On April 22, members of SGM Kuala Lumpur Region 3 held the “Seeds of Hope” environmental exhibition at the Spectrum Shopping Mall in Ampang, Selangor. The exhibition, a collaboration between SGI and Earth Charter International, stresses our interconnectedness with the rest of the community of life and the need to broaden our sphere of compassion and concern. It encourages viewers to overcome feelings of powerlessness and highlights the fact that a single individual can initiate positive change.

Present at the opening of the exhibition were Fong Teck Keong, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council councillor; Grace Lan, the manager of the mall, and Chai Kai Kong, associations relations coordinator for the China Press; patrons of the malls and SGM members.

Mr Fong noted that he has been aware of SGM’s efforts in society and saw the 1998 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony human graphics performance put up by SGM. He lauded SGM’s efforts in raising awareness on important issues related to peace and societal well-being.

Ms Lan said that this first encounter with SGM was eye-opening and impressive, and she was inspired by the contents of the panels. She praised SGM’s activities and contributions to society and expressed hopes of working again with SGM. Other visitors also praised the contents of the exhibition, in particular its focus on what one person can do to spark change in the community.

Over 370 people visited the exhibition on that day. Visitors left comments on a tree made out of recycled material by SGM Youth Division members, expressing their determination to safeguard the environment and be an agent of change. One young boy wrote: “I learnt not to waste money and throw rubbish everywhere. This is my starting point as a human being.”