New Zealand Fo Guang Shan YAD Member Joins Aspiring Leaders Forum – On Faith and Values
The 11th National Aspiring Leader Forum was held in Wellington on 1st July. This year’s event is participated by over 170 youth leaders around the country, including Fo Guang Shan YAD representative Nick Yung. This year’s theme is “On Faith and Values”. The opening ceremony was also attended by many leaders of the political spectrum.
The opening address was made by Peeta Sam Lotu-liga; Minister of Ethnic Communites, where he encourages the youths by expressing: “A good leader will need to learn how to serve others, how to work as a team, and have self-management. Then they will able to find faith and values to live life to the fullest.” Then 36 participants were assigned as team leaders to lead their groups to join the forum’s activities and to get in touch with their fellow youths.
During the event the participating groups were lead to join team exercises, tour the parliament, have group discussions, listen to seminar regarding this year’s theme, gave community services and listen in on a debate in the beehive between parties regarding “Future development of New Zealand”. This allowed the aspiring leaders to understand how top level leadership in New Zealand works. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English also came to support the youths by encouraging the youths to find their respective interests during each task, which will allow them to grow as leaders. He also encouraged the youths not worry about winning or losing, because what is more important is to learn how to take responsibilities and accumulating experiences, which are the true treasures of life.
Nick expressed his gratitude toward the temple for providing him this opportunity to learn. This is has opened his eyes to a wide spectrum of how the country’s governing body works, which is in-line to the motto of “The masses comes first and the self comes second” He also felt that life’s value lies in its quality. Only by stepping out from one’s own bubble can they understand the height and broadness of life. Then one can head toward their goals based on their faith to discover life’s values. This is Nick’s personal aspiration for joining this forum.