On February 16, "The Lotus Sutra–A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence" exhibition created by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) opened for the first time in Malaysia at Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM)'s Wisma Kebudayaan culture center in Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony was attended by 470 people, including Mr. Ho Khek Hua, Deputy Director-General, Department of National Unity and Integration, Prime Minister's Department and other distinguished guests. SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai spoke, and IOP Director Dr. Yoichi Kawada introduced the work of the IOP. YB Tan Sri Datuk Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, sent a message marking the occasion in which he welcomed the exhibition's message of peace, harmony and coexistence. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the exhibition, Prof. Lokesh Chandra delivered a keynote address titled “Universal Values and the Lotus Sutra.” Following the address, invited guests were taken on a tour of the exhibition. IOP research fellow Dr. Hideyuki Matsumori provided explanations to the exhibits. Following the tour and a lunch reception, Dr. Kawada delivered a lecture titled “Soka Gakkai International and the Lotus Sutra” at the auditorium.