East Asia

Eric S.Y. SO

I am Eric S.Y. SO, MSocSc (Human Resources), B.D., MTh, and DTh, an ordained minister of the Hong Kong Council of The Church of Christ in China (HKCCCC) which is an Uniting church in Hong Kong.

I have been serving as the General Secretary of HKCCCC since 2005, As well as this, I am also involved in the Christian ecumenical movement in Hong Kong. Currently I am the Chairman of the Hong Kong Christian Council (the Council of the Protestant and Orthodox churches as well as other Christian Organizations of Hong Kong), the Chairman of the Divinity School of Chung Chi College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Christian Service (a Christian Social Service Organization) and a Board Member of the Hong Kong Bible Society.

Regarding previous and present involvement in CWM, I was a trustee of CWM in 2006-2012 and the treasurer in 2009-2012. In 2016 I was appointed by CWM as a member of the Audit Committee for a term of four years. Since I have served in 2006-2012 and now still serving in CWM in different capacities, I am prepared to offer myself to continue to work with the colleagues of the CWM family. I believe that through the experiences I have received in Hong Kong and the active roles I have had in CWM, I can contribute for the future development of CWM.

Jooeun Kim

I am Jooeun Kim (26 years old). I am a church music major and have completed vocal music at PUTS (Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary); choir conducting in graduate school, and organ in conservatory. My goal is to be a church music director. Currently, I work as a music director at an organization that helps vulnerable youths (orphaned teenagers, young adults, and single mothers) and marginalized people in churches with the goal of revitalising their lives with the tools of music.

In 2019, I was a TIM participant and completed a Missionary Diploma at Trinity College in New Zealand. Through the TIM program, I have realised the importance of Empire, as youths it is our duty to have insight and to cry with the marginalized instead of laughing with the powerful, to challenge the empire that lurks around us, to grow up through deep reflection and steady shouting.

My dream has always been to travel the world. I am thankful that throughout my four years of university, I was able to travel abroad every vacation. I think my various overseas experiences, my passion for CWM, my Advocacy for the needy youth, and interest in the marginalized have made me an ideal youth delegate.

I enjoy photography as it's an important time of reflection to record moments, context and thoughts of the moment.

If we work together, I don't think anything is impossible. I want to create a world where everyone is happy, a world where we can laugh and sing together.

Minwoo Oh

Greetings, my name is Minwoo Oh, an ordained pastor from the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK). Currently, I am pursuing Ph.D in Systematic Theology at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, with support from CWM Special Academic Accompaniment Programme (SAAP) from 2019. I believe that as an Asian woman studying in Africa continent would strengthen our relations and deepen our understanding between Asian and African women for future ecumenism.

I have participated in ecumenical training programmes through the PCK and CCA (Christian Conference of Asia) and worked with KIFE (Korean Institution Future for Ecumenism). It is my first time to be a delegate to CWM representing PCK. My church and I expect to genuinely make women solidarity and ecumenical partnership with member churches of this council. In my ecumenical journey, I hope to walk with people who are oppressed by dominant powers and strive with partner churches towards the fullness of life.

During my free time, I prefer to walk in the park and have a cup of coffee or tea under trees. This airy moment refreshes me. May you walk in beauty, God bless you.

Ramthanga

I am Ramthanga, I am married to Zin Mar Oo Lalnuntluangi, we have three children. I am the General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (since April 2019). I graduated from Tahan Theological College with a Bachelor in Theology. I am an ordained minister and have served in several parishes of Phai Synod for 20 years. I was elected Synod Moderator three times in Phai Synod (my mother synod).

Outside of work, I enjoy reading books, gardening, listening to music and watching movies.

I studied M.Min at Trinity Theological College in Singapore in 2008 through a CWM scholarship. I have also attended the Members' Mission Forum (MMF) 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ṭial Ci Thang

I am Ṭial Ci Thang, I am married to Malsawmthangi and have three children. I graduated from Mandalay University and have a Bachelor of Science (Geol).

I am an elder of Immanuel Church, Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. I have served as a secretary in my congregation for six years. I also served as a secretary in the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (2016-2019). Currently, I am a member of Executive Committee and auditor in the General Assembly.

I love playing football and watching premier league and reading as well.

Cherry

I am Pastor Cherry, the first female minister of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM). I'm not yet an ordained minister and I hope that I will be ordained in January, 2021 as I need to complete a final probational exam this year. Prior to my current role as a Pastor under Maturam Synod in PCM, I served as a full-time secretary from 2001-2017.

I graduated with a Bachelor in Theology from Tahan Theological college (TTC) and Academy Integrated Christian Study (AICS) in Aizawl- Mizoram, India.

By the grace of God, I have attended programme meetings about migration/migrant workers in the context of economic Globalization in the Pacific region and Hong Kong. I have also visited New Zealand for a mission partnership between PCM and Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), where I had an opportunity to fellowship, pray and worship.

My interests include reading and gardening.

Van Tha Lian

My name is Mr. Van Tha Lian, I am a youth delegate from Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. I am currently the Youth Secretary for PCM, Hakha Synod as well as Pro. pastor in Hakha Thar church. I do not have any previous involvement in CWM but I am familiar with CWM through my engagement with the PCM General Assembly. I am a good follower and co-worker; during my days as a student I enjoyed being both a team player and a leader.

Let us be united for CWM, for the glory of God.

Choon Pin

My name is Choon Pin and I am married with 2 children. I am the Treasurer of The Presbyterian Church in Singapore. I am also a Trustee and Chairman of the Asset Management Committee.

Prior to my retirement in 2014, I was a Tax Partner with Ernst & Young in Singapore and was specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions and the Financial Services industry.

In addition to my PCS responsibilities, I am helping various Christian Fellowship groups in the marketplace. We meet regularly to encourage each other to be the salt and light in the marketplace and reach out to our friends and colleagues.

I am an Assistant Teaching Leader in the Community Bible Study International program at Katong Presbyterian Church (KPC). I am an Elder at KPC.

Fei Fong Sin, Fion

My name is Fion, Fei Fong Sin, the Senior minister of Holy Grace Presbyterian Church of Singapore.

Currently I am holding the following posts in the Presbyterian Church in Singapore: i. Synod Assistance Stated Clerk. ii. Chairman of Women Council. iii. Committee member of Synod Ministers & Preachers. iv. Acting Chairman of Chinese Presbytery Preachers & Personnel .

I finished my DMin and my convocation will be held on 19th June 2020 at Taiwan Theological College and Seminary in Taiwan.

Teo Yew Tiong

I am Teo Yew Tiong, an ordained pastor of PCS. As a Chinese, we place our last name first, so I am Rev Teo and not Rev Tiong. I came to know CWM back in September 1988 when I attended the CWM Youth Mission Camp in Taiwan. I remember the dates well because that was the time I proposed to my girlfriend Tsai Wen Shih and we got married a year later. We have a daughter and a son.

Before serving as a Pastor, I was an officer at Central Narcotics Bureau, dealing with drug addicts and traffickers. Thereafter, I decided to serve as a full-time Pastor as I felt it was the most effective way to introduce Christ to them.

I studied at Singapore Bible College and graduated with a B.Th. (1989) and M.Div. (2004). In addition, I have a MA of Chinese Language and Literature with Nanjing University, China (2003); my graduation thesis was a study on a Chinese classics Water Margin, the Ancient Edition.

In 1989, I began full-time service as a Preacher with the Mandarin Congregation of Orchard Road Presbyterian which has been my mother church for 30 years. I was ordained in 1997 and became the Senior Minister of the same church in 2009. After 10 years as the Senior Minister I accepted the challenge of becoming the General Secretary of PCS in 2019.

I enjoy watching movies and travelling with my family.

Sarah Phua

Sarah grew up in a pastoral family and has been active in church ministries since young. She graduated with a degree in Education, specialising in music and drama at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Through her tertiary years, she also studied Directing and Jazz at Boston University. She has been serving in the Elders Deacon Board in church for 4 years. She serves mainly in the youth, young adult ministry as a leader, a worship leader and an interpreter. She enjoys using her gifts in the arts to bring people together and has directed 3 musicals.

She has also been serving the community for the past decade as a Boys’ Brigade officer, a volunteer with the Friends of the third age and Geylang East Home.

Since her teenage years, she had been on various mission trips for exposure and also to conduct worship training to Churches in Cambodia and musical training to an orphanage in Myanmar, Lashio.

She is currently a teacher at a local secondary school. She sees this as a Mission field (Missio Dei) where love, care and a listening ear can be given to youths from different backgrounds.

She has attended two CWM conferences as a PCS youth delegate and it has broadened her view on different cultural perspectives and how theology is embedded in it. She hopes to continue listening to the needs of people, reaching out to them through prayer and practical means. All these experiences will in hope be shared with the younger generation through education.

William Lim

I am William Lim, I live in Taipei City with my wife and three children. I have been the Program Secretary for the Church and Society Committee at Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) since 2013. I am leading four ministries, including Justice and Peace, Environmental Sustainability, Disaster Relief, and Community Concern. I have been an ordained pastor for 16 years serving at two local churches in Kaohsiung.

I have attended “The Taichung Commitment of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response” organized by CWM and PCT in 2015. I was also a delegate for AMM in Samoa, 2019.

I am a weekend farmer, I plant corn, guava, lemon grass to name a few. I would like to be a missionary in South East Asia, in particular Vietnam in two years from now.

Jean Chung

My name is Jean Chung (Wen-Chun Chung in Chinese). I live in southern Taiwan (in Tainan City) with my husband and four children. I graduated from Tung-Hai University majoring in social work.

Currently, I am teaching social work at Tainan Theological College; I am also a Ph. D student studying social policy and social work at National Chi-Nan University. I teach courses on the following subjects: Program Design and Evaluation, Social Group Work, Social Case Work, and Social Work Research Methods. In addition, I have served as director in social work organizations that focus on women and community care services for children and adolescents. Though this is the first time that I am involved with the CWM, my work experience and my education share many similarities with issues that CWM deeply cares about.

At my local PCT church, I have served in the following capacities: Deacon of Wanne PCT, President of the women’s fellowship of Wanne PCT, Delegate of The Women’s Ministry Committee of the PCT. These positions suit an outgoing person who has leadership skills, courage to try new ideas, and ability to learn in humility because many of these organizations are well-established and growing and the leader must work within their frameworks and regulations.

My hobbies are cooking, sharing food, and creating useful items from recyclable materials.

Ljavakaw Tjaljimaraw

I am Ljavakaw Tjaljimaraw, a layperson affiliated to the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT). Growing in a non-Christian family and being baptized in my late 20’s, I am the first, and so far the only, Christian in my family. People like me are known as “first-generation Christians” in Taiwan. I am a Ph.D. candidate of politics, conducting my doctoral research on church-state relations and serving as a research fellow of the European Research Center on Contemporary Taiwan (ERCCT), both at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Becoming a member of Taiwan’s second largest aboriginal tribe known as Payuan, I have committed myself – academically, politically, and spiritually – to answer the calling to promote the self-government of the indigenous peoples in Taiwan in particular and globally.

I had attended the first ever CWM joint meeting of Pacific and East Asian Regions in Fiji in October 2018 and served as a resource person to give a talk (https://reurl.cc/z8WqxN) from the perspective of youth in the CWM “Seeing Empire Seminar” of East Asia Region in February 2019. In the aftermath of the latter meeting, INSiGHT interviewed me about the issues of empire (https://reurl.cc/L3A14x).

I was also invited to give a speech on two occasions co-held or sponsored by CWM: one was the youth pre-meeting of the first Taiwan Ecumenical Forum in Hsinchu, Taiwan in November 2018 (https://reurl.cc/1xZRd9) and the other “Meeting of Experts on Empire’s Impact and Mission Response” held in Tokyo, Japan in October 2019 (https://reurl.cc/E7zAW1).

My contact is ljavakaw0520@gmail.com. More works of mine are available here: https://reurl.cc/exLRY7.

Kaleskes Tjagaraus

I am Kaleskes Tjagaraus, a youth delegate from Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT). I am a college student in National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, and my major is English. I am also a passionate and patient teacher in afterschool programs, and I teach English and Mathematics.

My work concept is “No matter what I do, I have to leave no stone unturned and do what I can.” I am responsible and independent, and I am willing to try new things with fearless.

I have attended the Ecumenical Youth Exchange Program (EYEP) from PCT in 2016 and 2018: Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) in 2016 and the Lutheran Church of Hannover Youth Camp in 2018.

PCT was founded in 1951. In recent years, PCT has been committed to the ecumenical programs of the youth. The church makes use of the PCT’s I Love Taiwan (ILT) and Ecumenical Youth Exchange Program as a platform to understand different types of issues.