By UPF Malaysia
Several NGOs in Johor joined hands in organising the Malaysia Leadership Seminar with the theme “Providing Vision and Leadership for Nation Building and Sustainable Peace” on 15th October 2022 from 2.00pm to 6.30pm at the Trove Hotel, Johor Bahru.
The organisers included the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Johor Chapter, Johor Consumer Welfare Association (JCWA), Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Malaysia and the Lions Club of Skudai.
Three individuals who are active and influential in their specific areas of expertise and have shown outstanding leadership in contributing to peace and harmony, were presented the Ambassador for Peace (AFP) Award by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) International. The international award is part of a global network of leaders that honours achievement and signifies a new appointment to a mission to serve the common good, in line with the focus areas of UPF.
The awardees for the AFP award are as follows:
- Dr. Ahmad Ariffin Bin Bujang, Chair Professor of Southern University
- Mr. P. Tochenamuriti A/L Punusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Sakti Films Sdn Bhd
- Mr. Soon Boon Keng, Hon. Treasurer of Johor Community Welfare Council
The Award was presented by the guest of honour, the State Assemblyman of Kahang and the Chairman of Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Johor, Honorary Vidyananthan Ramanadhan, UPF Malaysia National President, Asst Prof. Sudesh Balasubramaniam, UPF National Liaison Director, Mr. Lai Peng Keong, Organising Co-Chair of Malaysia Leadership Seminar and State Chairperson of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Johor Chapter, Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanickam and Tuan Haji Meraj@Mohammed A. Jalal, Organising Co-Chair and President of Johor Consumer Welfare Association (JCWA).
“In the recent years, there is an increasing public alarm about the current state of national unity and social harmony… I could see the great potential of the different initiatives introduced by UPF including building strong family institutions and emphasizing humanitarian work by upholding the “spirit living for the sake of others,” said Honorary Vidyananthan Ramanadhan in his congratulatory remarks.
80 participants consisting of leaders from NGOs, businesses, civil society and youth leaders attended the seminar which aims to call for innovative and bold leadership to effectively address the critical social issues of our time and encourage all to participate in building a world of sustainable peace and mutual prosperity.
Apart from leadership, the Malaysia Leadership Seminar also served as a platform to expand the network of leaders with a keen interest to participate in building a world of sustainable peace and mutual prosperity. Besides this, participants are able to explore the principles of peace that enable the global network of peacebuilders to work together on a common ground.
Three experienced speakers shared on topics of Principles for Building Peace, Sustainable Peace to Harmonious Families and the Role of Youth in Shaping National Development.
Four refurbished laptops were presented during the seminar to selected B40 students who wish to pursue a tertiary education. The seminar also doubled as a fundraiser for the “Circle of Light” Humanitarian Aid for underprivileged communities as well as supporting the Rasuah Busters of Johor State in promoting a clean and corruption-free Malaysia.
Participants were really inspired and are looking forward to collaborating with UPF for the next event. We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners, sponsors and volunteers for making this seminar successful.