On the afternoon of July 17, the 2025 International Buddha’s Light Young Adult Leaders Conference launched a unique “Urban Exploration” cultural experience. For the first time, 600 Fo Guang Youth from around the world gathered at Fo Guang Shan Malaysia and were divided into 26 groups across 13 buses to explore the historic districts and religious landmarks of Johor Bahru. The immersive program allowed participants to experience the richness of Malaysia’s multicultural identity firsthand.

The tour featured visits to a diverse range of locations, including the historic Ancient Temple, a Sikh gurdwara, the Johor State Secretariat, the State Assembly Hall, the exterior of Johor Bahru Prison, the fast food chain Marry Brown, and the iconic Glass Hindu Temple. These stops offered youth a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s religious diversity and cultural complexity through direct experience.

In his concluding remarks, Venerable Huichuan, Executive Director of the BLIA World Headquarters Youth Division, emphasized that this year’s program built upon the core spirit of exploration while incorporating fresh creativity and deeper engagement. Within just two hours, youth edited and produced 13 compelling short films documenting their learning and perspectives to present to the conference audience. “Coexistence and Coprosperity,” he remarked, is not just a concept—it comes to life through the harmony of Malaysia’s religious and cultural landscape. He encouraged the youth to learn the values of respect, inclusivity, virtuous leadership, and mutual growth.

Mr. Hung Chi-sheng, head of the Information Department at the Johor Ancient Temple Committee and longtime coordinator of the temple’s publicity and livestreaming, made time to support the BLIA youth visit. He shared that the temple preserves the legacy and spirit of early Chinese immigrants to Malaysia and serves as a vital cultural foundation passed down through generations. He hoped the visit would help young people appreciate the resilience and wisdom of their ancestors and apply that spirit in their own lives today.

Joanne Chiao of Fo Guang Shan Hong Kong shared a moving moment from the visit to the Sikh temple, where a Sikh elder greeted the youth by saying “Amitabha.” Though not a Buddhist himself, he chose to show respect in a Buddhist manner—something that deeply touched the participants.

Yu-Hsiu Huang of the BLIA Pumen Chapter in Taiwan titled her reflection “A Religious Dialogue with Johor,” noting the enduring incense and vibrant devotion at the Johor Ancient Temple as a powerful symbol of faith convergence. It reminded her of the spiritual continuity upheld at Fo Guang Shan.

Pin-Chieh Lee, a Fo Guang Youth from Nan Hua Temple in South Africa, shared her impressions from the Glass Temple, where Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu symbols coexisted in harmony. The experience left her with a profound appreciation for the Five Harmonies philosophy and the beautiful fusion of faith, culture, and history.

Mei-Feng Chen of BLIA Toronto remarked that even though most of the tours were conducted in Chinese or Malay, she was able to grasp the stories behind each site through body language and the translation efforts of local Malaysian youth.

Although the Urban Exploration lasted only half a day, it left a lasting impression. Through what they saw, heard, and experienced on foot, the youth gained a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s multiculturalism. They discovered the layered textures of history and, through meaningful interaction, forged new connections across cultures and borders.

Posted on: 2025, July 29th