Congratulations, Class of 2022!
On 21 May 2022, East Asia School of Theology’s (EAST) 28th Commencement Service was held at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church (BBTC). We had 17 graduates: 8 Master of Divinity, 4 Master of Arts, 3 Graduate Diploma, and 2 Partners in Ministry. They were from eight nationalities coming from China, Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Singapore. Three graduates were the recipients of the EAST President Leadership Award, Academic Excellence Award, Christian Character Award, and/or Spiritual Multiplier Award.
- Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry: Kim Eun Young, Jasmine Lee, Naw Ka Yoe Paw, Zarni Pyoe Wai Saing, Saw Ta Eh Gay, Yami Asai Shimray, Hannah Zhong
- Master of Divinity in Intercultural Studies: Wong Choong Voon
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies: Chung Soon Young
- Master of Arts in Christian Ministry: Jong Song Young
- Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies: Enkhmunkh Purevdavaa
- Master of Arts in Leadership: Bae Jae Seong
- Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Counselling: Daniel Yoncer
- Graduate Diploma in Christian Ministry (From EAST Extension Centre, New Delhi): Sylvester Lai, Vijay Khokhar
- Partners in Ministry Certificate: Orkhonjiguur Dashdavaa, Park Jihye
The recipients of EAST Awards granted to the graduates of 2022 are as follow.
- President Leadership Award: Wong Choong Voon (Malaysia)
- Academic Excellence Award: Wong Choong (Malaysia)
- Christian Character Award: Saw Ta Eh Gay (Myanmar)
- Spiritual Multiplier Award: Yami Asai Shimray (India)
Dr Ron Watters who was our Commencement Speaker gave all those present seven points to ponder:
- Love God
- Trust God
- Love Others
- Make Reproducing Disciples
- Handle the Scriptures Accordingly
- Walk in the Spirit
- Be Humble
EAST President Rev Dr Chan Chong Hiok also presented a plaque of appreciation to Dr Ron Watters for his invaluable service as the EAST Interim Dean of Academics from 2018 to 2020. There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration with a nearly 300 strong crowd to witness the ceremony. Families of the graduates had flown in from India, Indonesia and Mongolia to witness this occasion. The Myanmar church community strongly supported the three Myanmar graduates with their presence.
For the past two years, the Commencement Service has been a somewhat muted affair due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. We are thankful to God that EAST could hold this year’s Commencement onsite at BBTC which has been a strong ministry partner. EAST is also proud of the 17 graduates who have shown great tenacity, perseverance and faithfulness in completing their studies amidst the challenging times of recent years. We are deeply grateful for all the ministry partners who have strongly supported EAST and the graduates during their studies. We ascribe all glory to God.
Congratulations, Class of 2022!
Photos credit: Dr Lau Ying Kheng & Shannon Chieng