KUCHING, May 26: “Peace is not just about preventing conflict; peace is about promoting connections,” says Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, the state assemblyman for Batu Kitang.
“It’s about choosing empathy over ego…it’s about building bridges instead of walls,” he said in his remarks at the “525 Peace Walk” through the “Steps of Peace” Movement” over the weekend.
Ir Lo highlighted the importance of civic unity and praised the peace walk initiative for fostering a culture of peace attended by more than 200 participants at the Waterfront Amphitheatre here.
The event was hosted by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) movement in collaboration with the International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (I-CATS). Held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace, it brought together youth leaders, students, local politicians, educators, and members of civil society.
Ir Lo also emphasised that peace must begin at the individual level, adding that “it doesn’t begin on international stages, but right here with each of us in the way we treat our neighbours, how we speak to one another, and how we listen with care.”
Loretta Cheremai Kong, a teacher from SK Pudu, in sharing her reflections after the walk, said: “Malaysia is a peaceful country—we don’t encounter war or guns. So, I think this world peace movement is a really good step to spread peace to other parts of the world.
She added: ”One thing we can improve is not to focus on our differences, but to look at what unites us to promote peace. Even though we come from different cultures and beliefs, this shows that we can move forward together toward a better future.”
Professor Ts. Dr. Leo Sing Lim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Community Engagement) of I-CATS, described the event as meaningful as Kuching is known as a city of unity.
“We walk for unity, and we show the community that unity is very important. Events like this raise awareness and remind us that peace and harmony must be continuously nurtured through education and collaboration,” he added.
The participants walked across the iconic Darul Hana Bridge—an apt symbol of unity among Sarawak’s diverse communities amidst a celebratory and reflective atmosphere. There were also cultural performances and interactive peace-building activities to encourage meaningful participation and connection among the attendees.
The Kuching event was part of a worldwide initiative led by HWPL to commemorate the Declaration of World Peace. In 2025, the movement reached 94 locations across 61 countries, drawing participation from over 1,600 public figures and 10,000 global citizens.
Originally proclaimed in Seoul, South Korea, on 25 May 2013 by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, the Declaration of World Peace calls for global cooperation to end war and promote peace. Since then, annual peace walks have been held across continents to raise awareness and inspire action.
At the previous 10th anniversary, Lee Said that after having declared to achieve peace on earth together), he had travelled to many parts of the world over the advocacy of peace.
“I called for peace to be taught at home and in school, and for everyone to become a messenger of peace. We need to be united under the title of peace and work together to create a better world and leave it as a legacy for future generations. This is our mission in the times we live in,” he stressed.
This year’s global commemorations included peace education programmes, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots community initiatives—all aimed at cultivating civic responsibility and mutual understanding. HWPL continues to advocate for sustainable peace through youth and women’s empowerment, international cooperation, and legal instruments such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
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