Sowing the seeds of hope

Reading pleasure: (From left) Chan, Karthiyani, Kok, Dr Tan and Prof Ng looking at the books presented by Soka Gakkai Malaysia.

IN order to provide a platform to empower students to bring about positive changes to their communities and the world at large, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR University College) recently collaborated with Soka Gakkai Malaysia to organise an exhibition called Seeds of Hope: Visions of Sustainability, Steps towards Change.

The exhibition aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues, encourage reflection on modes of living, and empower people to take concrete action to resolve the issues faced.

It also highlighted real-life examples of human potential to bring about positive changes in the environment they live in.

This exhibition was created in 2002 by Soka Gakkai International for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has since been mounted in 27 countries, in 13 languages, and seen by more than 1.5 million people.

“The exhibition and its related activities are part of the sustainable development education by Soka Gakkai Malaysia that aims to build a culture of peace in our Malaysian society,” explained Soka Gakkai Malaysia president Michael Kok Fook On.

TAR University College president Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, said that the university was “extremely proud to be able to co-organise this meaningful and inspiring exhibition” and also “spread the message of hope and to create the awareness of the power of a single individual in bringing about waves of positive change to the environment, as well as the society.”

During the opening ceremony, Kok also presented 130 copies of books, written by Soka Gakkai International president Dr Daisaku Ikeda, to the TAR University College library in the hope that the books would inspire the students and staff.

Also present at the ceremony were TAR University College vice-president (Administration and Facilities Development) Chan Kum Wing, Centre for Nation Building and Languages head Karthiyani Shanmugam, and vice-president (Academic and Research) Prof Dr Ng Swee Chin.