Malaysian Boy Wins Peace Poster Contest
By Kristopher Kempski

After two decades of organizing the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, Lions are still doing their part to spread “Peace Around the World,” the theme of the 2007-08 contest. The most recent grand prize winner is Ming Yang Soong of Bidor, Malaysia.

“I felt very sad to see so much fighting and so many people dying in the world,” said Soong. “I hope my drawing will help to promote peace in the world.”

The contest encourages youths ages 11 to 13 in classrooms, Scout dens and organized youth groups in more than 80 countries annually to ponder peace. One of Soong’s classmates explained that the key to peace is celebrating joy and happiness.

Soong insists the answer lies in the willingness of the world community to come together. “Peace to me is living together harmoniously and making the world a happier place to live in,” Soong said.

Soong, who recently turned 14, learned he had won the contest after his father received a phone call from the Bidor Lions Club. A humble Soong could hardly believe his poster was selected from an estimated 350,000 entries.

“When I participated in the Peace Poster Contest, I never imagined that I would win the grand prize and make it all the way here to New York,” Soong said to a receptive crowd of 700 at Lions Day with the United Nations in March. “I still find it hard to accept the fact even now standing in front of everyone.

“I am just glad there are still many peace lovers in the world and I am one of you. I want to be part of a peaceful society.”

Soong and his family weren’t the only ones who were excited by this news. “Our club is very proud,” said Thirunavukkarasu Murugiah, president of the Bidor Lions Club. “We made club, district and Malaysian history. He is the first Malaysian grand prize winner.”

The club’s only disappointment was that one member of their club was no longer around to celebrate this victory. Lion Chan Siak Chee, who organized the contest for the club, passed away shortly after learning Soong was the grand prize winner. President Murugiah insists that the club will continue to sponsor this contest locally.

Having never been to the United States, Soong’s trip to New York City for the award ceremony at LDUN was exhilarating. With the tallest building in his hometown of Bidor measuring a mere five stories tall, driving through the streets of Manhattan and visiting the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty was that much more awe-inspiring. He also visited Times Square, Chinatown, the Museum of Modern Art and other sites. But Soong said his most memorable part of the trip was speaking at the United Nations.

In addition to being a member of his school’s art and badminton clubs, Soong recently joined the Bidor Leo Club. He will participate in the club’s service projects such as visiting a local retirement home. He is interested in designing and advertising and says he will encourage his two younger sisters to participate in future Peace Poster contests.

“Hopefully more children can take part in this,” said Soong’s mother.

Visit the Peace Poster section on www.lionsclubs.org to view all 24 finalists from this year’s contest and to order your kit for the 2008-09 Peace Poster Contest with the theme “Peace Begins With Me.”