EAST’s 31st Commencement: Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Vision

 

On 17 May 2025, East Asia School of Theology (EAST) will celebrate its 31st Commencement Ceremony at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church. This significant milestone will not only mark the graduation of 30 students from eight nations, but also the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) upon Rev Seung-Rock Yoon—a leader whose servant-hearted influence and missionary vision have deeply impacted EAST and the wider Body of Christ.

Celebrating a Vision Fulfilled

The journey of EAST’s Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program began not without challenge. Initial hesitation from senior leadership underscored the weight of launching such an endeavour. Yet, it was through the persistent vision and support of Rev Seung-Rock Yoon, then East Asia Orient Director of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC), that the DMin program took root. His catalytic role—both in challenging the vision and in raising the resources necessary—enabled the launch of the inaugural cohort nearly five years ago.

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Word of Mouth, Internet or Google?

Brandon Chan, 2024 MDiv in Intercultural Studies and Theological Studies; President’s Leadership Award and Academic Excellence Award recipient.

 

It started with a Google Map

Below is the story of how one of our students stumbled upon EAST, took on a visiting class, and how through his journey of faith, he took on leadership role as a Student Council President. In the recent 30th Commencement, he received not just an Academic Excellence Award but also the President’s Leadership Award for being a servant leader during his time at EAST.

A recent survey showed that most students found EAST through “word of mouth”, “internet search” and “EAST website”; 10% came through “others.”

Brandon Chan’s “others” was ‘Google Maps’.

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