National Wesak Conference 2026
The National Wesak Conference 2026 aims to elevate the annual Wesak Celebration from a purely religious observance to a national intellectual and spiritual conversation. By coming together on 23 May 2026 (Saturday) from 8am to 5pm, this Conference seeks to explore the profound synergy between timeless Buddhist teachings and the MADANI framework - Malaysia's national policy vision emphasizing Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Trust and Compassion.
12nd Floor: Registration Optional
Registration
2nd Floor Ballroom Area
"Scan QR code to confirm your attendance at registration area."
2Parallel Sessions 1 & 2Optional
The Inner Peace That Fuels Outer Stability
2nd Floor Ballroom/Glass Space/Space 5/Space 6
"Opening message from the Emcee Recital of Tisarana & Ikrar Pancasila (Taking Refuge and 5 Precepts) led by Most Venerable Datuk Dr. K. Sri Dhammaratana Maha Thera Session 1 (Parallel Session – 2nd Flr Ballroom/Glass Space/Space 5/Space 6) Title: 'The Inner Peace That Fuels Outer Stability' Synopsis: Drawing from the Buddhist saying, 'If there is no peace inside, then there is no peace outside', this session explores how personal spiritual practice (meditation/morality) contributes to national resilience. Malaysia MADANI emphasizes that true national resilience must be rooted in balanced progress— spiritual, intellectual, and material. This vision resonates with the Buddhist principle that inner peace is the foundation of outer stability. In particular, this session will focus on the Pillar of Trust within the Malaysia MADANI concept. Panelists: Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, Rector of International Islamic University of Malaysia Speaker from Buddhist Theravada tradition - Most Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Maha Thera (Religious Advisor of MBCC & TBCM) Speaker from Buddhist Mahayana tradition – Chief Abbess Ven. Jue Cheng (Religious Advisor of MBCC & Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Malaysia) Speaker from Buddhist Vajrayana tradition – H.E. Siling Thongkor Rinpoche (Sera Mey Monastery) Moderator: Ven. Dhammapala (Brahma Vihara Monastery) Facilitator: Mr. Pek Chee Hen (Executive Secretary of MBCC) Duration: 90 minutes"
The Architecture of Respect
Ground Floor, The Platform
"Session 2 (Parallel Session – Grd Flr The Platform) The Architecture of Respect: Inter-faith Synergy for a MADANI Nation. Synopsis: The Inter-faith Bridge panel connects the Ministry of National Unity with leaders from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and other major faiths to explore how Buddhist principles of Compassion and Innovation intersect with universal religious values. By moving beyond theological differences, the session demonstrates that these ideals are not exclusive but are vital contributors to the MADANI Pillar of Respect. This dialogue aims to forge a shared ethical framework, leveraging collective spiritual wisdom to strengthen social harmony and the broader Malaysian identity. Panelists 1. Islam : YBrs Fahmi Samsudin, President ABIM, Ahli Harmoni 2025-2026 2. Hindu : Pn Gowri P Thangaya, AJK of MHS Wilayah Persekutuan and Former Secretary General of MCCBCHST 3. Christian: Rev Fr. Xavier Andrew, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur 4. Sikh: Prof Dr Charanjit Kaur, UTAR cum Ahli Majlis Penasihat Perpaduan Negara 5. Tao: Dr Yam Kah Kean (UM) Ahli Harmoni 2025-2026 6. Buddhist: Dato’ Ir Ang Choo Hong, Think-Tank National Wesak Celebration 2026 Moderator: Ms. Loh Pai Ling Facilitator: Duration: 90 minutes"
32nd Floor Ballroom: Opening Ceremony & Keynote AddressesOptional
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Addresses
2nd Ballroom
"11.00am Arrival of Guest of Honour, Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 11.15 am to 12.00 noon: Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address Location - 2nd Flr Ballroom/Glass Space/Space 5/Space 6 Ceremonial Proceedings The session will commence with a series of formal observances to set a dignified tone for the conference: • Negaraku: The National Anthem of Malaysia. • Welcoming Address: Delivered by Ms. Lillian Chang, President of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC). Introductory Speech Title: Building Malaysia MADANI: Civil Society and Government in Partnership Speaker: YB Tuan Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport & Co-Organising Chairperson of the Conference Context: As the most senior Chinese leader in the Cabinet, YB Tuan Anthony Loke may reflect on how Dharma values — compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct — can inspire governance and complement the Malaysia MADANI vision, bridging infrastructure with spirituality. The conference highlights the Buddhist community’s enduring role in education, welfare, disaster relief, and interfaith engagement. Civil society and government are seen as partners, with policies shaped by lived experience. MADANI’s principles of sustainability, care, respect, trust, and innovation resonate with Buddhist practices, making this dialogue a vital step toward collaborative, morally grounded national progress. Keynote Address Title: A Shared Future: Malaysia as a Model Civilisational State Speaker: YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia Context: As architect of the Malaysia MADANI framework, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscores the Buddhist community’s vital role in education, welfare, and interfaith harmony. He presents MADANI as a moral aspiration rooted in honesty, care, sustainability, and trust, urging that unity be practiced in daily life. Addressing integrity as a critical cultural challenge, he aligns governmental governance with ethical foundations like "Right Livelihood." Ultimately, he emphasizes that building a diverse, resilient, and morally grounded nation requires a collaborative partnership between the government and civil society. Commemorative Photo Session Participants: YAB Prime Minister, VIP Guests, and all Conference Participants."
4Mid-Day BreakOptional
Lunch break
At your sitting location/VIP area
"Lunch for Sangha Members Dedicated lunch will be served for Sangha members. Lunch Break for VVIPs, VIPs, and All Participants A lunch break will be provided for VVIPs, VIPs, and all other participants. Exhibition Booths Visit After lunch, participants are encouraged to visit and explore the exhibition booths."
5The Platform: Cultural GalaOptional
Wesak Cultural Gala
Grd Flr The Platform
"Wesak Cultural Gala (Location: Grd Flr The Platform) A vibrant showcase of cultural performances, featuring: o 菩提工作访 (5 pax, 20 mins) o Himalaya Dance (6 pax, 20 mins) o 生命中的朋友 (7 pax, 20 mins) o UM Dance Club (4 pax, 5 mins) o K-Pop (Kids, 7 pax, 5 mins) o Pop Dance (5 pax, 5 mins) o Shaolin Kungfu (10 mins, TBC) o Children Ballet Performance (multicultural, 5 mins) Duration: 90 minutes"
62nd Floor Ballroom: Parallel Sessions 4/5/6Optional
Compassion in Action
2nd Floor Ballroom
"Session 3 (Parallel Session – 2nd Flr Ballroom) Compassion in Action: From Slogan to Service. Synopsis: A discussion on the 'Ihsan' (Compassion) pillar. Featuring case studies from Buddhist-based NGOs and welfare bodies (hospitals, orphages) demonstrating how compassion translate into tangible service for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion. The Pillar of Ihsan (Compassion) in Malaysia MADANI finds a natural complement in the lived practices of Buddhist-based NGOs and welfare bodies. Key Message Ven. Ming Ji (Chairman, MBA KL/Selangor) Panelists Dato Dr Goh Pik Pin (Losang Dragpa Buddhist Society) Ms Ho Wan Chin (Tzu Chi) Ms Chu Kieu Ching (Dharma House Society/KYCO) Moderator: Dr. Y.K. Chin (Tzu Chi) Facilitator: Mr. Lee Peng Sian (Tzu Chi) Duration: 90 minutes"
Sustainable Prosperity with Integrity
2nd Floor Glass Space
"Session 4 (Parallel Session – 2nd Floor Glass Space) Sustainable Prosperity with Integrity: 'The MADANI Economy through a Buddhist Lens' Synopsis: Analyzing Malaysia’s national shift towards the MADANI Economy framework, we can see how the Buddhist principle of Right Livelihood provides a moral compass to combat corruption and uphold social justice. By emphasizing ethical conduct in work and enterprise, Right Livelihood ensures that economic growth is pursued with fairness, compassion, and concern for society’s well-being. This perspective directly supports the MADANI Pillar of Sustainability and Prosperity, highlighting that true progress must be both sustainable and morally grounded. Panelists Datuk Dr Ching Too a/l Kim Mr. Gerard Yong Mr. Lee Peng Sian Mr. K V. Soon Mr. Akata Yang Mr. Scott Wong Soo Soon Moderator: Dato' Leong Kin Mun (Uni-Link Smart Venture Sdn Bhd) Facilitator: Dr Eddie Hu Duration: 90 minutes"
Innovating with Buddhist Principles
2nd Floor - Space 5/6
"Session 5 (Parallel Session – 2nd Floor Space 5/Space 6) Innovating with Buddhist Principles: Developing Mindful Technology Synopsis: The MADANI Pillar of Innovation calls for progress that is both ethical and transformative. In this session, Buddhist principles—Ahimsa (non-harm), Sati (mindful awareness), and Anukampa (trembling with compassion)—are applied to the challenges of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics. Recent developments in AI for surveillance and weaponry highlight the urgency of embedding moral responsibility into innovation. Through the lens of Buddhist ethics, participants will explore four areas: Governance, Financial Sustainability, Technology, and Industry Applications By aligning innovation with Buddhist values, this thread demonstrates how mindful technology can reduce suffering, enhance dignity, and ensure that progress serves humanity with integrity. It affirms that true innovation, in the spirit of MADANI, must be guided by compassion and responsibility. Panelists 1. Dr. Janaka Low, Principal of ViTrox College 2. Dato’ Dr. Bugs Tan, Innovation Strategist • Science & Technology Advisor • Board & Industry Consultant 3. Dr. Lee Hoi Leong, Senior Lecturer Universiti Malaysia Perlis Moderator: Mr. Lim Kooi Fong, founder of NORBU, Buddhist AI chatbot Facilitator: Mr. Wong Tin Song, Honorary Secretary, MBCC Duration: 90 minutes"
72nd Floor Ballroom: Closing CeremonyOptional
Closing Ceremony
2nd Floor Ballroom
"Closing Reflections Speaker: TBA This keynote session gathers closing reflections, synthesizing insights from earlier panels. It serves as a respectful feedback platform to the Co-Organising Chairperson of the Conference, the Minister of National Unity of Malaysia. The session will underscore how Buddhist values can enrich the Malaysia MADANI vision, offering pathways to greater unity, resilience, and social justice, while reinforcing the role of dialogue in shaping a harmonious and inclusive society. Closing Keynote Address "Unity as the Foundations of Civilisation" Speaker: Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of National Unity, Co- Organising Chairperson of Conference Context: The Minister chairing the closing session will synthesize the day’s dialogues into a national focus. He will frame National Unity not as a passive state, but as a deliberate construction requiring both the legal blueprint of the Federal Constitution and the moral compass of Buddhist ethics. Linking the government's constitutional role in maintaining harmony with the spiritual foundations provided by Buddhism. This aligns with the Ministry's 2026 theme of 'Together Building the Nation' and the management of unity through frameworks like PRISMA."