Dhamma Speakers Training Programme lecturers, mentors, and happy graduates in a group photograph after the graduation ceremony at BGF Centre on 3 August 2013.

A new batch of graduates join the ranks of ‘Aspiring Dhamma Speakers’ after their graduation today from the 4th “Dhamma Speakers’ Training Programme” (DSTP), organised by the Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF), and coordinated by Dr. Phang Cheng Kar.  The graduation ceremony for 14 aspiring speakers was held at the BGF Centre in Petaling Jaya.  Among the graduates were Nalanda’s Meditation Manager Sis. Sandra Yang and Communications Manager Sis. Faith Teh.

Sis. Sandra Yang (left) and Sis. Faith Teh (right) receiving their certificates from Dr. Phang Cheng Kar and BGF Vice President Bro. Wong Mun Yee.

Nalanda Buddhist Society and Nalanda Institute were very supportive of the 2-year training programme, which featured many hours of formal lectures, group tutorials, mock presentations, practical lessons, and mentoring by senior speakers.  This is evident with the participation of several Nalanda Institute lecturers in teaching the trainees – Founder Bro. Tan, Nalanda Institute Director Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama, Pustaka Nalanda Director Achariya Ananda Fong, and the Institute’s Senior Lecturer Mr. Tan Huat Chye.  Furthermore, DSTP Chairperson Dr. Phang Cheng Kar is also Nalanda’s Resident Speaker since 2003.

Nalanda Lecturers acting as mentors for DSTP trainees (from left): Bro. H S Tan, Mr. Tan Huat Chye, Dr. Phang, Achariya S. Vijaya, and Achariya Ananda Fong.

Nalanda lauds the efforts put in by the Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Dr. Phang, all DSTP lecturers and participants of the Course.  We congratulate all the 14 DSTP graduates, whom we hope will continue with the noble vocation of spreading the Buddha-Vacana for the welfare and happiness of the many!  Sadhu appamadetha!