Global Peace Festival 2008

"One family under God"-Aju!

This is the phrase which I will remember for the rest of my life. I took part in the Global Peace Festival 2008, which begins on 17th of Oct-19th of Oct. For the past 19 years, I will say that this is one of the events which have really touched my soul deeply.

On the 17th, I went to University Malaya to participate the International University Students Assembly(IUSA). It was a really great opportunity to be able to meet up with student representatives from Thailand,Cambodia,Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, and of course some local public universities students.

There is one Thai girl whom, I think is the best acquaintance I have ever made in this grand event. Her name is Chanintorn Pensute, in short, I will call her Chen. She has completed her undergrads in Political Studies, and now going to continue on her Master programme in London School of Economics(LSE). She is nice and polite, and also knowledgeable as well.(pretty, 4gt to mention. ^^)

Not to forget also, Aom, Proke, Natda, Kao(Thailand),Ken(Germany), Michi(Japan), Jimmy(Hong Kong) and Alvin(Brunei). For sure I will remember u guys forever.

On the 18th, I went to Taman Bukit Angkasa, Kg. Kerinchi to do a voluntary community service project, under the name of "Services for Peace and Unity". This is my very first experience in doing voluntary work, and it made me feel so contented and rewarded. Due to insufficient manpower, I was called up to be the team leader of Group 38(there are 62 groups, each carries around 20-30 members). I have to distribute the t-shirts, then write down my members' name and bring them to our assigned location, Block 15.

I gave instructions and helped in getting the equipments ready for my members. I had to listen to the Tok, which is the Head of Block 15. We had to scrap of the rust, clean the corridors, and paint the poles. Although it was exhausting, I was pretty enjoying it. I brought my members some drinks to quench their thirst when they were working. In fact, I felt touched as each one of us, worked together, regardless of races and religions. Guess this is the main message conveyed by this project.

Towards the end, I met the Co-Chairman of Universal Peace Federation(UPF) and the founder of this Global Peace Festival, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. He completed his undergrads in University of Columbia, and a MBA from Harvard Business School. He then completed his Ph.D in a Korea university. He is an inspiring and aspiring leader, in having the 'biggest dream of all'-to create a family under God.

On the 19th, which is towards the end of this meaningful event, I went to Bkt.Jalil to join the celebration. I personally think that this event is just to raise fund in providing monetary aid for this GPF 2008. It's not as fun as the previous days, mainly because i believe that the people present there today couldnt really understand the key themes and the core values proposed by Dr.Hyun. They are just shouting, waving and enjoying the celebration, due to the fact that there are some celebrities coming over to perform.

I was really heavy-hearted when I had to say good-bye to my international friends. Though it was just a 3-days event, for me, it had given me the chance to know more people and gain the valuable experience of doing voluntary service.

The question is, when the GPF 2008 ends, does the passionate slogan, "One Family Under God" remains as a slogan? How do we promote the culture of service and peace as a student? Guess these are the two main questions we'll have to reflect and think about it.

[See you guys in GPF 2009 Thailand!!]

Appreciated by CAP Director of Malaysia, Mr. Nicholas Lee Chee Kuan, and was posted on the official blog of GPF Malaysia.