APAY & CYMCA Reach a Mediation on the Hong Kong Office

Last Updated (Saturday, 06 June 2026 15:57)

APAY & CYMCA Reach a Mediation on the Hong Kong Office

With hearts full of gratitude, the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs(APAY)  joyfully announce the successful conclusion of the APAY HK office matter with the Chinese YMCA (CYMCA) of Hong Kong The mediation outcome marks not only the resolution of an important matter but also a testament to the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines our movement.

We celebrate with much appreciation, the faithful service of the Task Group members: Very Rev. Philip Thomas – President, APAY, Rev. Dr.Samuel Stephens – Former President of APAY and Chair of the Task Group, Mr. Chim Hou Yan – Former President of APAY, Mr. Kan Tanikawa – Former President of APAY, Dr. Honorio Tan – Former Vice President fo APAY, Prof. Chen Chin Seng – Former President of APAY, Mr. Vincent George – Vice President of APAY, Mr. Nam Boo Won – General Secretary of APAY, Mr. Chan Beng Seng – Related Secretary of Task Group. Led by Rev. Samuel  Stephens, whose commitment and perseverance have guided us through this journey. Their efforts reflect the very essence of YMCA leadership—serving with humility, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility.

We also lift up our heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong for their congenial response and proposal. Their spirit of openness and generosity has been a shining example of Christian fellowship, strengthening the bonds of our shared mission.

Above all, we give thanks to God for His unfailing and benevolent guidance. It is through His providence that this process has been blessed with peace, understanding, and reconciliation. Truly, we have witnessed His hand at work in bringing usto this joyful conclusion.

The APAY convened an Extraordinary Executive Committee Meeting on May 21, 2026, and officially informed its member movements about the successful mediation process.

This milestone marks a new beginning as we walk together in faith, guided by God’s love, challenges become opportunities to grow stronger as one family.

May this joyful conclusion inspire us to continue building bridges of trust, compassion, and collaboration across our region, as we live out the mission of the YMCA with renewed hope and courage.

Ramona UJ Morales

Vice President, APAY

Community Wellbeing: Empowering Communities

Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:07)

Community Wellbeing: Empowering Communities

Lashio & Hsipaw, Myanmar — In response to the growing need for enhanced safety in conflict-affected areas, the Myanmar YMCA is actively working to strengthen the protection capacities of local communities. By fostering strong community participation, the program ensures that conflict-affected populations can design and drive meaningful, practical action plans tailored to their immediate safety needs.

From May 21 to 23, Myanmar YMCA successfully conducted a comprehensive Community-Based Protection Training in Lashio and Hsipaw. During the three-day program, highly engaged participants analyzed local threats and developed Community Action Plans (CAP). These customized action plan prioritize life-saving emergency preparedness, including:

• Early Warning Systems to ensure timely community alerts during sudden crises.

• Emergency Preparedness such as organizing and preparing the materials.

In June, the YMCA teams and Community Care Group - CCG members will launch widespread community mobilization. Together with local community members, they will immediately begin executing the practical protection activities outlined in their action plans to build a safer, more resilient environment.

Naw Hser Gay Doh

Executive Secretary of Community Development Department

Myanmar YMCA

Justice Kurian Joseph - an Introduction

Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:07)

Justice Kurian Joseph (Retd.)

President, The National Council of YMCAs of India

Justice Kurian Joseph (Retd.) is a distinguished former Judge of the Supreme Court of India,  renowned for his unwavering commitment to constitutional values, judicial independence,  human rights, and social justice. Beginning his legal practice in the Kerala High Court in 1979,  he rose through the ranks to serve as Government Pleader, Additional Advocate General of  Kerala, Senior Advocate, Judge of the Kerala High Court, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh  High Court, and finally Judge of the Supreme Court of India (2013–2018). During his tenure in the Supreme Court, he was part of several landmark judgments, including the historic Triple Talaq case, where he upheld the principles of equality and constitutional morality, and important decisions relating to judicial accountability, electronic evidence, and the  independence of investigative agencies. Throughout his judicial career, he championed access to justice, legal aid, and the protection of fundamental rights, earning widespread respect  for his integrity, scholarship, and people-centred approach to justice.

Beyond his distinguished judicial career, Justice Kurian Joseph has rendered exemplary service  to the YMCA movement and is widely regarded as one of its most respected leaders and  mentors. His association with the YMCA has been marked by a deep commitment to democratic governance, institutional strengthening, and youth development. He has actively  participated in major YMCA conferences, conventions, and leadership programmes across  India, offering guidance and inspiration to YMCA leaders and young people alike. In 2020, he  assumed the role of Chairman of the YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai, providing visionary leadership and guidance that has significantly contributed to the  advancement of physical education, character building, and youth empowerment initiatives. In 2023, he served as Chairman of the Election Committee of The National Council of YMCAs of India, successfully overseeing the conduct of transparent, free, and fair elections at the national level and thereby strengthening the democratic traditions of the YMCA movement. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, integrity, and long-standing commitment to the YMCA, he was elected President of The National Council of YMCAs of India on April 25, 2026.

As President, Justice Kurian Joseph has articulated a clear vision for the future of the YMCA, emphasizing that the movement must remain firmly rooted in its Christian foundation and the Paris Basis while responding effectively to the challenges of contemporary society. He strongly believes that the YMCA exists to nurture, empower, and strengthen young people  and transform communities through meaningful programmes and active ministry. A passionate advocate for youth participation in leadership and governance, he has consistently called for greater involvement of young people in decision-making processes at  all levels of the movement. He has urged the YMCA to create more opportunities for youth leadership, enhance youth representation in governing bodies, and undertake constitutional reforms that promote democratic participation, accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness. He also advocates increased participation of women in leadership and believes that organizational renewal can only be achieved when young people are entrusted with responsibility and empowered to shape the future of the movement.

Justice Kurian Joseph has consistently encouraged the YMCA to remain rooted in its Christian mission while responding effectively to contemporary social challenges. His wisdom, impartiality, and commitment to ethical leadership have helped foster unity, accountability, and good governance within the movement. He has emphasized the importance of  strengthening local YMCAs, revitalizing weaker Member Associations, and ensuring that the YMCA's presence is reflected through active service, impactful programmes, and meaningful community engagement rather than existing merely on paper. Through his active engagement with local, regional, national, and international YMCA bodies, he has inspired  generations of YMCA leaders and volunteers to uphold the values of service, justice, inclusiveness, and community development. His continued involvement in the YMCA reflects his lifelong dedication to nation-building, youth leadership, Christian witness, and  institutional strengthening.

By Eldo N. Varghese

National General Secretary

The National Council of YMCAs of India