Ceremony Celebrating the Start of Construction of Soka International School Malaysia
Architectural drawing of Soka International School Malaysia (SISM)
A ceremony to celebrate the start of the construction of Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), which is scheduled to open in 2023 in the state of Negri Sembilan, was held on January 2, 2022, coinciding with the birthday of the school’s founder, Daisaku Ikeda.
In a message, Mr. Ikeda expressed his appreciation to all those working on the project, beginning with the contractors who must contend with various difficulties imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out their work. Praising Malaysia as a country that celebrates multiculturalism, he affirmed his belief that the new school would bring together students of diverse backgrounds and nationalities from Malaysia and around the world and serve as “a cradle for global citizens to deepen their bonds of friendship.”
He further
stated:
“Education is the power source for realizing happiness and peace in the 21st Century. Education that builds human character is the bridge that connects us to the future and is the very hope of humankind. . . . I am absolutely confident that from this School, we will see the emergence of an unending stream of bright, talented youth who will contribute to the well-being of the people and the welfare of society and the world.”
SISM will be an English-language school integrating junior and senior high school education and offering the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and the Cambridge International A Levels. The school will provide an academically rigorous curriculum centered on humanistic education aimed at fostering global citizens of wisdom, courage and compassion.
At the ceremony, the progress of preparations for the school’s opening was reported and representatives of the design and construction companies made speeches. SISM Chair and CEO Michael Kok Fook On, referring to the philosophy of soka, or value creation, expressed his determination to turn the various difficulties caused by the pandemic into a force for progress and success.
Guest of honor, Soka Gakkai Malaysia General Director Koh
Sia Feai, shared that the promotion of education is what Mr. Ikeda has described
as the culminating undertaking of his life. He thanked those who are involved
in this great undertaking of education, the foundation of world peace.
Commemorative photo at the SISM ceremony (Negeri Sembilan State, Malaysia)
[Adapted from an article in the January 2, 2022, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
