The Asian Academy for Campus Ministry (AACM) 2025, held at Hong Kong Baptist University from April 30 to May 6, brought together 30 educators and campus ministers from 12 countries across Asia. Under the theme “Nurturing Minds, Empowering Lives: Advancing Mental Health and Mentorship in Campus Communities”, the academy focused on equipping participants with new perspectives and practical strategies to support student well-being and holistic development throughout their college education and beyond.

At the opening ceremony on 1 May, presided over by Professor Alexander Wai, president and vice-chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University, Ricky said, “AACM 2025 aims to enhance our understanding of spirituality and mental health, equipping ourselves with theological perspectives and practical insights to foster resilience and well-being on our campuses.”

Throughout the week, participants immersed themselves in keynote sharings, collaborative workshops, and experiential learning. A highlight was the drama therapy session, which proved transformative for many. Inchol Yang, professor and chaplain at Yonsei University, South Korea, was deeply moved by the experience, observing powerful emotional breakthroughs among participants.

He reflected, “We learned that sometimes our language can't adequately express our feelings, but we can understand through body language, natural movements and music.” Inspired by this, Inchol plans to introduce drama therapy techniques into his weekly chapel sessions at Yonsei University, and to consult with drama therapists in Korea to further support students, especially those from international backgrounds.

Soth Sok, dean of education at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), Cambodia, was inspired by the cathartic and self-discovering power of drama therapy. He was equally impressed by the session on youth mental health strategies led by Jonathan Choi, co-president of Youth Global Network, which provided a sobering look at the realities faced by students today. Upon returning to RUPP, Soth plans to introduce a one-credit course on mental health, along with a survey to assess awareness and needs among the faculty and students. Soth is committed to addressing mental health issues while remaining sensitive to cultural stigmas and traditions in Cambodia.

Beyond these personal stories, the academy fostered a vibrant sense of community and cross-border collaboration. Participants shared best practices, developed actionable plans for their home institutions, and engaged in cultural immersion activities across Hong Kong.

AACM 2025 concluded with participants presenting their action plans, demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing new mental health and mentorship initiatives across the region. With renewed inspiration, practical tools, and strengthened networks, AACM participants are poised to create lasting ripple effects, nurturing resilience and compassion on campuses throughout Asia.

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