| YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & MEANINGFUL WORK | ||
Myanmar YMCA’s Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth (SDSYE) Program The Myanmar YMCA’s Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth (SDSYE) Program successfully held its signature “Adventure Awaits: Horizon Youth Camp” from June 11 to 17, 2025, at the beautiful Chaung Tha Beach in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region. The camp brought together 29 motivated youth from Yangon and Pathein regions for a transformative journey focused on personal growth, soft skills development, and active community engagement. Read more | ||
YMCA of Singapore Releases Music Albums Inspired by Young Speakers on Spotify The YMCA of Singapore has released two new music albums — The YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA) 2024 and Mandarin Speaking Awards (MSA) 2024 — now available for streaming on Spotify. Launched on 26 May 2025, the albums feature songs inspired by the speeches of young participants from the 2024 YMCA PESA and MSA competitions. Read more | ||
Savar YMCA Inter-Church Youth Festival 2025 The Savar YMCA held the Youth Connecting Inter-Church Youth Festival 2025 on June 27, 2025, themed “One Faith, One Hope, One Youth: Empowered to Enlighten.” The event gathered around 140 participants from different churches and Christian organizations, promoting unity, spiritual growth, and active youth engagement in social and faith-based responsibilities. Read more | ||
Peace Workshop – “Voices of Youth for Peace and Dialogue” Peace Workshop – "Voices of Youth for Peace and Dialogue" was held on 1st July 2025 at YMCA Lahore, Pakistan. This youth-led initiative created a powerful platform to reflect on the value of peace, understanding, and dialogue. Read more | ||
Youth Empowerment in Action: The Impact of YMCA Overseas Service Trips I believe that the program is more than just a one-time activity; it has the potential to change the lives of youth and local participants. The Overseas Service Trip is a meaningful and transformative experience for both young people and the participating YMCAs. It provides youth with the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, and engage in profound reflection on the meaning of service, says Chan Pak Wai . Read more | ||
Kaligram YMCA Career Guidance Workshop-Youth Inspired to Dream Big The Kaligram YMCA echoed with enthusiasm, hope, and purpose as it hosted a vibrant and impactful Career Guidance Workshop for post-SSC students on June 24, 2025. Organized under the powerful theme “Dream Big, Set Goals, Build Your Own Path,” the event aimed to equip young minds with the tools, confidence, and direction needed to pursue fulfilling career journeys in an ever-evolving world. Read more | ||
“LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark.” - Youth Meet & Orientation Program of YMCA Cuttack YMCA Cuttack organized a Youth Meet & Orientation Program on July 24, 2025. . A total of 21 youths, alongside several elders, attended this inspiring gathering, making it a valuable experience for all involved. The theme of the program was “LEAD THE WAY - Youth Empowerment and Skills Spark.” The main objective of the program was to “Create awareness among the Youths about YMCA programs and activities and their active participation”. Read more | ||
Youth Engagement in Advancing Good Governance – Reflection from an ECM Youth Delegate I attended the APAY ECM in Penang, Malaysia from 4-7 April 2025. For me as a youth delegate, it was not only my first ECM but also my first time dealing with governance on a regional level of the whole YMCA movement, said Dong Minh Thu. Read more | ||
Share Your Voice with WhyNot WhyNot is a platform that amplifies the unfiltered thoughts, ideas, and stories of young people — wherever they are. If you’re aged 18–30 and have something to say through writing, art, video, or audio, WhyNot is your space to be heard. Published submissions are paid up to $250 AUD, and WhyNot always looking for fresh perspectives on everything from identity and climate to cost of living and wellbeing. Submit your story or explore more at: www.whynot.org.au | ||
| SUSTAINABLE PLANET | ||
“Hope and Growth” - Youth-Led Climate Solution Project 2025 by YMCA Sri Lanka The Hope & Growth Project – 1000 Moringa Tree Distribution and Planting Program was successfully held on 22nd July 2025 at the Youth Training Centre in Pranthan, Sri Lanka, as part of the APAY Youth-Led Climate Solution Project 2025. Read more | ||
| JUST WORLD | ||
A Briefing Session on Palestine Today Conducted by NCY and YMCA Japan On 7 July, a briefing session titled 'What is Happening in Palestine Today?' was held in Tokyo. The event featured Peter Nasir, General Secretary of the East Jerusalem YMCA (Palestine). The event was organized by NCYJ and the YWCA Japan. Read more | ||
Faith and Justice in the Face of Right-Wing Extremism: An International Ecumenical Forum The International Ecumenical Forum was held from June 30 to July 1, 2025 under the theme: “The Rise of Right-Wing Extremism and the Response of the Global Ecumenical Community”. Co-hosted by the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and Christian Institute for the Study of Justice and Development, the forum brought together 70 scholars, theologians, faith leaders, and youth joined the forum. Read more | ||
Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025. Read more | ||
| COMMUNITY WELLBEING | ||
YMCA Inclusive Camp 2025: Fostering Empathy, Unity, and Inclusivity Across Cultures and Abilities From 30 June to 4 July 2025, YMCA of Singapore organised the YMCA Inclusive Camp 2025 — a vibrant intercultural gathering of youths aimed at fostering empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. The camp, held at YMCA of Singapore and Sarimbun Scout Campsite, brought together youths living with autism and intellectual disabilities and youth volunteers and leaders from YMCA of Shanghai, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA of Makati and YMCA of Singapore. Read more | ||
Myanmar YMCA Responds to Mandalay Earthquake with Urgent Emergency Relief In response to the earthquake crisis, the National Council of YMCAs in Myanmar, in partnership with Danish Church Aid (DCA) and with the coordination of Mandalay YMCA on the ground, launched a comprehensive emergency relief operation. Read more | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA Hotel Network Conference 2025 After a 26-year hiatus, the APAY Hotel Network Conference was joyfully reconvened from 23 to 25 July 2025 at YMCA Kuala Lumpur. The last gathering was held in 1999. This year’s conference, themed “Building a Legacy of Impact,” brought together YMCA hospitality leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to reignite the mission of Christian hospitality. Read more | ||
Taichung YMCA Visit to Sri Lanka From July 4th to 12th, 2025, a dynamic 12-member youth team from Taichung YMCA, Taiwan visited Sri Lanka for an international community service program, warmly hosted by Pamunugama and Kandy YMCAs. Read more | ||
Unity Through Sport: Chittagong YMCA’s Football Match Inspires Community and Youth This friendly football match was far more than a recreational event. It was a concrete realization of YMCA’s Vision 2030, illustrating how sport can transform individual lives and strengthen the social fabric. It fostered community well-being through physical health, emotional satisfaction, and social unity. Read more | ||
| MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING | ||
YMCA Vietnam Partner Support Group Meeting The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs Partner Support Group (PSG) Meeting for the YMCA Vietnam was held on 20-23 July in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The meeting was organized as part of the continued efforts to strengthen the YMCA Vietnam. It specifically aims to provide a platform for the stakeholders to understand and adopt the regional and world YMCA MS vision, goal and process on movement strengthening. Read more | ||
YMCA Timor Leste Collaborates with Various Institutions for Growth, Development and Sustainability The YMCA training program aims to humanize individuals by providing foundational training that enhances their skills and capabilities, in line with the mission of YMCA Timor-Leste. This training focuses on serving and maintaining sustainable practices, contributing to the development of a better life by Christian principles that nurture the spirit, mind, and body. Read more | ||
| CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | ||
Overcoming Monopolistic Privatization and Restoring Kenotic Interdependence through Healing and Reconciliation A Contextual Bible Study on Restoring Peace with Justice Amidst Conflict and War by Rev. Dr. Lee Hong-Jung | ||
| Rev. Dr. Lee Heung Jong is a respected retired pastor known for his contributions to ministry and ecumenical leadership. He served in the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) and held key roles such as Executive Secretary at the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and General Secretary for both the PCK and the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK). He is currently on the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). Rev. Lee is a dedicated advocate for justice and development. He presented this Biblical Theological Reflection at the 40th Advanced Studies Program of Asia Pacific YMCA from November 1-30, 2024. Read more | ||
2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference - 'Through Christ the Door' The Asia YMCA Mission Network (AYMN) will hold its 2nd Asia YMCA Mission Conference on November 21-24, 2025, in Hong Kong. The event is hosted by the YMCA of Hong Kong. Inspired by the Bible verse John 10:9: ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture., The gathering will focus on the theme, “Through Christ the Door”. Read more | ||
| REFLECTION AND INSIGHTS FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS | ||
Reflections and Insights from Maricel M. Taguba, Participant of the 40th Advanced Studies Program Hearing about the rich history, mission, vision, and programs of different YMCAs gave me a deeper understanding of how diverse and innovative the YMCAs are, as well as the people involved in them. I realized that after a century of service, YMCAs have contributed to the development of youth and communities, all while staying aligned with the core values of the YMCA. Says Mricel M. Taguba. Read more | ||
| ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
‘Early Bird’ registration opens! Click here to know more about the upcoming YMCA World Council | ||
| Save the Dates! | ||
Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025 Photo credit: UN Global Goals | ||
Youth Transformation Program of APAY will be organized in collaboration with the Climate Defenders Project in Manila, Philippines, from October 13-18, 2025 | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA’s 41st Advanced Studies Program Heads to Bali, Indonesia from Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2025 | ||
An unexpected fire broke out at the
YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!
