In conjunction with WACANA 2025, the youth continued their discussions at Nalanda Centre, Sri Serdang as part of the Field Engagement Session on Sunday 21 December.  The dialogue brought together a panel of Buddhist youth leaders from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia featuring Bro. Yeo Disheng (founding leader of Nalanda Youth Centre), Bro. Teo Heng Xuan (founder of DAYWA and Handful of Leaves) and Bro. Willing Chen (founding member of the Widyodaya Buddhist Community).

The speakers shared their personal journeys in starting the respective Buddhist youth groups more than 5 years ago including the success stories and the challenges along the way.  Despite the setbacks faced along the way, they were determined and strived on as they have personally benefitted from the Dhamma and see the great importance of more youths practising the Dhamma in daily lives.  It was inspiring to hear stories of how the respective youth groups have helped many youth members in overcoming their life challenges and navigating their lives.

Nalanda Youth Centre founding leader, Bro. Disheng, sharing the Centre’s mission of training Buddhist leaders who bring positive impact to the world.

Bro. Heng Xuan, founder of DAYWA and Handful of Leaves, reflected on their humble beginnings and shared his joy in seeing the growth of the group.

Bro. Willing, founding member of the Widyodaya Buddhist Community, sharing about their programmes on sutta learning and practice.

The speakers also shared specific case studies and examples from their experiences with the audience who are youth leaders and senior leaders from Buddhist organisations, who are building and growing their respective youth groups.  It was a great reminder of the power of leveraging communities and sharing best practices with one another, and it is a journey that we are walking together.

We extend our warmest appreciation to the speakers for their insightful sharing.  May the youths continue to progress in cultivating a spiritually-rooted community.  Sadhu.

An active exchange as participants asked questions and gathered ideas to strengthen their youth groups.

Sis. Nandini, mentor of Nalanda Youth Centre, presenting a token of appreciation to Bro. Heng Xuan.

Sis. Nandini, mentor of Nalanda Youth Centre, presenting a token of appreciation to Bro. Willing.

Sis. Buddhini, President of Nalanda Buddhist Society, encouraged youths to work well with their parent organisations through frequent communication and open discussion.

A group photo marking a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.

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