The Northern Asia-Pacific Division Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (NSD ASI) convened its 14th convention from September 18 to 20, 2025, at the Church in Mission Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.
More than 60 delegates from eight countries gathered and elected Elder Moon SeungTae (Taereung Church, East Central Korean Conference) as the new president for the 14th term. In his acceptance message, Elder Moon expressed deep humility: “I am truly sorry for not being able to attend in person. When I heard the news of my election as president of NSD ASI, I felt a mix of fear and trembling. I pray that God will grant me wisdom and pour out His special power of the Holy Spirit upon me.”
With this transition, Elder Song JongHyun, who had faithfully led NSD ASI for over 20 years, laid down his long-held responsibility.
This convention carried special significance as it was the first since NSD ASI expanded its membership from four countries—Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Mongolia—to eight. In 2023, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal officially joined, with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal organizing their national ASI chapters for the very first time just prior to this convention.
The convention drew the participation of Kang SoonGi, President of the NSD, and Lee MyunJu, President of the Pakistan Union, as well as mission department directors from the Korean Union Conference and its affiliated conferences, who served as coordinators throughout the sessions.
In his congratulatory message, Pastor Kang emphasized, “ASI is a fellowship of Seventh-day Adventists who live to share Christ in their workplaces and support the mission of the church through their businesses. I hope this convention will strengthen bonds of friendship and provide opportunities to give and receive support in many ways.”
Toshio Shibata, Executive Secretary of the NSD, delivered the opening sermon on the theme “Proclaiming Christ in the Workplace.” He drew lessons from the life of Joseph, who remained faithful even as a slave in Egypt, and from a Japanese businessman who faithfully observed the Sabbath during the pandemic, urging members to embrace the spirit of missionaries in their business endeavors.
The gathering was filled with vibrant energy brought by the new members. Although many delegates were meeting for the first time, they actively visited each other’s tables during mealtimes, shared reports of business and mission initiatives, and explored opportunities for collaboration.
Elder Joseph Wernher Sikorsky Reith, president of Sri Lanka ASI, remarked, “In the past, even if we wanted to support the church, our efforts were scattered and ineffective. Now we will be able to work in a more organized way. I am eager to learn much from this convention.”
Elder Boro Elden, president of Mongolia ASI, also shared good news: “Although I am busy running my own business, from October I will be planting a church in a region where there is no pastor.”
ASI—Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries—is an organization of Adventist lay professionals whose mission is to advance member-operated businesses while partnering with the church to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. Established in 1947 as a department of the General Conference, NSD ASI became an independent entity in 2001, following its separation from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
During the 13th term, NSD ASI officers organized these new chapters and successfully welcomed their representatives to this convention. In addition, the 13th-term leadership developed an online networking initiative called “Marketplace Ministry”, which will be launched on the ASI website in October. The platform will connect Adventist professionals across industries—manufacturing, distribution, travel, and more—allowing them to share expertise, collaborate, and expand both business and mission opportunities.