41st Advanced Studies Programme

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Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

41st Advanced Studies Programme

26th October to 23rd November 2025

Bali- Indonesia

 

 

Communiqué

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) successfully commenced the 41st Advanced Studies Programme (ASP) in Bali, Indonesia, bringing together YMCA professionals and leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The programme runs from 26th October to 23rd November 2025, offering an immersive formation experience focused on transformative leadership, contextual theology, and mission-driven development focused on the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Redefining Leadership in a Changing World’.

This year’s cohort consists of 13 participants representing the diverse cultural, social, and missional contexts of Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Timor Leste, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and South Korea. The international representation has enriched discussions, strengthened cross-cultural understanding, and fostered a spirit of regional solidarity and mutual learning.

Hosted in Bali, the programme provides participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the YMCA’s mission, explore emerging global and regional issues, and

strengthen leadership capacities in alignment with YMCA Vision 2030 and the Quadrennial Programme Plan (QPP 2024–27).

A key component of this year’s programme is the emphasis on unlearning and steward leadership. Participants are invited to critically examine long-held assumptions, outdated practices, and inherited leadership patterns that may limit growth and innovation. Through guided reflection and shared dialogue, the cohort is learning to embrace unlearning as an essential leadership discipline—one that opens space for new perspectives, responsive thinking, and transformative action. Steward leadership is highlighted as a biblical and ethical framework, reminding leaders that influence is a responsibility entrusted by God and the community. This approach calls for humility, accountability, and a commitment to serve with integrity, justice, and compassion.

Throughout the programme, participants engage in:

  • Faith-rooted reflection and biblical-theological formation
  • Leadership development sessions promoting justice, peace, and inclusive governance
  • Exposure visits highlighting community development practices in Indonesia
  • Learning-focused dialogues on climate justice, gender equity, interfaith cooperation, and geopolitical realities
  • Peer learning, intercultural exchange, and movement strengthening

The ASP continues to serve as APAY’s flagship leadership development initiative, committed to nurturing leaders who champion justice, peace, sustainability, and community well-being in their respective YMCAs and local contexts.

The 41st cohort expresses gratitude to APAY, all partner YMCAs for making this programme possible, and looks forward to applying the learnings in their ongoing service to communities across the region.

Joint Declaration

We, the 13 participants of the 41st Advanced Studies Programme representing nine Asian countries,  commit ourselves to advancing the YMCA mission in Christian Foundation &  principles with integrity, courage, and servant leadership. We pledge to break boundaries, unlearn limiting mindsets, and steward our roles responsibly for the common good. Guided by YMCA Vision 2030, and the Quadrennial Program Plan, we will promote justice, peace, sustainability, and inclusive communities. United as one cohort, we return home ready to lead with purpose and transform our societies.

Communique issued by:


Bangladesh

Mr. Manik Willver D Costa

Hong Kong

Ms. Leung Ki Yan

India

Mr. Sathri Robin Joel Samson

Mr. Ajun Eapen Varughese

Indonesia

Ms. Ni Gusti Putu Sulfia Clarita

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji

Ms. I Gede Jesico Valerius Sasmita

The Philippines

Mr. Christopher L. Cudera

South Korea

Ms. Lee Sang Eun

Taiwan

Ms. Chen Hung Ju

Ms. Li, Yu Chin

Ms. Chen Yen Jung

Timor Leste

Ms. Lourenca Freitas Da Piedade

Vietnam

Ms. Dong Minh Thu

APAY

General Secretary, APAY Nam Boo Won

Executive Secretary and organizer of the 41st ASP, Sunita Suna