BYU–Hawaii students lead the way at Malaysian Multi-Faith Summit
While most international conferences often focus on speeches from diplomats and high-ranking ministers, three Brigham Young University–Hawaii students took center stage as active ambassadors for peace in their home country.
Malaysian students Ying Ying Lee, Yna Tamilarason, and Angellie Chen represented the university at the Roundtable Discussion on Multi-Faith Partnership in Praxis for Human Dignity and Flourishing on August 4, held at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Accompanied by Jennifer Kajiyama-Tinkham, adjunct professor and advisor for BYU–Hawaii’s Religious Freedom & Human Dignity Initiative, the students engaged with government authorities, academics, civil society groups, and international religious leaders, aiming to find ways of maintaining social harmony across diverse communities.
The summit featured prominent leaders, including YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Malaysia’s Minister of National Unity, and Elder Kelly Ray Johnson, Asia Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also in attendance was YBhg. Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, director of Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), who highlighted regional efforts to expand interfaith networks across East Malaysia.
Sitting alongside national decision-makers provided a rare opportunity to observe how academic concepts of human rights and freedom of belief are applied within real-world governance, the students said. For them, the experience showed the mission of BYU–Hawaii’s Religious Freedom & Human Dignity Initiative, which seeks to equip rising leaders with the skills needed to build bridges of trust in complex, diverse communities
A Powerful call for dialogue and understanding
A major cornerstone of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Elder Kelly Ray Johnson, who provided a compelling framework for how faith traditions should interact in an increasingly polarized world. Speaking to delegates of the conference, Elder Johnson explained that interfaith harmony does not mean religions should compromise their core beliefs and unique doctrines to achieve true harmony; instead, it means that they have to be united by common ethical standards such as human dignity, compassion towards those in need, and prosperity within the community.
“Interfaith harmony is not about erasing differences. It is about learning to respect diversity while discovering shared values,” Elder Johnson said, adding that without meaningful and proactive dialogue, misunderstanding becomes a reason for religions to become the cause of conflicts rather than tools of peacemaking. According to him, religious and civic leaders share responsibility to fight stereotypes, overcome suspicions, and discuss controversial topics like extremism, distortion of religious doctrine, and limitations to freedom of belief, to ensure that no community feels marginalized.
Using the example of human cost involved in religious persecution, Elder Johnson shared how the early members of the church in the 19th century had to endure state-endorsed extermination orders and mobs. According to him, about ten thousand members of the church had to leave their homes and property without receiving any form of compensation as they walked about two thousand kilometers to Utah; hundreds of people lost their lives due to harsh climatic conditions, diseases, and exhaustion. Pointing out that similar stories of persecution continue across the globe today, Elder Johnson urged leaders to actively build a culture of peace through simple, everyday actions—such as sharing meals, respecting sacred spaces, and serving side by side. He noted that in the past year alone, the Church spent $1.6 billion on over 3,500 humanitarian projects worldwide, aiding individuals purely based on need regardless of their religious beliefs.
Discovering common ground through sacred sites
Following the keynote addresses, the summit transitioned into interactive sessions, including an interfaith tour of sacred religious sites throughout Kota Kinabalu. Delegations visited local Christian churches, Buddhist temples, and Islamic mosques to observe how different religious traditions put their theological principles into practical community service. For Yna Tamilarason, a senior majoring in business management with an emphasis in finance and economics, touring these sites offered a direct, personal application of the principles Elder Johnson outlined in his speech.
For Tamilarason, one of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was touring sacred religious sites—including local churches, Buddhist temples, and a mosque—to see multifaith partnership in action. “Each site had a key speaker who summarized the humanitarian works they have done,” she said. “It was an eye-opening experience because I discovered that despite having different beliefs, everyone provides service to those in need.”
Reflecting on the deeper spiritual lessons of the summit, Tamilarason emphasized that the conference urged participants to look beyond superficial differences and focus on shared humanitarian goals. She noted that a specific quote shared during the proceedings—“God gave us diversity so we can learn from each other”—deeply shaped her perspective on cross-cultural unity.
“The key message from this conference was to look beyond our differences and find our similarities,” Tamilarason recalled. She drew a connection to her own faith, pointing out that Church teachings command members to love both their neighbors and their enemies. “We should learn to embrace our differences with those who come from different backgrounds. Only through embracing differences can we truly learn to love and understand one another.”
Crossing boundaries of tradition with mutual respect
For Ying Ying Lee, a senior majoring in health and human science education, the interfaith tour offered profound personal firsts that broadened her understanding of cross-cultural engagement. Visiting Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu marked her first time inside a mosque, where she experienced warm hospitality despite coming from a different faith background.
“We removed our shoes and wore a hijab to show respect,” Lee shared, reflecting on the experience. “This taught me that we do not have to share the same beliefs to respect, care for, and be friends with one another.” She added that seeing each religious community share a core commitment to serving others helped clarify what multifaith cooperation looks like in practice.
As the summit concluded, the BYU–Hawaii delegation turned its focus toward translating the conference’s insights into long-term action. The students discussed how to apply these diplomatic principles within their campus community in Laie and in their future professional careers across Malaysia.
Lee highlighted that unity can only be achieved through effort, not by simply assuming that diversity will suffice. Anticipating her future career as an educator, she stated that she was determined to incorporate these ideals into her own future teaching experience.
“One important lesson I learned is that diversity does not automatically create unity,” Lee explained, noting that people must actively work together to find common ground. “I hope to bring this idea back to BYU–Hawaii and my community by encouraging people to listen to one another, respect differences, and work together to help others. As a future teacher, I want to create a classroom where every student feels heard, respected, and valued.” She added that lasting unity can begin simply with one conversation, one relationship, and one act of service.