INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST TOURISM CONFERENCE (IBTC2026)

Theme: Sustainable Spiritual Tourism for Peace

TENTATIVE PROGRAM

 

 

DAY ONE – OCTOBER 8, 2026

 

·       Welcome speech by Chief Minister of Penang HE Chow Kon Yeow (TBC)

·       Keynote by Dr Victor Wee – Buddhist tourism in Asia (TBC)

MORNING SESSION

 

Session 1:
BUDDHIST HERITAGE & CULTURE

What is Buddhism and what are the mainstream Buddhist culture, traditions, and practices in Asia and how do they promote our spiritual wellbeing and peace at large. And what does the philosophy of Buddhism mean for modern day travelers in seek of peace and happiness?

The introductory session will focus on highlighting the living heritage and cultural depth of Buddhism and introduce general Buddhist practice including daily rituals and ceremonies in monasteries, morning alms, meditation, festivals etc., and highlighting some aspects of community involvement that enable tourist participation to enhance their experiences.

This foundational session explores the rhythmic pulse of Buddhist life, bridging the gap between ancient philosophy and modern practice. Participants will gain insight into the daily spiritual discipline within monasteries—from dawn alms-giving and ritual chants to the nuances of various meditation traditions. The session will also examine the cultural significance of seasonal festivals and communal ceremonies, providing a holistic framework for understanding Buddhism as a living, breathing heritage.

Speaker:  Venerable Bhikkhu Sompong Phorkpoon

Panel Discussion:  Rahul Ravi Rao (moderator), Sompong Phorkpoon, Victor Wee

 

Session 2:
BUDDHIST ART & ARCHITECTURE

This session will discuss all aspects of Buddhist art and architecture including ancient mural art in caves and open spaces, drawings, paintings, sculptures and Buddha images in monasteries of different eras including collections in museums plus contemporary Buddhist art practiced by modern day artists.

Speaker:  Asst Professor Chotima Chanturawong

Panel Discussion: Joe Cummings (moderator), Chotima Chantaruwong, Axel Bruns

 

LUNCH BREAK + NETWORKING

AFTERNOON SESSION

Session 3:
BUDDHIST TOURISM RESOURCES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA & HOW TO PROMOTE THEM

This session will focus on Buddhist tourism resources in Asia especially Southeast Asia by highlighting some prominent iconic UNESCO inscribed World Heritage monuments from Bulguksa to Borobudur and exposing the lesser known hidden gems such as Mrauk U in Myanmar, Wat Phou in Laos, Yen Tu in Vietnam, Si Thep in Thailand and Koh Ker in Cambodia.

How do we create specially curated tours to top Buddhist heritage sites in the region and how to promote them in a sustainable manner? And how to design and engineer programs for Buddhist tourism for a truly meaningful experience internationally, nationally or regionally?  How to create Buddhist travel trails and organize sustainable local community travel in areas where prominent and popular Buddhist temples are located?  How do we use modern technology such as AI or mobile App to maximize our promotion?

Speaker:  Joe Cummings

Panel Discussion: Lim Kooi Fong (moderator), Joe Cummings, Reza Soltani

 

Session 4:
EXPERIENCE-FOCUS BUDDHIST TOURISM

This session is totally devoted to discussing experience-focus Buddhist tourism for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike and how to promote it to the general public.

For Buddhists travelers, what does it mean to "experience" Buddhism? It dives into the sensory and spiritual elements that define Buddhist culture, mapping out the practitioner's journey, including the merit-making traditions of morning alms, the transformative power of meditation, and the vibrant energy of lunar festivals. And for non-Buddhists, participating in some rituals and festivals and engaging in Walking Meditations using the layout of the stupas or gardens. Explain how the circumambulation (walking around) is a physical metaphor for the path to inner peace are some activities that can be included apart from enjoying viewing the beauty of of temple art and architecture. And finally, how to create Buddhist travel trails in each region of the major Buddhist countries.

Speaker:  Axel Bruns

Panel Discussion:  Reza Soltani (moderator), Axel Bruns, Thourn Sinan

 

Buyers Meet Sellers Session

WELCOME DINNER

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DAY TWO – OCTOBER 9, 2026

 

All day tour to Penang’s unique multi-cultural Buddhist attractions and heritage sites on Penang Island and George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

MORNING TOUR

Kek Lok Si Temple, Dhammikarama (Burmese) Temple and Chaiya Mangalaram (Thai) Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

Construction began in 1891, inspired by Beow Lian, the chief monk of the Kuan Im Teng temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, famously known as the "Temple of Supreme Bliss." Its history is a blend of imperial favor and architectural evolution; the Qing Emperor Guangxu donated a set of imperial scriptures to the temple in 1904. The crown jewel is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, completed in 1930, which uniquely combines Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles, symbolizing the unity of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Established in 1803, this is the oldest Buddhist temple in Penang. It stands on land donated by Nyonya Betong, who purchased it from the British East India Company. Originally known as the Nanyang Kasada, it served as a spiritual sanctuary for the local Burmese community. Over two centuries, it has evolved from a simple wooden structure into a gold-gilded complex. The temple is home to a historical bodhi tree and a marathon of intricate murals depicting the life of Buddha, maintaining its role as a vital link to Penang’s Burmese heritage.

Wat Chayamangkalaram (Thai Temple)

Founded in 1845 on land granted by Queen Victoria to the Thai community, this temple is a vibrant example of Thai architecture. It was originally established by a Thai monk known as Phor Than Kuat. The temple gained global fame in 1958 with the construction of its massive 33-meter reclining Buddha, one of the longest in the world. The statue serves as a columbarium, while the temple grounds celebrate the festive spirit of Songkran and Loy Krathong, blending ancient traditions with Penang's local Thai-Chinese culture.

 

BUFFET LUNCH: WORLD FAMOUS LOCAL FOOD OF PENANG

AFTERNOON TOUR

Mahindarama (Sri Lankan) Buddhist Temple, Kuan Im Teng (Goddess of Mercy) Temple.  Ancient mosques, churches and iconic colonial buildings of the British colonial era.

Mahindarama (Sri Lankan) Buddhist Temple

Founded in 1918 by A.S. Quah, this temple is the heart of the Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) community in Penang. Its history is deeply rooted in the propagation of the Pali tradition. It was the first temple in the region to plant a sapling from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka, which has since grown into a massive centerpiece for worship. Known for its serene atmosphere, Mahindarama became a pioneer in Buddhist education, establishing the first Sunday Pali School in Malaya to preserve Dhamma teachings for future generations.

Kuan Im Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple)

Located on Pitt Street, this is the oldest Taoist temple in Penang, founded in 1728 by early Chinese settlers from the Hokkien and Cantonese communities. Originally dedicated to Ma Chor Poh (the patron saint of seafarers), it was later rededicated to Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple survived the bombings of World War II virtually untouched, a feat locals view as a miracle. It remains the spiritual heart of George Town’s UNESCO site, constantly filled with the scent of incense and the rhythmic clacking of divination sticks.

 

Plus a quick tour of some or all of these iconic landmarks in George Town Penang:
St. George’s Anglican Church, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion (Blue Mansion), Khoo Kongsi, Penang Peranakan Mansion, Queen Victoria Memorial Clock, and Fort Cornwallis.