Perak, Malaysia—UPF-Malaysia organized a program for the Multicultural Youth Service (MCYS) of Malaysia from October 19 through October 23, with the support of local government, community and university leaders and young people. The main objective of MCYS is to raise up young leaders to serve others for the well-being of the global human community. It intends to provide an environment wherein young people can rise above doctrinal differences, unite in activities of service and learning, and develop leadership abilities that enable them to help create a culture of peace.

MCYS 2018 gathered 52 youths from Malaysia, Japan and Philippines to conduct a five-day service project in a primary school in the village of Sungai Durian, Tanjung Tualang, Perak. Institutions represented included Tunku Abdul Rahman University, the AK Academy, Malaysia Hindu Sangam, International Peace College-Philippines, and CARP-Japan.

With the theme of “Connecting All Hearts as One,” MCYS successfully united participants from different backgrounds to beautify the environment of the primary school with mural paintings, completed together with the primary school children. All the participants worked very hard under the hot sun to paint the murals, but they truly enjoyed the moments of living for the sake of others. They were very thankful to be given this opportunity. The board of directors and the headmistress of the school also gave full support to MCYS by providing all the equipment and facilities for the participants.

MCYS also provided character education and team-building games for the participants. Through the team building games, participants learned how to communicate effectively and cooperate with team members to achieve their goals. In the character education portion, participants learned about the importance of living for the sake of others and being a leader who can bring peace.

During the closing ceremony, participants presented many wonderful offerings, including traditional dances, songs and music performances. Local community leaders also attended the closing ceremony and were touched and inspired by the spirit of the youths; they welcomed the possibility that UPF would initiate future service projects in the village. Through the MCYS, all participants could realize that love, unity and trust can together build a world with lasting peace, harmony and co-prosperity.