From Bahrain to Brunei: FOWPAL’s Conscience-Based Education Opens
a New Chapter of Sustainable Peace in the Islamic World
Brunei, often hailed as the “Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures” and renowned as a stable and prosperous ji“Abode of Peace,” welcomed a significant peace initiative this August. Led by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), a goodwill delegation of more than 40 members arrived on August 17 for a series of cultural, educational, and peace exchange programs. Marking Brunei as the 120th milestone in FOWPAL’s global journey for peace, Dr. Hong paid visits to government departments of culture, transport, education, and development, presenting symbolic gifts such as the Compass Clock of Conscience and International Day of Conscience bookmarks. These tokens reflect FOWPAL’s vision of conscience-centered holistic education for all to inspire the world. The delegation also promoted global endorsements for the Declaration of International Day of Conscience and the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, urging people everywhere to embrace a conscience-driven culture of love and peace in building a more harmonious future.
During a meeting with Mr. Azri from Minister Office, Ministry of Development, Dr. Hong highlighted the importance of happiness, noting that it brings inner peace and helps everything flow more smoothly. Ms. Puan Haslina, colleague of Mr. Azri, was intrigued and even asked Dr. Hong about his “formula for achieving happiness.” Upon learning that Brunei was the 120th stop in FOWPAL’s global journey, and that Dr. Hong intends to continue until his last day in life to advance the vision of “A World of One Heart, Peace, and Sustainability,” Mr. Azri expressed great admiration for his unwavering dedication. In another meeting with Mr. Pg Hj Ahmad Masudwardi Aidil-Fitri bin Pg Hj Mohd Daud, Acting Head of the International Relations Division at the Ministry of Education, the delegation shared Dr. Hong’s philosophy: “A good culture nurtures good education, while quality education leads to a healthy economy.” The Acting Head strongly endorsed this perspective.
Brunei, once under colonial rule, has since become one of the most affluent and stable nations in Southeast Asia, renowned for its comprehensive social welfare system that supports citizens “from cradle to grave.” This prosperity and stability are regarded by its people as a “blessing from Allah” and stand as a testament to the successful cultivation of a culture of peace. FOWPAL’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, following Dr. Hong’s proposal of “A World of One Heart, Peace, and Sustainability” in Canada. Positioning Brunei as a new starting point for advancing the culture of love, peace, and conscience, the visit carries profound symbolic meaning.
As part of the journey, the delegation paid a special trip to Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s largest and most modern residential palace still in use. Known as the “Palace of the Century,” its Arabic name means “Palace of the Light of Faith,” symbolizing Brunei’s deep commitment to Islam as the state religion. Islamic teachings emphasize peace, tolerance, and harmony, with the principle of equality upheld from royalty to ordinary citizens. For many years, FOWPAL has actively advanced the philosophy of promoting a culture of peace through love and conscience. In 2017, during the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, FOWPAL co-hosted a cultural gala of love and peace with the Kingdom of Bahrain and convened the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace, urging the global community to act with conscience in pursuit of a sustainable future. On July 25, 2019, the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly officially adopted Bahrain’s resolution designating April 5 as the International Day of Conscience, reminding people worldwide to engage in self-reflection, improve their communities, and help transform the world.
Behind this resolution lies a shared value connection between the Islamic world and FOWPAL—conscience, love, and peace—which transcend religious belief and serve as universal principles of action for humanity. FOWPAL’s visit to Brunei, following earlier initiatives in Bahrain and across the Middle East and Central Asia, signifies the continued deepening of conscience-based education within the Islamic cultural sphere and opens new opportunities for advancing peace.
Universiti Teknologi Brunei, one of the nation’s leading institutions for cultivating talent in technology and AI, was also among the sites visited by the delegation, where they marked the occasion with commemorative photos. Lin Wei-Hsing, a delegation member and technology professional, remarked that in today’s rapidly changing era of technological innovation, it is not only important to keep pace with progress but also vital to preserve the innate goodness of one’s conscience. Through its global initiatives and endorsements, FOWPAL integrates conscience-based education to emphasize that only when love and conscience form the foundation can true peace and sustainability be achieved. Local citizens warmly welcomed the delegation. One gentleman shared, “Regardless of religion or nationality, we are all part of the same world—sharing cultures, respecting differences, and striving for harmony and unity to pass on peace and joy.”
