IBC New Students Orientation Program (NSOP) 2026

The International Buddhist College (IBC) successfully hosted its New Students Orientation Program (NSOP) on July 16, 2026, to welcome new students. The program commenced with an opening address by IBC’s founder and Council Chairman, Ven. Dr. Wei Wu, who provided a brief introduction to IBC and offered words of encouragement to the new students.

Following the welcoming speech, the students were introduced to the faculty and administrative teams. This segment was led by the IBC Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dharmavardhana Jñānagarbha, who introduced the team of faculty members. The Director for the Rector's Office, Ven. Zhen Sheng then introduced the administrative office staff. This was followed by the Director for Academic Affairs, Ven. Dr. Zhen Ti, who introduced the faculty office staff.

A significant highlight of the morning was the interaction with the Kalyāņamitra Group, a dedicated volunteer support network from Penang, Malaysia. The students were divided into a few groups for interaction. By listening to the students' concerns and offering guidance, the volunteers facilitated a warm, welcoming atmosphere that left the students feeling happy and at ease. Following a group photo session, the morning concluded with an insightful discourse on "Buddhism and Attention" delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dharmavardhana Jñānagarbha.

The afternoon sessions shifted focus towards the practical dimensions of university life. The program resumed with a crucial bilingual briefing on Academic & Educational Assistance and Educational Quality Assurance (QA). Presented by Ven. Dr. Zhen Ti in English and Maechee Siew Chin in Chinese, this informative session clarified the strict academic expectations and standards required for students to study at IBC. Besides that, it also clarified the requirements needed for academic scholarship in subsequent years.

Following this, Ven. Zhen Sheng outlined the guidelines for accommodation, community work, and campus disciplinary expectations. This session clearly established the institutional code of conduct and the appropriate boundaries for gender interaction required within a Buddhist monastic setting. The orientation concluded with an overview of IBC’s library and facility services presented by Ven. Dipananda, which included a guided, in-person tour of the library.

The orientation concluded on a positive note, successfully equipping the new cohorts with vital institutional information. By balancing practical logistical guidance with strong communal support, the program ensured that the new students are fully prepared and supported as they begin their academic journey at IBC.