1990s
Further Expansion
The 1990s was yet another period of rapid expansion for SGM. A plan was put in place to establish culture centres in every state in Malaysia. This plan was realised by 2005, with the SGM Pahang Culture Centre being the last of these centres to be built in this phase (only Perlis does not have a culture centre).
1994
1994
In addition, a kindergarten, Tadika Seri Soka was established in 1994 as a first step in promoting Soka education in Malaysia. Since its establishment, over 3,000 students have graduated from its doors and many are now playing important roles in society.
1997
It was also during this decade that SGM stepped up its peacebuilding effort, with the launch of the SGM peace lectures. The inaugural lecture was held on June 22, 1997, with esteemed anti-nuclear weapons activist Dato’ Dr Ronald McCoy delivering a lecture titled “A World Without Nuclear Weapons” at the SGM Culture Centre. Since then, SGM has held many peace lectures covering themes such as education, peace, human rights and culture, with luminous speakers such as Royal Prof Ungku Aziz, Dr Arun Gandhi (the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Dr Lawrence Edward Carter (dean of the Martin Luther King, Jr, International Chapel at Morehouse College, USA) and Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood, founder of MERCY Malaysia and renowned healthcare advocate.
1998
1998
In September 1998, some 5,000 SGM members put up a human graphics performance at the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur. This performance gained widespread acclaim from all who watched, from foreign dignitaries, heads of state and governments, local and international media, Malaysian leaders and members of the public. Then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad especially praised SGM at a televised event held to express the government’s appreciation to the Games volunteers.
On November 6, 1998, SGM received the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM)’s Crystal Award under the “Voluntary Programmes” category. The award was presented in recognition of SGM’s human graphics performance during the opening ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.
