On 15 December 2024, a forum on peace and harmonious coexistence was held at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre (ACEC) in Johor Bahru, complementing the Lotus Sutra Exhibition and attracting over 300 participants both on-site and online.

The forum featured insightful talks from four distinguished speakers: Centre for Civilisational Dialogue of Universiti Malaya director Prof Dr Khadijah Mohd Khambali @ Hambali, senior lecturer of Universiti Malaya Dr Alwani Ghazal, Malaysian Organisation for Hindu Knowledge, Science, Heritage and Art (MOHKSHA) head of interfaith Thurai Chantheran and Soka International School Malaysia (SISM) principal Dr Wendy Yee.

Prof Dr Khadijah introduced the Islamic principle of Wasatiyyah, emphasising balance, moderation, justice and fairness as essential pillars for promoting peaceful coexistence. She underscored the importance of approaching interfaith dialogue with humility, respect and an open mind.

Dr Alwani Ghazali, who joined the forum online, expanded on Wasatiyyah by discussing the need for balance between three key human faculties: reason, desire and soul. Striving for equilibrium among the faculties, she explained, cultivates virtues such as wisdom and courage, which are fundamental to harmonious living.

Thurai Chantheran shared insights from Hindu philosophy, explaining that God is one, though perceived differently by the wise. He also emphasised the significance of Malaysia’s Rukun Negara (National Tenets) as a guiding principle for peace and harmony in this multicultural nation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wendy Yee highlighted the dedication of SISM students to embodying the school’s founding principles, quoting SISM founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s reflections on the transformative power of individual action and the role of genuine learning in fostering societal change.

Moderated by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Christopher Boey, a professor at IMU and honorary professor at Universiti Malaya, the forum offered the audience a valuable opportunity to explore the importance of fostering a peaceful society from diverse perspectives.