“Beyond success is allowing God to lead you further even when the task is completed.” These were the very words of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division President, Pr. Roger Caderma, in his opening remarks, addressed more than 300 Adventist Young Professionals at the very first Division-Wide Young Professional Summit, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23to 26 July 2026, with the theme “Beyond Success: Mission First.” While the Young Professional Ministry is currently in its growth stage, the Malaysia Union Mission Adventist Youth Ministries managed to garner 16 delegates from all missions within its territory to participate in this historic event. Blessed by the devotional messages and plenary sessions, the delegates express their delight in listening to testimonies and encouraging stories from impactful speakers in a united call to be faithful stewards and to take intentional actions on Sabbath keeping.
Speakers from various professional backgrounds presented attendees with a variety of relevant topics and current issues faced by our Adventist Young Professionals in their workplaces, especially Sabbath keeping and work-life balance. Among the presenters was the CEO of Giant Moto Corp, Jonathan Lamorin, who shared his experience on how the Lord led him to build a successful business empire by insisting on keeping the Lord’s Sabbath. MelJune Orillosa, a principal structural engineer at Davao Project Manager Inc., shared how having an uncompromised foundation of faith can lead to greater success in your career, even when the challenges ahead seem impossible. Pr. Ian Felicitas, SSD Field Secretary, spoke about the need to carry an Adventist identity founded and grounded in the word of God if we want to be successful in both our earthly duties and missional responsibilities.
On Sabbath divine worship, Pr. Ron Genebago, Associated Youth Director of the General Conference, encouraged the Young Professionals, in doing their mission, to seek God first and worship him, serve the church in its final mission, and devote means, time, skills, and resources for Jesus. On the last day of the summit, Pr. Heshbon Buscato, the SSD Youth Director, in his morning devotional message, reminded the Young Professionals that the Lord will compensate double the blessings for the ‘trouble’ and struggle faced when placing mission first.
Indeed, there was much to discuss and learn, but time wasn’t permissive. Our delegates, however, provided positive feedback and takeaways from the event. Brother Kenny from Sarawak said that he now understands how to do the Lord’s work in his workplace. Sister Sammy from PEM shared that the message about greatness in faithfulness touched her heart when she was reminded that, in doing great things for God, he will be the one who will be glorified. Sister Alice from Sabah said the event is very relaxing, but packed with inspirational stories and experiences from the presenters.
This might be the first event of its kind, but it will definitely not be the last. The Adventist Young Ministries department, at both the Division and Union levels, is committed to providing a platform for engaging our Adventist Young Professionals in their respective territories. The message is clear and simple: you are not neglected or marginalized in our journey together to the Kingdom of Heaven. The event closed with the prayer that we have opened the opportunity to welcome our Young Professionals to be involved in the ministry and engage in productive dialogue on how we can meet their professional and spiritual needs.
Reported by Farrel Millard Gara, Director, Communication Department, MAUM
10, August 2026, Monday.