From A Culture of Violence to A Culture of Peace: Transforming Human Spirit

Organized by Bioprocess Engineering Student Society (BIOSS), at Sultanah Zanariah Library (PSZ), from 18^th to 22^nd of February 2008, from 9am to 9pm.

The Bioprocess Engineering Student Society (BIOSS) has taken the initiative to organize the peace themed exhibition entitled “From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit” in collaboration with Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), to inculcate a culture of peace among the community of UTM.

This peace exhibition in conjunction of the 50^th anniversary of calling for the abolition of nuclear weapon worldwide in 1957 by the second President of Soka Gakkai International, Mr Josei Toda has been held in various stops around the country. In the past 1 year, the exhibition has toured Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor, Malacca and Johor. In Johor alone, the exhibition has toured City Square, Batu Pahat, Muar, Kempas before coming into UTM. Total number of viewers of the exhibition in Johor before the stop in UTM is more than 38000 people. The exhibition in UTM is targeting another 3000 viewers to break the 40000 benchmark, the highest record of viewers in 1 state in the country.

On 19^th of February 2008, the Dean of Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering (FKKKSA), Prof. Dr Ariffin Samsuri, and the Chairman of Soka Gakkai Malaysia, Johor Branch, Mr Tan Kiang Howe, together with Organizing Committee President, Andy Seet Tjen Onn, have launched the exhibition at the PSZ through a simple ribbon cutting and souvenir exchange ceremony.

Since opening on Monday, the exhibition has drawn around 600 visitors daily, including a large number of international students, many of whom have given positive feedbacks on the exhibition.

2007... What A Wonderful Year It Was

2007... A whole year of real roller-coaster ride... It may well deserved as the most prolific and fruitful year in my life thus far; with many accomplishments which I will always cherish and many fond memories which I will always treasure. It was a year of great successes and triumphs, as well as hurdles and obstacles which became a great learning path. As 2007 gives way to 2008, I believe it will be a suitable time to reflect on the 'whats', 'whens', 'hows', 'wheres' and 'who's' of a great year it was...


"Rome is not built in one day," This expression is especially true in the context of my 2007. Many accomplishments, as reflected, were actually fruit of hard work and determination for the past 22 years. My conviction to live life as fullest as possible has indeed inculcated such a positive working attitude and great self- esteem.

Being able to conduct BENEX despite all the odds reaffirmed me and the people around me that no matters how rigorous the road ahead, you could achieve your aims as long as you don't give up and stay united.

Being able to travel to Taiwan convinced me that nothing was impossible and that as long as you tried hard enough, miracle would happen. "When there's a will, there's a way."

Being selected as an Environmental Envoy by the United Nation made me believe that it was never too late to try and play a part to heal the world.

Being in the Golden Key reaffirmed my belief that wisdom and intellect have to come hand-in hand. "A clever man need not be a wise man; A fool can be a better man"

Being an intern in Malaysian Vaccines enlightened me on the working culture in the real biotechnology industry and further boosted my interest in the field.

Being involved in SGM restored my faith and my commitment to the kosen-rufu development in Malaysia and made me realized my mission again as courageous youth in creating values and integrity.

Being an emcee again after so many years rebuilt my passion for the trade and made me realized my true passion, at the same time, reminded me of the very skill which got me to where I am today.

Being a market interviewer gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and make new friends all along.

Being involved in research works, whether it's for thesis or technical design project, made me understood the fact that I still have a lot to learn from others.

Being able to pass my examinations in flying colors again and obtained that magical number that I have always wanted just simply blew me away... Obtaining 4.0 flat in one of my busiest semesters made me wonder would there be an angel up there who grant me every wish come true.

But most of all, the thing that I treasure most, of all the greats that have happened in the past 12 months, was something very simple and subtle yet very meaningful to me...

A smile, and an exclamation by the people around me, telling me that I have made an impact in their life in some small ways, inspired them to strive harder and become better... The chance to see people around me growing together with me... And a small compliment from the people who are dear to me, saying that I have made them proud...

I have come a long and hard way... But as 2008 opens its curtain, it will be just a new beginning of explorations and discoveries. Hail the new year!!!