Revolution and The New Human Revolution serialised novels.
 Welcoming Remarks by Mr Faroze Nadar |
 Opening Speech by Mr Koh Sia Feai |
In his keynote address, Tan Sri Dzulkifli stated that the concept of “Human Revolution” remains highly relevant today. While acknowledging that major technological and societal revolutions have brought significant benefits to humanity, he observed that crises and instability persist. Emphasising that humanity must come first, he stated, “We can be different, but we must be equal.” He further highlighted the value of sejahtera, which promotes holistic well-being, and stressed that it should be prioritised across all human-centred systems. Ultimately, he underscored that “Human Revolution”—rooted in the inner transformation of the heart and mind—is the key to meaningful and lasting change.
Concluding the lecture, SGM president Johnny Ng remarked that the Malaysian value of sejahtera supports the concept of human revolution. He believed that to honour President Ikeda is to practise human revolution in our daily lives, grounded in an unwavering respect for human dignity and faith in people’s limitless potential.
During the lecture, Dr Nurul Ain Norman, Assistant Professor at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM), recited a poem specially composed for the event titled, “Where Change Begins,” in tribute to President Ikeda.
Three SGM youth representatives, Lin Tan Yen Tzing, Teoh Chuen Seng and Dr Sherman Koh also shared heartfelt stories of overcoming personal struggles and creating value in society, inspiring audiences to carry out human revolution and become a better self who contributes to the society.
 Poem Recitation by Dr Nurul Ain Norman |
 Sharing Session by SGM Youth Representatives |
Guests’ Impression
Datuk Ramli Ibrahim (Chairman, Sutra Foundation)
I think Daisaku Ikeda is a wonderful philosopher who brings the context of Buddhist teachings back into the contemporary world, emphasising on individuals as the source of change by having a revolution of mind. Today’s topic is about the human revolution, an appeal for each individual to begin changing their view of life, to becoming a more integrated and balanced person in order to be a good global citizen.
Dr. Hajah Norrraini Binti Nordin (Director of Social Development, Selangor Islamic Religious Council)
Before this, I learned about human governance, and today, I am learning about human revolution. I feel very enlightened by Tan Sri’s sharing about the human revolution, the inner change within ourselves and how it relates to integrity of the heart and many other aspects. I hope I can contribute in some way to the betterment of the Islamic community.
Prof. Ts. Log. Is. Dr Othman bin Ibrahim (Director, Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnership, Universiti Malaya-Wales)
My key takeaway from the event is the strong emphasis on the idea of human revolution and its close connection to the concept of human governance. I strongly resonate with Tan Sri’s earlier remarks on human governance, as it is not only highly relevant but also deeply empowering. Human governance places people at the centre, safeguarding their dignity, values, and integrity while shaping ethical decision-making. It serves as a moral compass that guides individuals and institutions towards the right course of action. Ultimately, it underscores how we position ourselves as responsible, principled, and accountable practitioners of good governance, both in leadership and in practice.
Dr Teo Sue Ann (Director, Parliamentary Policy Advocacy, APPGM-SDG)
I think the lecture is very important because it reminds us how quickly we, as human beings, are changing and how fast our environment is changing too. So I think Tan Sri emphasised crucial points about how easy it is to be human, yet connecting that to the changing environment, AI and technology makes it even more complex.
