BLIA Solomon Islands Hosts Inaugural 2024 Annual General Meeting

Writer: Claudia Hii

Photographer: James Yuan

The 2024 Buddha’s Light International Association of Solomon Islands (BLIASI) Annual General Meeting, its inaugural gathering, was held on the 17th of November at the Metropolis Mamara Conference Room in Guadalcanal Province. Presided over by BLIASI President Hii Yii Ging, the meeting featured virtual attendance of special distinguished guests: Venerable Man Ko, Deputy Secretary-General of BLIA Oceania and Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Oceania; Venerable Man Wang, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple and BLIASI Guiding Venerable; Ms. Jenniwaty Luhur, BLIA Queensland Elder Advisor; and Ms. Ling Ling Soh, BLIA Queensland Secretary-General. Over 20 members attended to make the event a success. BLIASI President Hii Yii Ging opened the AGM by expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests for their ongoing guidance and support, which have enabled BLIASI to learn, grow, and improve as a chapter. He reflected on the meaningful achievements of 2024, noting that BLIASI actively promoted activities, embraced many firsts, and gained valuable insights from BLIA Headquarters and other BLIA chapters worldwide. He reminded members of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words: “Dharma is in life, and action is the best way to spread the Dharma.” President Hii Yii Ging also expressed heartfelt thanks to all BLIASI members for their collective dedication and contributions throughout the year, encouraging everyone to continue working together in the future.

The AGM reports followed, with BLIASI President Hii Yii Ging presenting the 2024 BLIA 6th Meeting of the Seventh Board of Directors Major Resolutions, the 2024 Activities Report, and the 2025 Calendar of Events. BLIASI Vice-President Ed Wei then delivered the 2024 Financial Report and the 2025 Budget. The meeting also featured the recognition of outstanding members and the announcement of the incoming BLIASI Board of Directors and committee.

The meeting concluded with a special speech and interactive session led by Venerable Man Ko, Deputy Secretary-General of BLIA Oceania. For many BLIASI members, this was their first opportunity to meet Venerable Man Ko. Each member introduced themselves and shared the affinity that had brought them to the Solomon Islands. Venerable Man Ko highlighted the importance of giving and giving back to the country, emphasising education as a cornerstone of societal progress and a focus for future BLIASI activities, encouraging members to integrate the Three Acts of Goodness—do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts—advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, into future initiatives. By enriching and benefitting the lives of local Solomon Islanders through these principles, the true meaning of localisation can be realised.

As the meeting ended, members were introduced to Venerable Master Hsing Yun's 2025 New Year greeting, "Keep Going, the Future is Bright," leaving them inspired and motivated to carry forward BLIASI activities and initiatives with renewed determination in the year ahead.