The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia was honoured to serve as a co-organiser of the Ajar-Ajar Malaysia Education Charity Dinner, held on 26 July 2025 at Sungai Way Primary School, Petaling Jaya. The event aimed to raise funds to support educational programmes for underprivileged children and was attended by over 800 guests, including dignitaries, sponsors, and community leaders.

The evening began with an official gong-hitting ceremony officiated by YB Lau Weng San, Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly. He was joined by Senator Mohd Hatta Md. Ramli. Also present were Organising Chairman Mr. Lai Peng Keong, Asst. Prof. Sudesh Balasubramaniam, President of UPF Malaysia; Mdm. Lina Cheng, President of WFWP Malaysia; Mr. Ding Eow Chai, Chairman of JPKK Kampung Baru Seri Setia; and key sponsors Ms. Shany Lim from LBS Foundation and Mdm. Tan Kok Suan from NMDS Engineering Services.

In his opening remarks, YB Lau commended Ajar-Ajar Malaysia’s decade-long dedication to education and empowerment, emphasising the importance of collective effort in ensuring access to education for all.

Mr. Lai Peng Keong, who also serves as Secretary General of UPF Malaysia, expressed gratitude to the organisation’s team, local authorities, volunteers, and sponsors for their continued support.

The evening also marked the 10th anniversary of both Ajar-Ajar Malaysia and the LBS Foundation, celebrated with a joint cake-cutting ceremony. Guests enjoyed a traditional Chinese course dinner and an exciting lineup of performances, including lion dance, LED Diabolo, cultural dances, and song performances.

Throughout the evening, a donation drive helped raise additional support for Ajar-Ajar’s education efforts. Twenty-four dedicated staff and volunteers were honoured with Long Service Awards, recognising their selfless service and commitment, while two distinguished guests were appointed as Goodwill Ambassadors.

UPF Malaysia is proud to have contributed to this meaningful event and remains committed to advancing peace and development through education and service to others. The evening concluded with a cheerful lucky draw, wrapping up a successful night of unity, gratitude, and purpose.

On January 10, 2025, the Multicultural Youth Service organized by the Universal Peace Federation Malaysia, in collaboration with the Special Education Unit of SMK Bukit Tinggi High School, Klang, was a success. The event was also supported by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Malaysia.

A group of 50 participants, including teachers, special needs students, parents, volunteers from local communities, and university students, gathered to clean and paint five classrooms designated for special needs education.

The program began with greetings from the emcee and a prayer recital, both led by special needs students with the guidance of teachers. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Mdm Buvaneswary, Penolong Kanan Pendidikan Khas, a speech from the representative of UPF, Mdm Tan Wan, and opening remarks from Mdm Norlia, the Principal of SMK Bukit Tinggi. The opening ceremony included the exchange of certificates of collaboration between Mdm Lina Cheng, President of WFWP Malaysia, and Mdm Norlia.

The initiative aimed to create a brighter, more welcoming environment for the students while promoting inclusivity and a sense of community. Volunteers worked together to refresh the classrooms, demonstrating teamwork and care for the well-being of others.

This project not only enhanced the physical space but also contributed to building a compassionate society, fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultural backgrounds. Through this collaboration, the students and volunteers strengthened their bonds and shared a commitment to making a positive impact.

The Building Bridges for Peace: Asia Talk Series, held on December 8, 2024, marked another milestone in promoting dialogue and collaboration on peacebuilding. Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia and supported by Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Malaysia, the event gathered 90 participants comprising of distinguished speakers, community and business leaders, youths and peacebuilders at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort in Kuala Lumpur to explore innovative solutions for empowering communities through sustainable development, gender equality, and youth engagement.

The event commenced with a networking session and warm greetings from the emcee, followed by the national anthem. Mr. Anil Pillay, Organizing Co-chair of the Asia Talk Series, delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in addressing pressing global challenges. He also shared insights from his ongoing work documenting the efforts of UPF Malaysia in a book and acknowledged UPF’s Ambassadors for Peace for their tireless work in promoting family values, harmony, and support for the underprivileged.

Assistant Professor Sudesh G. Balasubramaniam, President of UPF Malaysia, then took the stage with an inspiring speech, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He reminded the audience of their shared responsibility in fostering peace.

The highlight of the day was a thought-provoking panel session themed “Building Bridges for Peace: Empowering Communities through Sustainable Development, Gender Equality, and Youth Engagement.” Moderated by the skillful and knowledgeable Bernama TV Host Ms. Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif, the session featured three esteemed speakers:

• YB Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien, Member of Parliament for Julau, shared valuable insights on “Empowering Communities: Fostering Resilient Societies through Local Engagement and Sustainable Development.” He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to enhance agricultural practices and support the empowerment of local handicrafts in rural Sarawak.

• Dato’ Bindi Rajasegaran, Past District Governor of Rotary International District 3300, referenced data from the Global Peace Index, highlighting significant declines in peacefulness across most countries in 2024. She underscored the pivotal role of young leaders in peacebuilding in her presentation on “Empowering Youth as Catalysts for Peace: The Transformative Impact of Youth Leadership.”

• Ms. Khadijatul Azada (KD), Founding President of Women Holistic Leadership (WHOLE) Malaysia, delivered a presentation on “Empowering Women in the Economy: The Foundation for Peace and Sustainable Development.” She highlighted the crucial role of women in economic development and demonstrated the link between economic empowerment and societal resilience.

The panel discussion concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, providing the audience an opportunity to engage with the panelists on practical strategies for sustainable peacebuilding. The event also featured an energetic performance brought about by a group of young volunteers. In addition, Ms. Goh Ping In, Secretary of Ajar-Ajar Malaysia, introduced the NGO’s impactful work. A mock cheque presentation to the charity beneficiary emphasized the event’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives.

Tokens of appreciation were presented to the panelists, moderator, and donors, recognizing their valuable contributions to the event’s success. The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Lai Peng Keong, Secretary General of UPF Malaysia, who reiterated UPF’s dedication to fostering peace through dialogue and action. The audience then enjoyed a tea and networking session, further strengthening bonds among participants.

The Mr, Miss & Mrs Universe of World Peace Beauty Pageant Grand Finals 2024, held on 10 August 2024 at Magica Subang Hall, marked yet another successful collaboration between the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia and Universe Peace Studio. The evening brought together 300 guests and 27 finalists from five countries, all united by a shared vision of promoting peace, cultural appreciation, and humanitarian causes.

The event commenced with a glamorous red carpet reception, where VIPs, sponsors, previous pageant winners, and esteemed judges were warmly welcomed. Organising Chairman Mr. Scotty Hong set the tone for a night filled with celebration and purpose. The President of UPF Malaysia, Assistant Prof. Sudesh G. Balasubramaniam, delivered an inspiring opening speech, emphasizing that the pageant was not just about external beauty but also about character and service, quoting Khalil Gibran: “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”

Several prominent figures graced the event, including Mr. and Mrs. Lai Peng Keong, President of Family Federation for World Peace and Ajar Ajar Malaysia; Prof Dato Jerard Gan, Member of the distinguished Board of Advisors of UPF Malaysia; Prof Dato Christopher Won Wai Hoong and his wife, members of the distinguished Board of Advisors of UPF Malaysia; and Madam Lina Cheng, President of Women’s Federation for World Peace Malaysia.

As contestants made their grand entrance in stunning national costumes, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, celebrating the beauty of diversity—a value central to UPF. The evening featured the crowning of the Mr, Miss & Mrs Universe of World Peace Ambassadors 2024, with rounds like Sports Wear and Best Talent Performance showcasing the contestants’ creativity, confidence, and commitment to peace.

A highlight was the Most Successful Men and Women World Peace Award, honoring achievements across six categories. The event also raised significant funds for four NGO beneficiaries, emphasizing its dedication to peacebuilding. The final Q&A session with the Top 5 finalists allowed them to share their visions for peace, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

In conclusion, the Mr, Miss & Mrs Universe of World Peace 2024 was a triumph, celebrating peace through arts, culture, and humanitarian initiatives. The event not only highlighted the beauty of the participants but also their dedication to making the world a better place.

On 2 July 2024, a 30-member delegation from the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Asia Pacific, led by Hon. Ek Nath, Chairman of UPF and International Association of Parliamentarians for World Peace (IAPP) Asia Pacific, paid a courtesy visit to YB Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia.
The friendship meeting, held at the auditorium of the Parliament of Malaysia also included 10 Members of Parliament and senators from Malaysia.
The Speaker warmly welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the crucial role of international organizations like UPF in promoting peace and cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. Hon. Ek Nath delivered a presentation highlighting the Asia Pacific Union’s initiatives aimed at fostering regional collaboration and peace-building efforts.
An engagement session followed, whereby Asst. Prof. Sudesh G. Balasubramaniam, President of UPF Malaysia, provided insights into UPFM’s peace-building efforts. Representatives from Korea, including Hon. Yi Young Ho, former Member of National Assembly of Republic of Korea and Dr. Kim Seog Jin, Senior Advisor of UPF Korea and Japan’s Mr. Masaichi Hori, also Co-Chair of UPF Asia Pacific, exchanged greetings, highlighting the significance of parliamentary cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and shared prosperity.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Parliament, providing delegates with a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s legislative processes and historical significance.
Overall, the courtesy visit was a testament to UPF’s shared commitment with Malaysian parliamentary representatives towards fostering peace and cooperation in the Asia Pacific region.

UPF Malaysia welcomed Mr Ronnie Sodusta, the President of the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) Asia Pacific at the Peace Embassy on 24th May 2024. Mr Ronnie was on a working visit while also being invited as a panel speaker at the Rotary ASEAN Peacebuilders conference where UPF Malaysia is a Strategic Partner.

With YB Hannah Yeoh as the guest of honour, Mr Ronnie delivered a presentation sharing best practices on peacebuilding titled, “Empowering Youth as Agents of Peace”. “The youth have many creative ideas to address current issues. We’re not here just to listen but want to be heard and be involved in decision-making processes,” explained Mr. Ronnie while highlighting the Peace Designer Project which empowers the youth to participate in solving real-life problems.

UPF Malaysia through the Peacebuilder Network fosters collaboration among those with diverse abilities to nurture dialogue, collaboration, and enquiry on ways to build strong communities around socially relevant principles and practices.

The conference, held in Parkroyal Collection, Kuala Lumpur on 25 May 2024 gathered 200 youths and leaders from various NGOs from 6 countries to discuss critical issues affecting society including mental health, climate change and the role of youths in peacebuilding.

On 2 February 2024, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia organized a solemn and heartfelt Memorial Gathering to honor the life and legacy of the late Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan, a distinguished Ambassador for Peace, former President, and senior board member of UPF Malaysia at her residence at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

The event commenced with a symbolic and touching flower offering, symbolizing respect and remembrance for Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan. Mr. Joachim Ng, the Master of Ceremony, welcomed the attendees and set the tone for the evening, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.

An excerpt from the founder’s autobiography was read, providing insights about leaving behind a legacy of love. A video presentation showcased the remarkable contributions and achievements of Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan, highlighting her dedication to the cause of peace and her impactful role within UPF Malaysia.

Asst. Prof. Sudesh G. Balasubramaniam, President of UPF Malaysia, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude for Tan Sri Devaki’s leadership and emphasizing the enduring impact of her work on promoting peace. Datin Dr. Jayanthi Krishnan, daughter of Tan Sri Dr. Devaki, and a council member of UPF Malaysia expressed her gratitude to the UPF family for organising the memorial event and recalled how her lovely mother brought her into the UPF family. She mentioned that the UPF family had brought a lot of unforgettable memories to her mother.

Tribute messages from Dr. Thomas Walsh, Senior Advisor of UPF International, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Chairman of UPF Asia Pacific, and other international leaders of UPF and UPF Malaysia’s Board of Advisors were played to commemorate the contributions of Tan Sri Dr. Devaki. The evening concluded with a moment of silent reflection, allowing attendees to pay their respects in their own way and remember Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan in their hearts.

As a touching tribute, the nurse of Tan Sri Dr. Devaki, Ms. Myra from the Philippines presented a song, adding a personal touch to the event and underscoring the profound impact Tan Sri Devaki had on those around her.

The Memorial Gathering of Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan served as a tribute to a life dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It united attendees in shared memories and gratitude for the remarkable legacy left behind by this exemplary Ambassador for Peace.

Memorial Video: https://youtu.be/W5ZfueHS_Y0

Condolence Message Videos:

1. https://youtu.be/f5IBJkrfvcE

2. https://youtu.be/aP5cD2WWqRk

70 youths and students gathered at SJK(T) Sungai Manggis, Banting, Selangor on 27 January 2024, a Saturday morning for the community service project themed “Giving Back”. This project was organised by Ajar-Ajar Malaysia to promote volunteerism and public-mindedness among youth and students through community service.

The project was supported by the Parliamentary Service Center of Kuala Langat, ADUN Banting, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia, Women’s Federation for World Peace Malaysia and Pertubuhan Pembangunan Dan Pendidikan Masyarakat Daerah Kuala Langat (PPPMDKL).

Mr. Haridass Ramasamy, Kuala Langat Parliamentary Coordinator and ADUN Banting,YB Papparaidu Veraman represented by Councillor from Kuala Langat Municipal Council, Mr. Tan Wee King were among the special guests who attended this one-day event.

In his opening remarks, Mr Haridass commended the organisers for putting up this meaningful programme as a precious opportunity for the young students to engage in community service in addition to growing their leadership skills.

The participants, consisting of students from the Tamil school and youth volunteers from local universities and colleges, worked in groups guided by school teachers and staff. The youth and students spent the morning beautifying the school premises by planting mulberry saplings, decorating used tyres with paint as well as re-painting the school fence.

In the second part of the programme, participants attended an inspiring sharing session by youth trainer, Ms Goh Ping In. She led the youth in group discussions to identify social issues faced by the local community and propose creative solutions to address these issues. Among the issues discussed were vandalism, cyberbullying, flash floods, and others.

“We wish to work with like-minded organisations and institutions to create more platforms for the young generation to develop good character while discovering their talents and leadership qualities through service for others,” said Mr Lai Peng Keong, Secretary General of Universal Peace Federation.

One of the college students who was an alumni of the school found the social service programme to be very fun and rewarding and would like to encourage his friends to participate in volunteer activities.

In the closing ceremony, Councillor Mr Tan Wee King presented certificates to all participants after sharing words of encouragement to the students. The event concluded with the distribution of food baskets by Dato’ Gopi Nathan Arunachalam, President of PPPMDKL and Ambassador for Peace of UPF, Mdm Lina Cheng, President of WFWP Malaysia and Mr. Joachim Ng, Vice President of UPF Malaysia to 20 disadvantaged families in the area of Banting.

Also present at the event was Mdm Ng Hwee Bee, Organising Chairperson of “Giving Back” Youth Service Project, Mdm Lina Cheng, President of WFWP Malaysia, Mr. Joachim Ng, Vice President of UPF Malaysia and Mr. Muniyandy a/l Rangaswamy, Principal of SJK(T) Sungai Manggis.