Initiated by the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the conference will focus on religious tolerance, world peace, and the importance of fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchange.   Conference participants include students representing various faith communities, students who have taken part in international educational programs, and Malaysian students.

The cultural attaché at the embassy invited Penn State to participate in the DVC after the attaché read bulletins in the local press describing the atmosphere in the United States following the September 11 terrorist attack.  Brendan Gomez, a Malaysian graduate student in Human Development and Family Studies had submitted the bulletins. Gomez along with John M. Keller, director of International Education Programs and Studies, will act as moderators for the DVC.