EAST 34th Anniversary & Launch of 4Twelve Academy

Commemorating EAST’s 34th Anniversary and the Launch of 4Twelve Academy

On the morning of 14 March 2026, East Asia School of Theology (EAST) community gathered on campus for a dual celebration: the school’s 34th anniversary and the soft launch of 4Twelve Academy. We are deeply grateful to our invited guests, ministry supporters, alumni, faculty, staff, and students who joined us for this momentous occasion.

The morning commenced with a time of worship led by Henry, Viron and Xinxian (EAST students), acknowledging the Lord’s hand in bringing our community together. Our President, Rev. Chan Chiong Hiok, delivered an encouraging address, revisiting the calling of EAST. He shared several new initiatives spearheaded by both the school and its alumni—graduates who have embraced the vision of developing Christ-centered leaders for the Great Commission. Currently, EAST operates extension centers in Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. As doors continue to open, we look forward to establishing new centers in Myanmar and Kazakhstan. We took time to pray for our school. Dr Tan Hai Meng, chairman of our Board, prayed for our faculty members and staff – that our Lord will continue to fill them with wisdom and encouragement as they teach and serve the students. Mr Patrick Low, an alumni of EAST, prayed for our students – that our Lord will encourage them in their studies and provide for all that they need.

A hallmark of EAST is our vibrant, multi-cultural community. This was beautifully demonstrated through a song performance by Saifon (a student from Thailand) alongside fellow students from India, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Their collaboration served as a moving reminder of the beauty of believers from diverse nations and languages worshipping together.

Pastor Zhiwen, Strategic Coordinator of Antioch 21, shared an exhortation from Ephesians 4:12. He reminded us that we are God’s gifts to His Church, called to equip others to develop their own gifts for the building up of the Body. He commended EAST for its commitment to being a mission-minded, multi-cultural school focused on holistic maturity. Using personal stories, he emphasized the importance of theological studies and expressed his hope for future partnerships.

The morning also marked the soft launch of 4Twelve Academy, a new initiative of EAST designed to serve the Church by providing ongoing training for laypeople through micro-credentialing. Director Mark Surendran shared the heart and vision behind the academy. Inspired by Ephesians 4:12, the academy’s tagline is “Equip for service, build toward maturity”. Mark also noted that recent survey findings have affirmed the academy’s strategic direction. Associate Director Leong Kwok Wai provided an overview of the academic framework for micro-credential courses, allowing participants to have a better understanding of how micro-credential courses will be accredited and stackable. Pastor Zhiwen led us in prayer for 4Twelve Academy, trusting that the Lord will use this initiative to equip His people.

We ended the morning with a refreshing time of fellowship over lunch. Praise the Lord for this joyous and historic occasion.

The reflection above is written by Lindy Cheong who is the administrator of 4Twelve Academy. She is married to Desmond Teo who is faculty in training at East Asia School of Theology and they have three children.”