Programme

Tentative Programme

(Final Programme in details to be released by end of May 2025)

This is the tentative programme for the 19th Sakyadhita Conference 2025, scheduled from 16th June 2025 to 20th June 2025, in Kuching at The Waterfront Hotel.

Explanatory Notes:

Morning Meditation
Each day of the conference will begin with an hour-long meditation session, offering participants an opportunity to centre themselves and cultivate mindfulness before the day’s events.

Meditations of the World
On the first day of the conference, 16 June, an extended meditation session will be led by renowned meditation practitioners. Spanning from 9 am to 2 pm, this session will provide a unique chance to experience diverse meditation practices from around the world.

Papers
The conference will feature presentations of scholarly papers aligned with the conference theme. Each session, lasting either 90 or 150 minutes, will be chaired by a moderator responsible for introducing the speakers and facilitating the discussion. Each presentation will run for 20 minutes, followed by an engaging Q&A session to foster interaction and exchange of ideas.

Workshops
Workshops will serve as a dynamic platform for participants to delve into hands-on learning and collaboration. Held in dedicated rooms conveniently located on the same floor as the main hall, these workshops, lasting 90 or 150 minutes each, encourage presenters to utilise various media, including videos and photos, to creatively communicate and interact with their audience.

Chanting
A serene chanting session will take place before dinner each evening, creating a reflective and harmonious atmosphere. This practice provides an opportunity for collective recitation and spiritual connection.

City Tour at Waterfront
Participants can enjoy a relaxed evening at the vibrant Kuching Waterfront, strolling along the scenic promenade and soaking in the stunning night views. A highlight of the evening is the Darul Hana Musical Fountain show, scheduled at 8:30 pm, offering a mesmerizing display of lights, music, and water choreography.

Dharma Talks
Evening Dharma talks, scheduled after dinner, will feature inspiring sessions led by esteemed Buddhist leaders from around the world. These talks will provide valuable insights and reflections on Buddhist teachings and practices.

Cultural Performance
On the fourth evening of the conference, participants will be treated to a vibrant cultural performance presented by the Kuching Buddhist Society’s Cultural and Dance teams, along with contributions from its Youth and Teen Sections. This event will celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the host community.

2025 Sakyadhita Post-Conference 3-Day Tour

An optional 3-day post-conference tour will take place from 21st June 2025 to 23rd June 2025.

Day 1

(Saturday, 21/06/2025, 8:00 AM)

(Lunch hosted by KBV)

- Pickup from The Waterfront Hotel.
- Visit Kuching Buddhist Village (KBV), a new Buddhist community area managed by the Kuching Buddhist Society. The concept of KBV aims to bring the idea of a pure land to life on earth. The highlight is the newly constructed tallest Buddha statues in Borneo, inspired by the Buddhas of Bamiyan.
- Vegetarian lunch will be hosted at KBV.
- After lunch, visit the old gold mine lake and the historic township of Bau.
- Proceed to Siniawan Old Town Night Market. Dinner will be at your own expense.
- Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 2

(Sunday, 22/06/2025, 8:00 AM)

(Packed lunch provided)

- Pickup from The Waterfront Hotel.
- Visit Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum and the ideal destination to learn about Sarawak’s diverse communities and cultures.
- Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch by the seaside.
- After lunch, proceed with city sightseeing, which includes stops at:
  - - The White Giant Cat Statue
    - Borneo Convention Centre
    - State Mosque
    - Tua Pek Kong Temple (the oldest temple in Kuching)
    - Kuching Post Office
    - Souvenir and craft street
    - Kuching Waterfront
- End the day with a Sarawak River Cruise to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Day 3

(Monday, 23/06/2025, 8:00 AM)

(Lunch hosted by KBS)

- Pickup from The Waterfront Hotel.
- Visit The Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a fully protected area that serves as a habitat for semi-wild orangutans. These highly intelligent creatures share 96.4% of human genes but are sadly on the endangered species list.
- Next, visit Kuching Buddhist Society (KBS).
- After lunch, transfer back to the hotel or the airport. The tour will conclude at approximately 2:00 PM.

Tour Services Include:

- Transfers as per itinerary
- Guide
- Entrance tickets
- Vegetarian lunch
- Drinking water

Registration Fee

Before 31st March 2025 (via online booking):

- USD 120 per person (International participants)
- MYR 490 per person (Local participants)

From 1st April 2025 (via online booking):

- USD 150 per person (International participants)
- MYR 550 per person (Local participants)

Terms and Conditions for 3-Day Tour

Due to limited capacity at certain venues and the total number of participants, the organiser may need to adjust the schedule. As a result, participants may visit locations on different days, and the original schedule may not be followed exactly. However, all planned places of visit will remain unaffected. The organiser reserves the right to make these changes and appreciates your understanding and cooperation.

Liability and Personal Insurance

The Conference Secretariat and Organizers accept no responsibility for any personal injuries, or loss of or damage to participants’ private property, whether occurring during the Conference or indirectly related to it. Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange personal travel and health insurance for the trip.