Instilling good core values in young people and providing them with opportunities to learn about each other can contribute to a more peaceful world, according to Thoon Jing Wen from Penang. She delivered a passionate speech on the importance of mutual understanding at the 4th Children’s World Peace Summit in Tokyo, Japan. Thoon, a 10-year-old student at SJK (C) Perempuan Cina, represented Malaysia and used the platform to describe the kind of world she aspires to live in.
In her address, Thoon emphasized that peaceful coexistence can be achieved through understanding and practicing the right values from a young age. She highlighted how children, when making friends, do not judge based on backgrounds or beliefs, and urged countries and their leaders to adopt a similar approach to reduce conflict. “More friends and more smiles lead to peace,” she said.
Thoon emerged as Malaysia’s representative after surpassing over 200 other candidates, making her the youngest among 12 participants aged 10 to 19 who were invited to speak at the event held at the House of Representatives Building in Tokyo. Applications were received from about 20 countries.
Displaying wisdom beyond her years, Thoon pointed out that arguments, fights, and wars do not benefit anyone and have devastating consequences for innocent civilians. She highlighted how war deprives people of basic necessities and results in loss of lives, grieving for surviving family members, and the disruption of day-to-day activities such as going to school and meeting friends.
During the Summit, participants were also asked for suggestions on improving world peace. Thoon proposed the creation of an app called PeaceBeyond, which would connect users worldwide, promote good values, and encourage meaningful discussions between children, parents, and teachers. The app would feature mini-games that simulate scenarios and real-life issues to test users’ reactions, as well as mini-challenges that require users to perform good deeds on a weekly basis. Thoon also envisioned the app as a platform for sharing insights into daily life in different countries and connecting people through common interests.
Thoon’s achievement and participation in the event were greatly appreciated by her mother, Lee Jia Shien, who recognized the value of the experience in allowing her daughter to meet influential figures and make new friends. Beyond her involvement in the Summit, Thoon has always been curious and engaged in exploring various subjects, including reading, writing, art, music, technology, and current affairs.
Brigitte Rozario, a freelance trainer who teaches Thoon writing over Zoom, described her as a bright and mature girl with a genuine interest in the world. Rozario commended Thoon’s empathy and understanding, which surpass her age. Rozario also praised Thoon for being selected among participants up to the age of 19, indicating her exceptional performance compared to older candidates.
During her visit, Thoon was able to appreciate the cleanliness and efficiency of Japan’s public transportation, the richness of its culture, and the taste of its food. She also had the honor of speaking with the summit’s founder, Taeko Tada, who created a manga called “The Hiroshima Miracle,” based on the true story of her family’s survival and their experiences during the reconstruction after the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
