The 26th ANZBYC concluded successfully on 7th July 2024 at Fo Guang Shan Auckland. During the closing ceremony, the ANZBYC flag was handed over from the BLIA Auckland Young Adult Division (YAD) to the Perth YAD, who will host the next conference in 2025. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan NZ, List Member of Parliament Ms Nancy LU, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN from the Counties Manukau, Member of the Howick Local Board Ms Adele White, Editor Farida Master of Small Business Heroes magazine and Advisor Lintao YU of BLIA North Island Chapter. Additionally, the Chief Abbess of FGS Oceania Venerable Manko, along with several Venerables and presidents from BLIA Oceania, attended the ceremony via Zoom, with over 200 participants both online and in person.
Abbess Manshin led the participants in giving a warm round of applause to Chief Abbess Manko and the online participants who joined the closing ceremony virtually. Abbess shared, The greatest honour of my life is following Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan. I am grateful for the Venerable Master’s selfless compassion and profound wisdom. The Abbess presented certificates to the various state YAD Groups and encouraged the next host, the Perth YAD, with the Founder’s words, Live Among the People, Create Collectively.
2024 ANZBYC Chairperson AnnJo Chong delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Abbess Manshin and the Temple for their strong support, as well as to the committee team and BLIA members for their hard work in making this conference a success. She also thanked the speakers for their inspirational lectures, which provided many insights to the participants. She emphasised to the participants to remember that The Temple is our Home, and a beacon guiding us forward. May this conference be a source of inspiration and growth for all of us.
List MP Nancy LU described the Fo Guang Shan Temple as a Home to her and expressed her delight at seeing the youth from Australia returning home. She mentioned that the unknown and challenges are a constant in life, as well as opportunities for progress and breakthroughs. The participants are fortunate to have Abbess Manshin and the Temple team to guide them with wisdom and Truth.
Advisor Lintao YU recalled his first participation in 2013 ANZBYC in Auckland, during a time when he was searching for the meaning of life. He remarked that it is a remarkable achievement to see the youth who were once teenagers grow into leaders. He stated that ANZBYC is the cornerstone for YAD in Oceania, providing nourishment and inspiration for growth. The Oceania YAD are not only participants but also contributors to its rich 26 year history, and Advisor YU encouraged participants to continue working together to shape a brighter future.
David Chen, representative of the Perth YAD, congratulated everyone on the successful conclusion of the 26th ANZBYC and thanked Abbess Manshin and the BLIA New Zealand YAD for their dedication and effort. He expressed that the theme for next year is Finding Inner Peace in the Heart, welcoming everyone to Perth and carrying on the ANZBYC legacy.
During the conference, the participants engaged in various courses and discussions across different topics, strengthening their faith and moving forward with the right attitude. The Auckland YAD created a video review of the activities, allowing everyone to relive the conference’s highlights. The closing ceremony concluded on a warm and hopeful note with the performances of I Have Faith and Star & Cloud.