Theme: Empowered

Theme Bible Verse: “God Gives us Spirit of Power and Love” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

Schedule: February 23–March 1, 2025. (The five-day training in Malaysia took place from February 24 to 28.)

This year, the seminar was conducted in parallel with the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) East Asia Area (EAA) meeting, which takes place once every five years. Our foundation’s training was held alongside this event.

The theme of the 2025 seminar was “Empowered.” A total of 26 participants from nine Asian countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Japan (ranging from university students to those in their late 30s) attended the seminar. Additionally, 5 Malaysian volunteers, who had previously joined the AYWLD, were also involved. From Japan, 6 participants were sent. Upon completion of the training, participants will return to their respective countries as leaders, expected to actively engage rather than remain passive throughout the seminar.

This year, participants researched and submitted reports on “social issues” that young women in their countries face and presented their findings during the seminar. Japanese participants presented on “lookism” and “health issues specific to women and their associated taboos.” Participants from other countries presented unique topics, such as “gender disparities in education,” “cults targeting young women,” “domestic violence,” “sexual violence,” and “inequalities in promotion opportunities for women,” using creative methods like skits and poetry readings.

A notable feature of this year’s seminar was the involvement of Alumni (former participants) of the AYWLD, who took on volunteer roles, fully supporting the preparation and teaching of the presentations. Alumni also played key roles in the seminar’s pre-planning, including selecting and negotiating visit locations, creating printed materials and designs, and handling administrative tasks. The involvement of Alumni was an outstanding aspect of this year’s seminar.

As part of the seminar, participants visited non-profit organizations and social welfare facilities addressing social issues.

As of the end of February 2025, approximately 192,800 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia.

At the Learning Center, around 150 children between the ages of 3 and 21 receive education. During their visit, AYWLD 2025 participants organized an exchange program for the children, involving activities like origami and crafts based on Bible stories.

The Malaysian Karen Organization Center also provides various services such as member registration, counseling, vocational training, a dormitory for young graduates, and medical consultations.

Throughout the seminar, various lectures were given, including by Rev. Dr. Yani,  from the Scranton Women’s Leadership Center, on “Women’s Legacy in Mission,” Rev. Dr. Heasun on “Who Are You?” and our Wesley Zaidan’s representative, Rev. Hikari, on “Being A Leader?” These sessions offered valuable opportunities for reflection on how to live one’s life through the lens of Christian teachings and female missionary work.

A session featuring AYWLD Alumni from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia was especially impactful. Six alumni shared how they applied lessons learned from past seminars to their current lives, providing inspiring examples of how the training had shaped their paths.

In addition to the packed schedule, “Fun Time” was incorporated to help participants bond further. They shared talents such as dance and traditional performances, taking turns to display leadership and creativity, creating memorable moments of joy.

The seminar began each day with morning devotion and ended with night prayer. Participants from different countries took turns leading these prayer sessions, fostering spiritual unity. The closing service, held on the final day, marked the culmination of the seminar, as participants, many of whom had just met, gathered for worship, creating a sense of fellowship.

Participants discovered and shared their diverse gifts, from creating presentation slides and singing to playing instruments and speaking confidently in front of others. The seminar was an opportunity to learn the value of offering one’s gifts selflessly.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian Alumni volunteer team, whose contributions were crucial in making this seminar a success. Women who had once participated as attendees have grown over the years into positions of responsibility and played a vital role in supporting this event.