In September 1975, Kang Ye Yi, Khor Boon Yong (now known as Ven. Ci Hang), Yuan Sze Lian (now known as Ven. Heng Neng) corresponded with Loo Chor Sin, J. P., organised a talk at Kong Leng See Temple and founded the Central Kedah Buddhist Research Society.
Central Kedah Buddhist Research Society organised Dharma talks, chanting and other Buddhist activities at Kong Leng See Temple as its temporary activity center. During the early days, Dharma learning has yet to become a trend, only around 30 members participated in the activities. In 1975, Ven. Chuk Mo hosted a ceremony of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem. It was a turning point for the society, which led to increasing of members thereafter. In April 1976, with the permission of the former president of Beng Siew Sean Seah, the late Khor Cheng Weng, the activity center relocated to the area above the hall of Beng Siew Sean Seah’s building.
On 18 September 1976, the Society applied to the Registrar of Societies as a registered body and obtained registration in mid 1977. In September 1977, Central Kedah Buddhist Research Society was renamed the Central Kedah Buddhist Knowledge Society. In December 1983, it was renamed again as Central Kedah Buddhist Association, in conjunction with the proposal of YBAM Kedah State Liaison Committee to unify the naming convention of Buddhist organisations.
In August 1978, the construction committee of Central Kedah Buddhist Association was established. The late Chin Siew Tong donated a 4800 sq. ft of land for the Association’s building. The construction committee launched a fundraising campaign and purchased the adjacent land and house at a cost of RM40,720.
On 9 October 1987, Dato’Beh Heng Siong, DSDK., J. P. took over as the chairman of the construction committee. The application of land consolidation, land conversion and building plan were all approved. On 30 December 1988, Ven. Chuk Mo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony and a group of 100 Dharma patrons was formed on the same day. On 14 September 1989, Hoe Boon Chang presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony. In 1990, the new three-storey building for the association which cost about RM600,000, was finally completed. On 10 August 1990, Dato’Beh Heng Siong officiated the inauguration ceremony of the building.
Central Kedah Buddhist Association is a registered Buddhist organisation with the aim of propagating the Dharma and spreading authentic Buddhist teaching. Its management council is elected biennially, and the current president is Chong Beng Hooi. In order to cultivate successors, Central Kedah Buddhist Association has setup the youth division, Chinese orchestra group, dancing group, the kindergarten, Friday Dharma class, and group chanting every Wednesday night. Various activities have been organised to attract and encourage youths and people from all walks of life to join the association to ensure the growth and sustainability of Buddhist missionary work for generations to come.
The regular activities of Central Kedah Buddhist Association:
| Day | Time | Activities |
| Mon | 8:15pm – 9:30pm | Group chanting/ Library opening hours |
| Tues | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Library opening hours |
| Tues | 8:00pm – 9:30pm | Tai Chi class/ Chinese orchestra training |
| Wed | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Library opening hours |
| Wed | 8:00pm – 9:30pm | Children vocal training |
| Thurs | 8:00pm – 9:30pm | Group chanting/ Library opening hours |
| Fri | 9:00am–12:00pm | Friday Dharma class/ Library opening hours (until 12:30pm) |
| Fri | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Library opening hours |
| Fri | 8:15pm–10:00pm | Adult Dharma course/ Youth activities |
| Sat | 4:00pm–5:30pm | Dancing class |
| Sat | 8:15pm–10:00pm | Group chanting/ ‘The Way to Buddhahood’ book sharing session (fortnightly) |
2019 Planned Activity:
| Month | Activity planned |
| Jan | The commencement of activities by various divisions and groups |
| Chinese New Year Eve | CNY Eve Group chanting |
| During Chinese New Year | CNY Fellowship Gathering |
| February | The commencement of Dharma Short Course for Adult |
| March | General Assembly |
| Lunar calendar 19 February | Guanyin’s Birthday half day chanting |
| May | Spring Cleaning |
| 18/05/2019 | Wesak Day donation to the elderly |
| 19/05/2019 | Wesak Celebration |
| 26/05/2019 | Wesak Day blood donation |
| Wesak/ After Filial Piety Dharma Assembly | Visit Thai Theravada Buddhist temples within the state. (Twice) |
| June | Youth music camp |
| June | The commencement of Dharma Short Course for Adult |
| 03/07/2019 | The commencement of Ksitigarbha Sutra group chanting |
| Lunar calendar 19 June | Guanyin’s Birthday half day chanting |
| Lunar calendar July | The Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance
Eight Precept Observance Filial Piety Dharma Assembly |
| September | 44th Anniversary and Mid Autumn festival gathering |
| Lunar calendar 19 September | Guanyin’s birthday full day chanting |
| Lunar calendar 30 September | Medicine Buddha’s birthday half day chanting |
| November/ December | Primary school students Buddhist camp |
Contact：
Address: 5F, Jalan Kampung Baru, 08000 Sg. Petani, Kedah.
Tel: 04-421 2929 / 04 -421 8705
Email: contact@buddhistkedahtengah.org
Web: http://www.buddhistkedahtengah.org
Official FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/buddhistkedahtengahkedah
Gallery
Outlook of Central Kedah Buddhist Association
Central Kedah Buddhist Association holds a variety of activities, including Dharma Talk by Ven. Kai Zun, Tai Chi Class, group activity camp, Filial Piety Dharma Assembly, Dana and etc. so that people of all ages can join to learn the Dharma and cultivate merit.