Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) is the leading Buddhist youth organisation in Malaysia. Through its conviction in the Buddha’s mission of compassion, growth, and liberation, YBAM continuously promotes positive lifestyles in developing a society of wisdom, compassion and gratitude. Since its formation in 1970, YBAM has actively involved in establishing Buddhist organisations nationwide, propagating the learning of Dharma among the youths and providing leadership training for them. Using the strong foundation that YBAM has helped to build, local Buddhist organisations have accomplished great progress in developing local Buddhist communities. YBAM continuously dedicates itself to develop Malaysian Buddhism.

YBAM coordinates more than 270 Member Organisations (MOs) through its 13 State Liaison Committees all over Malaysia. In addition, YBAM also coordinates the varsities’ Buddhist societies (including Teacher Training Colleges), secondary schools’ Buddhist societies and Young Buddhist Fellowship through its Standing Committees. Besides, YBAM also actively participates in the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), Eight Major Chinese Youth-based Organisations (EMCO), Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC), and World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY).

YBAM is the only national Buddhist youth organisation recognised by the Government to represent Malaysian Buddhist youths. It is also a member of MBM. YBAM participates in the activities of MBM and Ministry of Youth and Sports to protect the rights of Buddhist youths. YBAM also actively promotes international Buddhist youth activities and maintains good relationship with World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) and WFBY to participate in the development of Buddhism in the world.

Based on the foundation of MOs and support given by Buddhist youths in the country, on behalf of the Buddhist community, YBAM always expresses its opinions via the mass media, for example, disagreeing that Malaysia is an Islamic state and urging the Government to abolish the ISA. YBAM also organises various seminars and forums to explore current affairs and subject matters related to Buddhism.