Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - More than 130 participants enjoyed a day of immersion in the peacebuilding principles of UPF at a national leadership seminar on the theme of Building a Nation of Peacemakers, held March 28, 2014 at the Peace Embassy in Petaling Jaya.
Setting the mood with vibrations of peace were six leaders who recited invocations drawn from Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
Video clips about UPF International and UPF-Asia gave participants much background information and current updates, with UPF Asia Regional Vice-Chairman Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul and UPF Malaysia President Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan highlighting the focus on family life in their addresses.
Then, much suspense and excitement filled the hall when UPF-Asia Regional Chairman Dr. Chung Sik Yong and the National Director of the Family Federation for World Peace-Malaysia Rev. Yutaka Yamada recounted their personal experiences being matched to a wife from a former enemy nation. They spoke of their personal journeys in placing friendship and service above national pride and past bitterness.
Riding on the crowd’s enthusiasm for more, UPF-Asia Secretary General Mrs. Ursula McLackland then served the main course in sessions on “Vision of Peace: One Family Under God," "Root Cause of Conflict” and “Principles of Restoration and Rebuilding Ideal Families.”
The seminar concluded with two notable participants receiving the Ambassador for Peace certificates: Ricardo Zaragoza Limson, President, Filipino Association Malaysia; and Daozhang Tong, Taoist Association of Malaysia.