Building Bridges of Faith and Fellowship: Asian YMCA Christian Mission Network in Singapore
Last Updated (Wednesday, 02 April 2025 07:23)
On 16 - 18 January 2025, Metropolitan YMCA and YMCA of Singapore had the privilege of hosting the core group of the Asia YMCA Christian Mission Network (AYCMN) Conference for its meeting in Singapore. As the host, Metropolitan YMCA helped set the stage for a meaningful gathering, organising a welcome dinner while seamlessly facilitating the programme for the core group for the duration of their stay. On its final evening in Singapore, YMCA of Singapore hosted a dinner and tour of its premises for the group. Metropolitan YMCA and YMCA of Singapore are grateful for the opportunity to engage with members of the AYCMN core group and are inspired by their faithful stewardship of God’s calling of the Ys. Below are snapshots of the engagement.
1st – 3rd Day, hosted by Metropolitan YMCA
For the first three days of the Conference, delegates engaged in dynamic discussions on expanding the reach of the AYCMN - both within the host country and across the Asia-Pacific region. The sessions were not just about discussion strategy, but also about reaffirming the network’s mission, vision, and direction in today’s changing social landscape. Each morning began with a meaningful time of worship, prayer, and intercession, setting a strong spiritual foundation for the conversations that followed. Delegates explored creative ways to foster unity in Christ within the YMCA movement, embracing diverse spiritual expressions that reflect the rich faith traditions of the region. They also focused on strengthening communication channels, ensuring that member YMCAs remain well-connected, engaged, and equipped to share insights and updates that drive the mission forward.
A key highlight of the conference was the exchange of ideas on how to better equip and train the next generation of leaders to uphold Christian values and foundations in their local contexts. Discussions centred on fostering meaningful partnerships among local and Asia-Pacific YMCAs, leveraging shared experiences to build a more united and impactful Christian movement within the YMCA.
Day 3 evening hosted by the YMCA of Singapore
The visit commenced at 5.30 PM at the Level 1 Lobby of the YMCA of Singapore premises, where Ms Wu Mei Ling, CEO and General Secretary of YMCA of Singapore,and Ms Lynette Yeo, Asst General Secretary, warmly welcomed the guests. We then proceeded to visit the Youth Hub, where pictures of volunteers helping local communities overseas were displayed.
Ms Wu shared about YMCA of Singapore’s collaborative partnerships with other YMCAs, through its International Service Programme (ISP), and the University-YMCA (Uni-Y) initiatives.
The serene ambience and breathtaking view of Singapore’s city skyline offered a perfect opportunity for the group to capture memorable moments through photographs. Group photos were taken to commemorate this memorable visit.
Warm fellowship took place in Function Room IV where Mr Vincent Ha, YMCA of Singapore Board of Director and Mr Eric Teng, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Singapore joined the group. During the fellowship session, Ms Wu, together with Amos Chua, Head of Youth Support (At-risk) and Sharon Chan, Division Head of Programmes shared on YMCA of Singapore’s Christian partnerships and YMCA’s impact initiatives, locally and internationally. Ms Wu also shared on YMCA’s aspirations to renew its One Orchard Road building.
The group then gathered round to pray for Metropolitan YMCA and YMCA of Singapore before sitting down for a communal dinner. To conclude the visit, Reverend Samuel from YMCA Salem presented a token of appreciation to YMCA of Singapore, which Mr Eric Teng, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Singapore, received on behalf of YMCA of Singapore. Ms Wu also gifted a thermal flask, representing the outpouring and sharing of God’s living waters to all who come through the doors of YMCAs.
Metropolitan YMCA and YMCA of Singapore extend heartfelt gratitude to the AYMCN for taking the time to connect and learn more about the work done by the two YMCAs in Singapore.
Contributed by:
Simeon Cheok
Senior Manager | Corporate Communications and International Relations
Metropolitan YMCA Singapore
Agnes CHAI
Senior Executive
Marketing & Corporate Communications
YMCA of Singapore