Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 15, 2023

On May 9th, Fo Guang Shan Education Center Malaysia signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan to establish a Humanistic Buddhism Research Center (HBRC) through cooperation between the two parties.

The MOA was signed by Venerable You Deng of Fo Guang Shan Education Center Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, the Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University.

The MOA outlines the cooperation areas between Quaid-i-Azam University and Fo Guang Shan Education Center Malaysia, including academic research cooperation, student and scholar exchanges, seminars or forums, translation of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's books, and academic journals.

In addition, this MOA is also an important milestone in the education and research fields of Pakistan and Malaysia. It will contribute to strengthening the connection between the two countries and promoting educational and research cooperation.

Venerable You Deng expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the signing of the MOA. In her speech, she said that the HBRC will serve as a platform for local academic research, activities, and publications, particularly in the field of Humanistic Buddhism, and will lay the foundation for promoting academic and cultural exchanges across communities and faiths. The establishment of the HBRC can deepen our understanding of the doctrine of Humanistic Buddhism and explore its potential for contributing positively to society.

Venerable You Deng pointed out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, emphasized that Humanistic Buddhism focuses on "caring for life, serving the interests of others, compassion, and altruism." Humanistic Buddhism is concerned with the problems in the world, rather than isolating itself from the world. It focuses on benefiting others rather than oneself. These values are consistent with the core principles of the two institutions, and she looks forward to the potential of this collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar spoke about interreligious harmony and mentioned his friendly relationship with institutions in Malaysia, expressing his willingness to participate in joint projects. He also highlighted the contributions of the people of Pakistan to Buddhism and related communities, assuring that Pakistan will make every effort to promote these noble endeavors.