Ecumenical Fellowship Gathering in Seoul, Korea

Attention: open in a new window. Print

Last Updated (Friday, 23 October 2026 15:48)

Ecumenical Fellowship Gathering in Seoul, Korea

On 11 August 2026, APAY and the National Council of YMCAs of Korea co-hosted a special gathering in Seoul to introduce and welcome the incoming General Secretary Mr. Chan Beng Seng to the ecumenical community of Korea, as well as to build the continued fellowship with ecumenical partners in Korea over the transition of APAY General Secretary.

Mr. Chan Beng Seng, from Malaysia, was appointed as the new APAY Secretary General during the APAY Executive Committee Meeting held in Jeju in April 2026. He officially begins his term on 1 September 2026, succeeding Mr. Nam Boo Won, who has served as APAY Secretary General for nearly 11 years.

More than 70 ecumenical partners, friends and colleagues, including Korean YMCA leaders, joined the gathering to celebrate this new chapter for APAY and to express their support for Beng Seng.  The gathering also provided an opportunity to give thanks for the dedicated leadership of Mr. Nam Boo Won. Through prayers, reflections and fellowship, participants celebrated the relationships and shared commitment that continue to strengthen the YMCA movement across the Asia-Pacific region. Rev. Dr. Toshi Yamamoto, President of Japan YMCA and Treasurer of APAY, gave an inspiring and encouraging sermon at the gathering.

Prepared by Yura Rhee, Executive Secretary