Reflections and Insights from Wong Pei Wern

Last Updated (Friday, 07 February 2025 08:41)

Reflections and Insights from Wong Pei Wern

 

The Advanced Studies Program, a flagship initiative by the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (Asia Pacific YMCA), is tailored for YMCA professionals and executives to deepen their understanding of the organization's mission and strategies. Held from November 1st to 29th, 2024, virtual and in person at YMCA Penang, Malaysia. The program featured a series of comprehensive sessions thoughtfully designed to provide a well-rounded learning experience, emphasizing the holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, the program included exposure visits to an intellectual disability centre and a 2-day, 1-night stay at an Orang Asli village, offering profound insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. These experiences serve as pivotal lessons, inspiring participants to advocate for inclusivity and work toward building equitable societies in their respective countries.

 

Throughout the Advanced Studies Program, I had gained a comprehensive understanding of YMCA's key focus areas. These included sessions on Understanding Asia Pacific YMCA & Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP), YMCA Mission in Context, YMCA Vision 2030, Lay-Professional Partnership Development, Good Governance, Youth Engagement in YMCA, Youth Empowerment and Meaningful Work, and Movement Strengthening & Relevance. These sessions served as a crucial foundation for realigning our programs and activities with YMCA principles, ensuring sustained impact and relevance. I had also learned the importance of planning programs that promote the holistic development of individuals—encompassing body, mind, and spirit—while fostering a community that acts as a positive driving force for meaningful change, paving the way for a better tomorrow.

 

As a Christian-based organization that emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, this program provided a safe space for all participants, regardless of their diverse faith backgrounds, to explore spirituality beyond traditional forms through sessions like Understanding Contextual Bible Study and Creative Worship. These sessions enhanced the worship experience by making it more engaging and fostering a deeper emotional and spiritual connection to God. For me, it was an memorable experience to explore creative expressions in worship through meditation, music, movie clips, and more, which evoked powerful emotions and spiritual experiences. As we advocate for ecumenism and interfaith cooperation, these sessions also encouraged individuals to express their faith and emotions uniquely, offering a sense of freedom and personal reflection. This approach allowed me to experience a profound sense of God's presence and renewal, making worship more transformative and memorable.

 

Not to mention, the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) is also actively supporting the gender justice movement. In the “Understanding Gender & Gender Equity” session, I learned the importance of fostering inclusivity and addressing the diverse spectrum of gender identities. This session broadened my perspective on the gender spectrum and emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination, creating a safe and equitable environment where all individuals—especially LGBT+, women, and children—are respected and empowered. I also learned that for a nation to progress, promoting gender equity is essential to building an inclusive society. This involves ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development and decision-making rights are shared equally, with fair allocation of resources, opportunities, and access to rights, free from any form of gender discrimination.

 

On the other hand, I deeply resonated with the importance of the sessions on “Interfaith Cooperation in Cultivating Transformative Leadership” and “Restoring Peace with Justice Amidst Conflict, War, and Violence: A Special Focus on the Ongoing War in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon,” which emphasized making just peace a reality. Through these sessions, I gained a deeper understanding of how interfaith cooperation enables individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to live together in peace and engage in meaningful dialogues about peace from different faith perspectives. This is essential for fostering interfaith sensitivity and addressing issues of discrimination rooted in religious misconceptions, ignorance, and hostility—often exacerbated by politicians with their own agendas, attempting to divide racial and religious groups. Only through mutual respect and understanding can we overcome these challenges, resist harmful racial propaganda that disrupts national harmony, and guide future generations toward a better tomorrow, irrespective of their faith backgrounds. Additionally, I learned that due to media restrictions on journalists’ freedom of expression when advocating for justice on controversial issues, many are subjected to criminal investigations, which hinder their efforts to promote peace within their communities. This highlights the necessity for us to understand and embrace faith differences within our local communities to foster peaceful coexistence.

 

In the session titled “Creative Workshop on Peace,” Dr. Valli challenged the common misconception that working harder always leads to greater productivity. I learned the importance of avoiding burnout by embracing innovative methods and mindfulness practices. The session also highlighted the power of creativity as a tool for generating new ideas, finding solutions, and approaching tasks more effectively. I was amazed to discover how the brain, shaped by neuroplasticity, has the extraordinary ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections through experience and learning. This adaptability allows us to shift perspectives, explore innovative approaches, and break free from rigid thought patterns. To enhance focus, alertness, and motivation, Dr. Valli recommended practicing 10 minutes of non-sleep deep rest daily. She also shared insights from indigenous communities, who use rhythms created by sticks, bamboo, and drums, resembling the heartbeat, to foster a natural harmony and joyfully dance in response. With proper rest and intentional mindfulness, I believe we can create a better world with reduced domestic violence, increased productivity, and, ultimately, the restoration of peace within the society.

 

As I delved into the topic of "Revisioning Alternative Economy to Neo-Liberal Capitalism in the Context of Ecological and Climate Crisis," I gained a new perspective on how human greed contributes to the destruction of our planet and the over-exploitation of natural resources. Through the lens of Karl Marx’s theory of capitalism, I learned that the economic system is structured in such a way that the means of production (factories, land, machinery, etc.) are privately owned by the capitalist class, while the working class sells their labor for wages. This drive for profit maximization has led to unsustainable practices such as deforestation, overfishing, and mining, with little regard for long-term ecological health. As a result, we face severe pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

While this economic system may appear to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, the ripple effects of its damage extend to society as a whole. Regardless of our social status, we are all affected by the ecological destruction and climate crisis driven by unsustainable economic development.

 

During the "Climate Justice for a Sustainable Planet" session, we explored how anthropocentrism has significantly contributed to climate change by promoting unsustainable practices that prioritize human economic and social interests over ecological well-being. Initially, it may seem that our livelihoods are unaffected by disruptions in atmospheric balance, particularly these changes have ripple effects on animal reproduction, particularly in amphibians that rely on heat for sex determination. An imbalance in the sex ratio of certain animal populations can hinder reproduction, leading to population declines and, in some cases, species extinction.

As I gained more insight, I realized how interconnected human mortality is with the health of the natural world. For instance, global warming of the seas leads to the loss of marine life, directly impacting the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on these resources. Climate change also triggers extreme weather events, such as El Niño, La Niña, and the melting of ice caps, which have far-reaching consequences for human existence. These disruptions affect ecosystems, economies, and human health, leading to food insecurity, water shortages, displacement, and increased mortality. This knowledge has driven the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs to actively advocate for climate change mitigation. They are promoting efforts to reduce carbon footprints and encouraging lifestyle changes among young people through campaigns like Earth Hour and Earth Day. These initiatives are essential steps in combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.

 

On the other hand, I also gained valuable insights into the connection between Youth Empowerment and Meaningful Work, which emphasized the importance of understanding the needs and aspirations of our target participants before engaging them in programs. This gave me a fresh perspective on how we could rebrand YMCA Penang as a platform that helps individuals achieve their dreams and goals by providing opportunities aligned with their interests and motivations, ultimately transforming lives for the better. I learned that the process begins with identifying our target audience, which can be segmented into age groups such as school students, school leavers, young adults, adults, and retirees. Additionally, gaining a deeper understanding of their personalities, such as through tools like the D.O.P.E. personality test, can help me grasp their unique attributes. By tailoring our approach to meet their specific needs, I can then design meaningful experiences that resonate with them and encourage active participation.

Furthermore, connecting participants with prominent brands can elevate their aspirations and help them reach the next level. It is also crucial to address their pain points and create a strategic action framework to effectively tackle their current challenges. Through these initiatives, I strongly believe we can empower individuals to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the society.

 

One of the most impactful insights during my visit to the Orang Asli village in Gopeng was the contrast between the perspectives of urbanites and the indigenous community. Despite living with limited resources and financial means, the Orang Asli are genuinely content with their life. In contrast, I realized that many urbanites, in their pursuit of wealth and material possessions, often lose sight of what truly matters—our well-being, true peace, genuine happiness, health, and spirituality. This stark contrast reflected the message in Luke 12:15: “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

The visit served as a powerful reminder that true fulfilment does not come from material wealth, but from inner contentment and simplicity. The Orang Asli’s lifestyle, which prioritizes ecological sustainability and meets their survival needs through nature, taught me that there is enough on this earth for everyone’s needs, but not for anyone’s greed. I believe there is a need to raise public awareness about preserving indigenous cultures and lifestyles, promoting them as an alternative to urban living, especially in the context of combating the climate crisis. After all, it is everyone’s responsibility to respect and protect mother nature for the well-being of future generations.

 

Lastly, my visit to the Asia Community Service (ACS) Stepping Stone Centre was an unforgettable experience that taught me invaluable lessons about treating individuals with intellectual disabilities with respect and dignity. It emphasized the importance of not underestimating their capabilities or depriving them of the right to make their own decisions by dictating what they should or shouldn’t do. The centre challenged these common misconceptions by showcasing how empowerment and encouragement can unlock the untapped potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities. I witnessed their ability to earn a decent living, express their creative talents, perform simple daily chores, and make independent decisions when provided with opportunities. This experience underscored the transformative power of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and given the chance to grow and thrive. Additionally, I was inspired by the centre’s innovative efforts to support the zero-waste movement. By creatively upcycling waste materials into profit-making products such as soaps and woven fabric handicrafts, the centre not only reduces production costs for fund-raising but also educates the public on the importance of adopting zero-waste practices. This dual-purpose initiative not only sustains the centre’s operations but also contributes to a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment, illustrating the impact of combining social responsibility with environmental consciousness.

 

In conclusion, the Advanced Studies Program was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of YMCA’s core principles and their role in addressing global challenges. The sessions on governance, youth empowerment, interfaith cooperation, and climate justice provided valuable insights into creating inclusive and sustainable programs. It also emphasized environmental responsibility and innovative solutions to ecological issues. Additionally, witnessing the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the simplicity of the Orang Asli community reinforced the power of empowerment, respect, and diversity. These lessons have strengthened my commitment to fostering meaningful change by supporting YMCA’s mission and vision. I am motivated to incorporate these insights into my work, focusing on empowering individuals, safeguarding the environment, and fostering a community rooted in peace and inclusivity.

 

By Wong Pei Wern

Program Coordinator, YMCA Penang Malaysia

Participant of the 40th Advanced Studies Program of APAY

Glorious Golden Jubilee Celebration of YMCA Bangladesh

Last Updated (Friday, 07 February 2025 08:43)

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh has celebrated its founding fifty (50) years of Glorious Golden Jubilee on February 01, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the premises of YMCA International Houser (A project of YMCA Bangladesh, Location: B-2, Jaleswar, PATC, Radio Colony. Savar, Dhaka:1343). At this Main Golden Jubilee Ceremony Secretary General of WAY Mr. Carlos Sanvee Madjri attended as Chief Guest and Most Reverend Archbishop Bijoy N. D’Cruze OMI, Dhaka Archdiocese as Guest of Honor. Cardinal Patrick D’ Rozario CSC, Former Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese, Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY, Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, Former President of APAY and other dignified leaders from Church Congregation and Cooperative Societies have also attended as Special Guests at this auspicious Golden Jubilee event. Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, President of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh chaired the Golden Jubilee Ceremony.

The Chief Guest, Guest of Honor, Special Guests, President & General Secretary of all Local YMCAs were received through a welcome dance by Dhaka Credit Cultural Academy. Following their arrival, all guests took their reserved seats, and the Golden Theme Song, accompanied by a choreographed presentation, was displayed on the LED screen, in addition to the scheduled program. Then the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor unveiled the Golden Jubilee Monument and lighting of 50 candle sticks as a symbol of continuing our beloved organization last fifty years. During the lighting of 50 Candle sticks the new songs written by Mr. Bartolomeo Shaha were played. Finalizing the above-mentioned activities, the ceremony started with an opening devotion led by Deacon Wailes Rangsa, Principal the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh.

 

Madam President, Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, delivered her welcome speech, reflecting on her journey with the YMCA movement, the achievements of YMCA Bangladesh over the past fifty years, and a few key projects that have made a lasting impact on society. The Special guests; Mr. Suren Mondal of Dhaka Christian Bohumukhi Somobay Samity Ltd., Ms. Helena Monisha Sarkar, National General Secretary of Bangladesh YWCA, Deacon Wailes Rangsa, Principal the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh, Mr. Hemonta I Corraya, President of the Christian Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. Dhaka, Mr. Christopher Adhikari, President of National Church Council, Mr. Nirmol Rozario, President of Bangladesh Christian Association, Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, Former President of Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs and Bangladesh YMCA, Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs and Cardinal Patrick D’ Rozario CSC, Former Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese. The video recorded Speech of World Alliance President Ms. Soheila Hayek, President of Indian YMCA and Vice-President of APAY Mr. Vincent George, Hong Kong YMCA General Secretary Mr. Peter Ho, Former Secretary General of WAY Mr. Bartolomeo Shaha were displayed during the celebration ceremony. Guest of Honor Most Reverend Bijoy N D’Cruze OMI Archbishop of Dhaka Arch Diocese unveiled the Souvenir that published on the occasion of Golden Jubilee. The former and current Presidents and the Former and current NGSs of Bangladesh YMCA are offered Golden Jubilee Crests as an acknowledgment and appreciation to their committed services towards the organization and reach this historic milestone. The former and current professionals were also rewarded Golden Jubilee Crest as an acknowledgement of their dedicated services. The President of Bangladesh YMCA Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes requested to offer Golden Jubilee Crest among the Special Guests, Guest of Honor and Special Guests as an appreciation in attending this auspicious ceremony. The Guest of Honor Most Reverend Bijoy N D’ Cruze Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese are request to deliver his speech. His Excellency Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese was appreciated for his thoughtful insights. Honorable Chief Guest of the Golden Jubilee Celebration, Secretary General of World Alliance of YMCAs Mr. Carlos Sanvee Madjri is humbly requested to deliver his speech. Mr. Carlos mentioned that this is his second time visit to Bangladesh. Many visible development changes, huge development in communication and infrastructural, Bangladesh YMCA too. He mentioned as significant achievement of Bangladesh YMCA is in Leadership Development. I and Mr. Nam Boo Won worked closely with Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, Former President of APAY and as Committee Member in WAY and many positive experiences working with Babu. Former Secretary General Mr. Bartolomeo Shaha with whom I worked as a colleague and currently Mr. Duncan Chowdhury, former NGS of Bangladesh YMCA. Bangladesh YMCA undertook lots of youth focus activities to empower the young people. Bangladesh YMCA is one of the few National Movement who reached the highest target of conducting one thousand surveys on online youth meaningful survey 2023 which indicated your connection and works with young people in Bangladesh. Lastly the National General Secretary Mr. Nipun Sangma requested to deliver vote of thanks. Mr. Sangma expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the former and current National Executive Committee for their help, cooperation and guidance. Obviously to the General Secretaries of Local YMCA too who played key role in implementing youth focus projects and activities. He also expressed thanks and gratitude to the Central Committee of Golden Jubilee and five Committee that were formed to make a successful Golden Jubilee Ceremony for their cordial helps and cooperation. Very special thanks and gratitude to all Special Guests, Guest of Honor and Special Guest for giving their kind consent and today’s presence. We gratefully remember the guidance and help of our Madam President Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes. Thanks to our Lord who Love, Care and Guide us every day. The audience to the next program of cultural event. Fellowship dinner was served during the colorful cultural team came from the Local YMCAs.

The Youth & Gender Assembly were integral part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration. The President and General Secretaries, Youth delegates and Delegates of Local YMCAs for the Annual General Meeting attended the Golden Jubilee Ceremony. The National Executive Committee of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh made the decision to arrange 2 days long Youth and Gender Assembly in which 105 delegates from Local YMCAs and others sister organization attended. Locally renowned Resource Persons were requested/invited to facilitated the sessions. The inauguration ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh held on 30th January 2025 at 11:00 AM an continued both session till 1:00 PM on January 31, 2025. It was inaugurated by our honorable President Ms. Marshi Mili Gomes.

 

By Nipun Sangma

National General Secretary

YMCA Bangladesh

Reflection on the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly”

Last Updated (Thursday, 06 February 2025 22:43)

1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly

Repent and Turn to righteousness!

I, Arif Pedro Damanik, had the honor of participating in the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly, held from September 4-8, 2024, on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Participating in the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly has been an eye-opening and transformative experience. What impressed me the most was the depth of discussion around the interconnectedness of climate justice and peacebuilding. For the first time, I realized how deeply climate issues impact not only the environment but also the most vulnerable people in society, and how Christian values call us to act in both realms simultaneously.

One of the most memorable and inspiring moments was on September 7th, when we marched alongside various organizations to promote the importance of protecting nature, particularly the marine environment around Jeju. The march highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the coastal ecosystem, including the protection of coral reefs and marine animals. This experience not only deepened my awareness of environmental issues but also underscored the power of collective action in making a tangible difference. The solidarity among participants, all driven by a shared commitment to God’s creation, was a powerful reminder of our role as stewards of the Earth. Additionally, I gained a new understanding of repentance as it relates to climate justice. The idea that repentance is not merely an individual action but a collective transformation of our communities and society was profound. It gave me a fresh perspective on how we must work together to create systemic changes in how we approach environmental stewardship and justice.

The 4.3 Peace Park visit also had a lasting impact on me, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and peacebuilding in our communities. It made me reflect on how peace and environmental justice are intertwined, and how Christian youth can play a key role in both.

I was also deeply inspired by the solidarity and unity displayed by the Christian youth leaders from across Asia-Pacific. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we all shared a common vision for a better future. This gave me a renewed sense of hope and commitment to continue advocating for climate justice and peace in Indonesia, knowing that I am part of a larger movement of young Christian leaders working toward the same goals.

In sum, this assembly has expanded my understanding of my role as a youth leader in a global context. It taught me that faith-based leadership has the power to address both spiritual and material injustices, and that it is through community transformation that we can create lasting change.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, NCY Korea, and Uni-Y Korea for organizing this incredible assembly. The lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the collective energy generated during this event have inspired me to take these experiences back to Indonesia and apply them to my work with YAM (YMCA AiDS Ministry) Malang. It has strengthened my commitment to advocating for climate justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems.

This assembly reminded me that while the challenges we face are immense, together we can build a future that is just, peaceful, and sustainable.

APAY Honour Society Holds First In-Person Gathering in Sejong city, Korea

Last Updated (Wednesday, 18 December 2024 17:24)

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the first in-person gathering of the APAY Honour Society(AHS) was successfully held in Sejong city, South Korea. This landmark gathering was generously hosted by Sejong YMCA and Mr. Lee Dong-Kyu, one of the AHS members and the founding President of the Sejong YMCA. 33 people including AHS members, their spouse, and Sejong YMCA staff attended. This gathering was especially significant as it was the first time for AHS members to meet face-to-face, following two previous online meetings.

Establishment and Mission of APAY Honour Society

APAY Honour Society(AHS) was formed with a clear and important mission: to support the successful settlement and sustainable operation of APAY Headquarters located on Jeju island in South Korea. Through a combination of financial support and advisory role, AHS is committed to ensuring that APAY headquarters becomes a thriving center for youth engagement, climate justice work, gender justice and ecumenical collaboration across the Asia Pacific region.

A major milestone for AHS came earlier this year, during the Executive Committee Meeting(ECM) in April 2024, when the Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with APAY to formalize a partnership aimed at enhancing APAY’s impact and operational capacity. This collaboration solidified the commitment of AHS members, who include esteemed YMCA and ecumenical leaders and other prominent figures in Korean society, to ensure the success of APAY’s mission. The AHS membership is comprised of 25 prominent leaders with Dr. Ahn Jae-Woong, Chair of Trustees of the NCY-Korea, as the convener of AHS.

Highlights of the Gathering

Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY, shared the updates on APAY’s activities throughout 2024 with Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP), which started the spark for meaningful discussions about specific roles members would play in supporting APAY’s mission and work. With Dr. Ahn Jae-Woong’s convening, the members were actively engaged in sharing proposals and ideas on how best their expertise and resources could be utilized.

The opportunity to finally meet in person after virtual gathering enabled active introduction and fellowship among the AHS members. The joining of 3 new members was celebrated during the gathering with the bestowment of the plaque. The members also participated in an excursion afterwards to the Presidential Archives of South Korea.

The meeting concluded with a sincere expression of gratitude for AHS’s ongoing support and prayers for the work of APAY as well as for the generous hosting of Sejong YMCA. Their dedication and commitment are invaluable in ensuring that APAY remains a beacon of hope for young people in the Asia Pacific region. The continued partnership with AHS is expected to be a cornerstone for APAY’s new headquarters’ successful and sustainable operation in serving its 24 affiliated national movements.

Written by Yura Rhee, Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Admin, APAY