JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — Over 400 professionals, church leaders, and delegates gather Thursday at the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel for the opening of the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Asia-Pacific Convention 2026.
Of the 431 delegates, 91 come from the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), which is the second-largest delegation after the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission, which sent 103 delegates.
Carrying the theme “Faith at Work: United in Mission – Discipleship on Purpose,” the four-day event runs from August 27 to 30.
The convention aims to reiterate ASI’s mission to inspire, train, and encourage Adventist laypeople—including business owners, professionals, and private sector workers—to integrate their daily vocations with Christian ministry.
Guided by the core belief that professional careers and businesses can serve as active tools to advance the gospel, members operate under the motto “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace”.
ASI also supports the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global mission and outreach programs, including health, education, evangelism, and community service.
Opening Ceremonies and Highlights
Opening day began with an afternoon program themed “The Foundation of Purpose.” Radjeep Takeuchi of the Thailand Mission served as the event emcee, facilitating the colorful ‘Parade of Unions,’ which showcases respective cultural attire and flags.
Key institutional leaders delivered opening remarks, including Dr. Guntur Siboro, Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) ASI president, who presented the presidential address during the afternoon session.
Pastor Roger Caderma, SSD president, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of elite evangelism, discipleship, and unity of mission.
The first business session followed, focusing on “The Sanitarium Model in the Modern Office: Making Wellness Your Business Advantage”. Dr. Monet St. Juste, the co-founder of Eden Lifestyle in New York, delved into the subject, earning the delegates’ full attention.
Before he took the stage, the Malaysia/Singapore Conference delivered a cultural presentation, giving delegates a brief glimpse into the countries’ arts and cultural heritage.
The opening salvo closed with an evening devotional, featuring Pastor Miguel Patino Hernandez, associate director for the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries of the global church, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists.
He spoke about “Boardroom Altars: Surrendering the Ledger Before the Launch,” which centers on integrating Christian faith and ethics into corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.
He explored several core themes, beginning with an ethical and spiritual foundation that involves dedicating business ventures, financial ledgers, and strategic launches to God before executing corporate plans.
“The boardroom should be a place of ministry where professional decisions honor God and serve employees, clients, and communities,” Hernandez emphasized.
Upcoming Convention Schedule
The multi-day program continues through Saturday, featuring marketplace ministry tracks, business sessions, and breakout groups spanning various professional sectors, including healthcare, education, media, and corporate development.
Major events in the coming days include presidential reports, Sabbath worship services, and a closing commitment ceremony scheduled for late Saturday afternoon before the convention concludes.
In a private interview, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barizo Jr., ECPUC first president, expressed deep appreciation for the laypeople and professionals dedicated to marketplace ministry. He specifically commended participants for their commitment to supporting the movement by traveling long distances to attend the convention.
“May God bless and equip you more powerfully as you continue spreading the message on your challenging platforms.”
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications