The Royal Malaysian Air Force Buddhist Society (RMAFBS) played an important role in the establishment and organisation of the Labuan Buddhist Association. In the early 1980s, members of RMAFBS invited local residents to go to their camp to participate in their Buddhism discussion, chanting and established a good relationship for everyone.
On 29 April 1984, these kalyanamitra (Buddhist friends) formed Labuan Buddhist Association and submitted a draft of constitution to the Registrar of Societies for approval. During that period, Labuan Buddhist Association rented a double storey house at Lot 18 Taman Island, F.T. of Labuan for preparation. At the same time, they also applied to join Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM). Currently, there are 278 members in the Labuan Buddhist Association.
In less than 2 years, Labuan Buddhist Association obtained the approval by Registrar of Societies on 26 January 1986. On 20 February 1986, Labuan Buddhist Association held its first meeting and established its Executive Committee through election, and Brother Liew Sui Koon was elected as Chairperson. Labuan Buddhist Association was then moved to 462B Jalan Tenaga, F.T. of Labuan, a semi-detached house on rent. On 21 April 1986, the first Executive Committee was sworn in, witnessed by Venerable Boon Kean.
In the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 1991, all the members showed their unanimous support to change the Chinese Name of Labuan Buddhist Association. This decision will let the association play an important role in Labuan.
In order to enable more young people to participate actively and promote healthy Buddhist activities, there was an idea to establish Young Buddhist Fellowship since 1991. With the supports by everyone, the Young Buddhist Fellowship of the Labuan Buddhist Association was established on 10 May 1992.
Today, Labuan Buddhist Association is entering its 25th year. From a rented semi-detached house the establishment of own permanent building, it is indeed lots of efforts and contributions are involved. A lot of difficulties and obstacles have been embraced.
The construction of new building began in 1995. The Executive Committee appointed Brother Ng Kim Thye as the Chiarperson of the Construction Management Committee, and Brother Tan Guek Hock as Chairperson of Planning Committee. The rest of group members are Brother Wong Tack Peng, Brother Kon Yun Fah, Brother Ker Ah Beng, Brother Liew Sui Koon and Brother Sia Ban Chong. The main funding of the constructions was collected by donation from the members, public and numerous sponsorship and support by warm-hearted people.
The new construction building plan was approved by Labuan City Council in 2005. With strong determination and perseverance, the groundbreaking ceremony was successfully held on 25 November 2005 and officiated by Venerable Boon Kean and Datuk Tan Chai Ho, former Deputy Minister of Federal Territory. The new building was successfully completed on January 2010, after four years of hardwork.
On 21 May 2011, Labuan Buddhist Association (KP0455, Jalan Pulau Buah, 87000 F.T. of Labuan) with a cost of RM 4,000,000 was finally established. A simple ritual ceremony was held. The official launching was led by Venerable Boon Kean and Datuk Chor Cheu Hong, Minister of Local Government and Housing, on 29 May 2011. There were also 12 monks from Taiwan, Singapore, and Penang to lead the ceremony.
Contact：
Address：KP0455, Jalan Pulau Buah,87000 WP Labuan.
Phone/Fax：087-417 699
Official FB Page：https://www.facebook.com/LabuanBuddhistAssociation/
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Outlook of Labuan Buddhist Association and Buddha statue