‘Seeds of Hope: Visions of Sustainability, Steps toward Change’ exhibition features the Earth Charter as part of the message it convenes. This exhibition was held from 9 April till 1 May, 2011 at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) in Kuala Lumpur, as one of the main activities for SGM’s Month of Sustainable Development in April 2011. More than 3,400 visitors, including many school children, toured the exhibition which was opened to public from 11.00am – 6.00pm daily for 23 days. There were 3 languages exhibition panels on displayed – namely Bahasa Malaysia (national language), English and Chinese for the convenient of visitors from different races. Many SGM volunteers were involved on duty, including exhibition guides and working committee, as well as student division and future division who have creatively organized many interactive games to enhance the exhibition.
The opening ceremony of ‘Seeds of Hope Exhibition’ on 10 April 2011 was attended by many guests and SGM members. SGM Youth Renaissance Choir performed 2 songs – ‘Hijau’ (Malay) and ‘????????????’ (Japanese) during the opening ceremony in which the lyrics carries the message of love to the Earth. SGM General-Director Mr Choo Kong Fei delivered his welcoming remarks and Celine Lee, a 13 year-old young girl from SGM Future Division presented a special message and poem to convey the children’s hope for the future world.
The guest of honour – YB Senator Tuan Gan Ping Sieu, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, then delivered his speech and declared the opening of the exhibition. YB Gan was impressed and expressed his appreciation to the SGM youth’s performance and voluntary effort in the event. He agreed with the ideal and effort of SGM in peace and sustainable development. Mr Choo presented a set of books as souvenir to YB Gan as token of appreciation.
Other invited guests including the Ambassador of Romania to Malaysia – Mr and Mrs Petru Petra; Prof. Tai Shzee Yew, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Universiti Putra Malaysia; Artists Dr. Cheah Thien Soong and Richard Wong; and many members from SGM.
The exhibition was widely reported in major newspapers. The effort by SGM has impressed the invited guests and visitors:
“Educational and I’m inspired by the collection of thoughts of noble people throughout the world. It reinforces my humble belief that all human beings on this earth are trustees of our Earth. ”
– YB Senator Tuan Gan Ping Sieu, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports
“Great works! Start with the young and hopefully they can influence their parents and neighbours. Congratulations!”
– Prof. Tai Shzee Yew, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Universiti Putra Malaysia
The “Seeds of Hope” exhibition and its related activities are part of the sustainable development education by Soka Gakkai Malaysia in building a culture of peace in Malaysian society. The exhibition will continue to tour and displays at various locations throughout the nation, including educational institutions like schools, colleges, universities as well as community centres.
Held under the backdrop of the Earth Charter’s “Seeds of Hope” Exhibition and hosted by the Youth Division from the Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a Youth Forum was held on 24th April 2011, initiated by Andreanna Ten who attended the Earth Charter+10 Conference at Ahmedebad, India last year.
Inspired by the theme of the Earth Charter’s Exhibition: “It Starts With One”, The Youth Forum discussed how the youth can exert a meaningful influence on the current environmental issues faced by society, the Earth Charter’s inclusive ethical framework, its shared values and how it can contribute to the Rio+20 Earth Summit next year.