Annual Report AY2025/26
Renewing programmes, deepening partnerships
Equipping ambassadors for Christ in churches and marketplaces.
25
26
4
Centres of learning, now all in operation
CPS, CSF, CCL and CED — launched from 2024
220+
Trained annually through CPS
Marketplace Christians, pastors, ministry staff and missionaries
35
Graduates in the Class of 2026
Across six certificates, diplomas and degrees
$498,000
Raised for BGST Nexus renovation
Out of a $500,000 target — with thanksgiving to God, we moved in debt-free
Mr Barney Lau
Chairman
01 — Chairman’s message
Renewing programmes through the four centres
Over the last 37 years, BGST has been equipping ambassadors for Christ in both churches and marketplaces. Recognising the growing complexities and challenges in church ministries and marketplace practice, we began our journey of transformation in 2024 to become ‘More than a Seminary’. This saw the launch of 4 centres of learning to design and provide a wider range of training for church ministry and marketplace professionals.
The Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPS) has been BGST’s main channel of equipping our local churches. It has now been redesigned around three key learning pathways: Cultivating Self, Ministering to Others, and Reaching the World. Our primary focus over this last year has been implementing these new pathways well, and integrating the pathways into the new MATIS and MDiv programmes. BGST currently trains more than 220 marketplace Christians, pastors, ministry staff and missionaries annually through CPS. Pray with us that God will grant us wisdom and discernment to implement these pathways faithfully, so that more Christians, churches, and mission fields may be blessed.
The Centre for Spiritual Formation (CSF) was launched with the conviction that Christian discipleship consists of developing two loves: an assurance of Christ’s love for us, which, in turn, motivates us to love our neighbours. CSF’s flagship is the Certificate in Spiritual Accompaniment (CSA) – a 4 months programme designed to equip Christians with the basic skills of journeying with others and helping them to discern God’s love and work in their lives. Our first 2 cohorts have trained 38 graduates who are beginning to see how their learning is impacting the way they lead and guide others at work.
The CSA programme deepened my intimacy with God, helping me recognise my belovedness and understand discernment as a relational journey. I learned to step aside, quiet my own agenda, and become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading—trusting that God is at work as I listen and journey with others.
For God’s kingdom to flourish, we need good servant leaders in both our churches and marketplaces. The goal of the Centre for Christian Leadership (CCL) is to nurture the next generation of servant leaders who will not only exemplify Christ’s love and integrity in their organisations but are capable of leading their teams well. Over the last year, we piloted 2 Purpose Workshops to help young working adults flourish at work and discern their vocation wisely. We also supported a local denomination’s strategic planning by facilitating dialogues between its pastors and its congregations’ board members. Pray with us as we seek to recruit a suitable leader to lead the centre and develop its longer-term strategic goals.
While churches seek to provide holistic discipleship for Christians, this remains a daunting task due to churches’ ever-growing burden of pastoral care and limited resources. BGST believes that we can support our local churches by curating and developing good quality digital videos and learning resources for their small groups. This is the mandate for our Centre for Equipping and Discipleship (CED). To date, we have launched 8 courses ranging from Biblical Interpretation, Prayer to Healing Conversations and Leadership. These are now being pilot tested with 11 partner churches from different denominations. It is our hope that their continued feedback and collaboration will enable BGST to improve our courses and support for local churches.
Finally, I am grateful to report that BGST has completed our relocation to CT Hub in January 2026. The new campus – BGST Nexus – has been purpose built to support the training and production requirements of each of the 4 centres. We look forward to stewarding these facilities well so that BGST can support local churches in their mission of discipling effective ambassadors for Christ in the churches and marketplaces.
Over the past year, the implementation of the 4 centres and the relocation has been a journey of faith where we witnessed God’s gracious and timely provisions! Pray with us that we will steward BGST Nexus well to not only bless our students but also provide hospitality to other parachurches. Pray also for love, wisdom and courage as we continue to develop BGST to become ‘More than a Seminary’. Most importantly, pray that the BGST team may walk with humility, faith, love, and wisdom, persevering with trust in God’s leading as He unfolds the next chapter of this journey.
Dr Lai Pak Wah
Principal
02 — Principal’s message
The answer lies in collaborative partnerships with the body of Christ
Over the last two years, BGST has been undergoing a process of transformation to become ‘More than a Seminary’. To be able to meet and equip Christians where they are, in their diverse contexts and settings as Christ’s ambassadors. This requires BGST to not only redesign how we conduct our postgraduate education but also develop new forms and approaches to training.
This is hardly a walk in the park. Most of our faculty are classically trained theologians, and the school itself was built largely as a postgraduate institution. How then do we then reinvent ourselves to become ‘More than a Seminary’? How can we develop our four centres of learning effectively? The answer lies in collaborative partnerships with the body of Christ. Our faculty must also evolve in the way we educate and develop new pedagogical skills: by becoming curators and facilitators, in addition to theological lecturers.
When the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPS) launched its new programmes in mission studies and Christian ministry, we knew that we do not have sufficient in-house expertise and practical experience in both areas.
In Asia alone, more than 4 billion people have yet to come to faith. To equip Christians to take the gospel worldwide and send missionaries effectively, we engaged Mr Yeoh Seng Eng to design our new missions track to provide a holistic formation programme in theology, spirituality and cultural engagement. An important aspect of this design is our partnership with missions practitioners to teach our missions electives. This begins to integrate academic rigour with practical perspective and wisdom – something we wish our students to demonstrate as well.
BGST has begun to apply this academic + practitioner approach to our Christian ministry pathway as well. 2026 marks the year when Singapore officially becomes a super aged society. Amid global tensions and local insecurities, mental wellness challenges continue to escalate. These, alongside manifold pastoral care needs, mean that our pastors and ministry workers are often stretched beyond their means. BGST’s hope is that we can support churches by equipping Christians who can understand and offer pastoral care alongside and in support of their pastors. This is achieved through our Christian Ministry courses, which equip Christians with foundations for Christian ministry and pastoral care skills in a wide range of issues from family conflicts and sexuality to aging and palliative care.
The same partnership mindset is assumed in our Centre for Spiritual Formation (CSF). Spiritual formation is a long-drawn process where Christians not only learn the principles of formation intellectually but also hone spiritual habits that will cultivate their intimacy with Christ and godly virtues. All these require not only the support of peer learning circles but also the guidance of Spiritual Directors (SDs). Recognising the strategic importance of SDs, BGST has been developing our SD pool since 2024. Over the last year, we grew our team of associate SDs from 5 to 9. We also developed a code of conduct and terms of reference to govern its practice in BGST, which we hope may also contribute to the development of general SD practice in Singapore. We hope to double our SD team over the next four years.
In a similar vein, the Centre for Christian Leadership (CCL) seeks not to develop its ministry by building substantial in-house leadership training expertise. Recognising that God has blessed the Singaporean church with a large number of Christian executive trainers and Organisational Development consultants, we hope instead to develop CCL into a platform where these marketplace Christians can offer their gifts and talents to serve the local churches and Christians.
Likewise, the Centre for Equipping and Discipleship (CED)’s vision of providing a wide range of holistic short digital learning courses for churches can never be achieved on BGST’s own strength. We are working with pastors, theologians, counsellors, marketplace professionals, etc. to curate their collective wisdom so that local churches, no matter how big or small, can access these teachings in their small groups, at their own pace.
Finally, BGST moved into our new location at CT Hub in January 2026. Coined “BGST Nexus”, it is designed to support all 4 centres well. Besides new classrooms for our CPS, BGST Nexus is also equipped with a multi-purpose recording studio for our CED, and Spiritual Direction rooms for CSF. A multi-use community space is also designed for CCL workshops. Our students taking courses for credit finally have a conducive space to study and collaborate, with free access granted by their student cards.
This has been a huge faith journey for us. Thanks to God’s provision and your generous contributions, we are able to move into BGST Nexus debt-free. A total of $498,000 was raised, which covered 98% of the financial top-up that we needed to complete the purchase and renovations. On behalf of the BGST team, we would like to thank all our supporters for your prayers, encouraging words and donations for this project!
As we embark on the next phase of transforming BGST to equip ambassadors for Christ, we seek your prayers for continued humility, love, wisdom and courage to develop new forms of training to serve the church and the marketplace.
03 — Vision, mission and values
Vision
Equipping ambassadors for Christ in churches and marketplaces.
Mission
BGST provides Christian education and equipping to marketplace professionals, ministry leaders, and lay Christians, that emphasise intimacy with Christ, cultural relevance, and thoughtful engagement, delivered through learning that is flexible, integrative and applicable.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
Values — AGAPE
Every BGST student:
04 — Programmes
The four centres of learning
Launched from 2024 as part of BGST’s transformation to become ‘More than a Seminary’.
Centre for Postgraduate Studies
- Streamlined into marketplace, ministry and missions pathways.
- Revamped the Master of Arts in Theology and Integrative Studies (MATIS) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs.
- Increased academic-practitioner collaborations for greater integration and relevance.
Centre for Spiritual Formation
- Designed and launched CSA in AY25S1. To-date, two cohorts have graduated, with 38 graduates trained to accompany others in their workplaces, churches, and communities.
- Developed Terms of Engagement and Code of Conduct to establish ethical and professional standards for Spiritual Direction.
- Introduced Journey Into Belovedness, a 10-week formation journey integrating prayer and spiritual direction to grow in intimacy with God, self-awareness and discernment.
Centre for Christian Leadership
- Conducted 2 Purpose Workshops to help Young Adults transit and flourish in their work and careers.
- Facilitated a Strategic planning workshop between congregation pastors and Board members of a denomination.
- A first run of the Purpose Workshop was piloted in Mar 2026, and subsequently run for the Anglicans in end-April 2026.
Centre for Equipping & Discipleship
- Expanded partner base to 11 churches/parachurches.
- Built in-house portable production capability at BGST Nexus.
05 — The year in retrospect
Students and graduates
Enrolment counts are course sign-ups and may not be unique individuals, as each person may sign up for more than one course. Hover a year to compare it across all three measures.
Courses offered
Academic Units enrolled
Number of unique students
Class of 2026
35 graduates, conferred at the 35th Convocation on 23 May 2026.
35
graduates in total
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
1 graduate
Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies
3 graduates
Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies
5 graduates
Master of Arts in Theology and Integrative Studies
3 graduates
Master of Divinity
2 graduates
Certificate of Spiritual Accompaniment
21 graduates
*cum laude and *magna cum laude denote academic distinction.
Testimonies from graduates
In their own words, from the convocation booklet.
Through this programme, I gained a wider view of how God has worked throughout history to spread His glory, especially through the Christian history modules. I also learned much about reading and interpreting God’s Word through Hermeneutics. The spirituality modules opened my eyes to dimensions of God that were previously unfamiliar to me. They were especially meaningful, as I learned practices such as Lectio Divina and grew in hearing and discerning God’s voice, guided by a spiritual director.
My recent studies in different forms of spirituality have helped me see myself more clearly and identify areas for growth in my spiritual formation. I am especially thankful for courses such as Asian Religions and Christian Perspectives on Culture, which broadened my understanding of how we engage with the world around us. More recently, my class on Spiritual Care and Formation has helped me dive deeper into personal growth.
My studies have shaped me by confronting the gap between what I know, what I preach or teach, and how I live, drawing me into a more integrated life of theology, ministry, and love for God. Many lessons have impacted me, but one recent teaching module stood out. It presented teaching in the church as an act of service, where Scripture, tradition, and the Spirit work together to make truth accessible without oversimplifying it, so the church remains rooted, discerning, and faithful.
Society membership
34
Ordinary members
27
Associate members
61
Total membership
06 — Academic, programme and events
Key events of the year
2025
2026
Photographs from the year
Select an event to view its photograph.
07 — Principal, heads and faculty
Select a name to read the full profile.
Heads
Dr Lai Pak Wah
Principal, Dean & Lecturer
Church History and Marketplace Theology
Pak-Wah is BGST’s Principal, Dean of Centre for Postgraduate Studies, and Lecturer of Church History and Marketplace Theology. He serves as an ex-officio Secretary on BGST’s Council. Previously, Pak-Wah was engaged in investment promotion work with the Singapore Economic Development Board and was a lecturer in Supply Chain Management at Singapore Polytechnic. He is the author of The Dao of Healing: Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine. Pak-Wah completed his MCS and ThM with Regent College, and a PhD with Durham University, UK. He is an Elder at Mount Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church and also a BGST alumnus (GDCS).
Dr Tan Seng Kong
Head, Shared Services & Lecturer
Christian Theology & Spiritual Formation
Seng-Kong heads BGST’s Shared Services. He is our Lecturer in Theology & Christian Spirituality. Previously, Seng-Kong was an architect in both public and private sectors. A graduate from Regent College, Vancouver (MA, Spiritual Theology). Seng-Kong completed his PhD in Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he focused his research on Jonathan Edwards’ doctrine of salvation. He currently worships and serves at Bethel Assembly of God.
Ms Lynn Yong
Head, Administrative Services
Appointed February 2023
Lynn heads BGST’s Administrative Services. She was the co-founder of edConnect Pte Ltd, an integrated early childhood software programme and service provider from 2003 to 2013 before she joined BGST in 2014. Lynn worships at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church, where she has served in the Children’s Ministry for more than 20 years.
Faculty
Dr Lai Pak Wah
Lecturer
Church History and Marketplace Theology
Pak-Wah is BGST’s Principal, Dean of Centre for Postgraduate Studies, and Lecturer of Church History and Marketplace Theology. He serves as an ex-officio Secretary on BGST’s Council. Previously, Pak-Wah was engaged in investment promotion work with the Singapore Economic Development Board and was a lecturer in Supply Chain Management at Singapore Polytechnic. He is the author of The Dao of Healing: Christian Perspectives on Chinese Medicine. Pak-Wah completed his MCS and ThM with Regent College, and a PhD with Durham University, UK. He is an Elder at Mount Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church and also a BGST alumnus (GDCS).
Dr Tan Seng Kong
Lecturer
Christian Theology & Spiritual Formation
Seng-Kong heads BGST’s Shared Services. He is our Lecturer in Theology & Christian Spirituality. Previously, Seng-Kong was an architect in both public and private sectors. A graduate from Regent College, Vancouver (MA, Spiritual Theology). Seng-Kong completed his PhD in Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he focused his research on Jonathan Edwards’ doctrine of salvation. He currently worships and serves at Bethel Assembly of God.
Dr Quek Tze-Ming
Registrar & Lecturer
New Testament and Integrative Studies
Tze-Ming is Registrar, and Lecturer in New Testament and Integrative Studies. Having previously been a lawyer in private practice and a staff worker with the Fellowship of Evangelical Students, he has degrees from Regent College, Vancouver, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. His passion is in teaching the New Testament, with a special research interest in the use of the Old Testament in the New. Tze-Ming serves in the teaching ministry of Zion Bishan Bible Presbyterian Church, as part of a congregational shepherding team.
Rev Dr Lim Kar Yong
Lecturer
New Testament & Learning Journeys
Kar-Yong is Lecturer, New Testament and Learning Journeys. A leading New Testament scholar in Asia, Kar-Yong has led Bible Land Tours for more than a decade. He is a Research Fellow at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) and also an Anglican priest with St Paul’s Church Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Kar-Yong also contributes to the wider Christian community by serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of World Vision Malaysia and a member of the Executive Committee of the Bible Society of Malaysia. He is an author of four books and numerous academic essays, including Following Jesus: An Illustrated Guide to the Places in the Holy Land according to Mark.
Dr Sun Jia Ni
Assistant Lecturer
Old Testament
Jia-Ni is Assistant Lecturer in the Old Testament. Originally from Shanghai, China, she spent nearly 10 years in the US and the UK before moving to Singapore. She holds degrees from Wheaton College (BA), Yale Divinity School (MA), and the University of Oxford (PhD). Jia-Ni enjoys teaching any Old Testament (OT) related courses and is passionate about inspiring her students to develop a love for the OT. She worships and serves in the Children ministry at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church.
Mr Hor Guo Yi
Assistant Lecturer & Manager
Centre for Equipping & Discipleship
Guo-Yi is Assistant Lecturer and Manager of the Centre for Equipping and Discipleship. He is passionate about Christian education and lay equipping, and desires to see every Christian keep taking the next step in their journey of discipleship. He desires to bridge the gap between Christian academia and the church by gleaning from scholarship and transposing those findings in simple ways that help Christians find increasing faithfulness and relevance in the world. Guo Yi graduated from Regent College (MDiv) in 2021. He worships and serves at Covenant Evangelical Free Church.
08 — Council and executive management
Governance
Empowering leadership, inspiring growth. Select a name to read the full profile.
Mr Barney Lau
Chairman appointed 2023
Member appointed 2017
Rev Barney comes with 20 years of corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies, and 15 years of senior leadership with Covenant Evangelical Free Church and the Global Alliance of IDMC. He has served as independent director or as board members of listed, public and private organisations in the finance, healthcare and technology industries. He has an independent leadership, coaching and consulting practice, and is also an associate faculty and coach with global leadership development organisations. He is a certified learning and performance professional under Singapore’s SkillsFuture, and a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. Barney worships at Marine Parade Christian Centre and is a BGST alumnus (MCS).
Ms Dawn Yip
Vice Chairman appointed 2025
Member appointed 2023
Dawn is an independent consultant in organisation development, public participation, and strategic foresight. She has also worked in the Singapore Public Service and as a visiting faculty with the Singapore Management University. She is a Harvard University alumna and a Singapore President’s Scholar. Dawn worships at St John’s – St Margaret’s Church.
Mr Chiang Wen-Wei
Treasurer appointed 2025
Member appointed 2023
Wen-Wei has been a coach, trainer, keynote speaker and consultant since 1997, with clients that include CEOs and COOs from the top 200 largest companies in the world. He is Principal Consultant at ROHEI Learning and Consulting and heads the Training, Consulting and Coaching team in talent development, strategic facilitation, leadership and team development, and culture building. In ministry, Wen-Wei is an Elder and Chairman of his Church Council. He was appointed as a Treasurer in BGST Council in 2025. In personal and family life, Wen-Wei plays classical guitar and is a certified Trampoline Coach with the British Amateur Gymnastics Association. Married for over 27 years, Wen-Wei’s beautiful wife and 3 daughters are his pride, joy, and inspiration.
Mr Brian Chew
Member
Appointed 2021
A banker by profession with 30 years of experience and specialising in risk management, Brian is a BGST alumnus (MCS) and serves as a lay pastor in Church of Our Saviour. He is passionate about the Word and marketplace ministry.
Ms Amy Ang
Member
Appointed 2023
Amy has more than 25 years of Human Resources Management experiences playing leadership, strategic and operations roles in critical aspect of HR including organizational development & change management, talent management, total rewards, people resource planning & acquisition and, shared services & HRIT transformation. She holds a Master Degree in Business Administration. Amy worships at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church and is a BGST alumnus (MATIS).
Mr Ho Wei Hao
Member
Appointed 2023
Wei-Hao was a Social Worker before working in different ministries with the Civil Service. He is now part of the gig economy and involved in a few different vocations concurrently, which includes adjunct lecturing at BGST. One of his current burdens is to help bridge the gap between the different generations in the church and is co-author of the book: “The Generations Project – Bridging Generational Divides in the Singapore Church”. Wei-Hao worships at Katong-Hope Community and is a BGST alumnus (MDiv).
Ms Serene Chee
Member
Appointed 2025
Serene Chee is a finance industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, having held senior roles at JP Morgan, ABN Amro, Coutts, Credit Suisse (Director), and J. Safra Sarasin (Senior Director) across treasury and wealth management. She worships at a Methodist Church, where she has served as Treasurer, Finance Chairperson, Associate Lay Leader, and Chairperson of the Local Church Executive Board, and currently serves as Finance Chair for HealthServe Ltd. A graduate of Tung Ling Bible School’s School of Leadership, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology and Interdisciplinary Studies at BGST, with a mission to integrate vocation with ministry and social justice. She is married and goes on mission trips with her husband. Serene is also a MATIS alumnus (2026).
Dr Lai Pak Wah
Ex-officio Secretary
Since 1 June 2022
Pak-Wah is BGST’s Principal, Dean of Centre for Postgraduate Studies, and Lecturer of Church History and Marketplace Theology. He serves as an ex-officio Secretary on BGST’s Council, with no voting rights.
Board committees
The Council is supported by two standing committees.
GNHRCC
Governance, Nomination and Human Resource Committee
- Ms Amy Ang (Chairperson)
- Ms Dawn Yip
- Mr Tan Lin Teck
FC
Finance Committee
- Chiang Wen-Wei (Chairperson)
- Brian Chew
- Dennis Chua
- Jeremy Gwee
- Serene Chee
- Sherman Chow
Attendance at Council meetings
Five Council meetings were held during the year.
| Name | 12 Jul 2025 | 23 Sep 2025 | 3 Feb 2026 | 24 Mar 2026 | 26 May 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barney Lau | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Chiang Wen-Wei | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dawn Yip | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Brian Chew | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ho Wei Hao | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Amy Ang | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Serene Chee | NA | NA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Present · Absent · NA — not yet appointed
Annual remuneration disclosure
In accordance with the revised Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs dated April 2023, BGST discloses that:
- Board (Council) Members were not involved in setting their own remuneration, directly or indirectly;
- None of the 3 highest paid staff served as a Governing Board (Council) Member;
- The Principal served as ex-officio Secretary of the BGST Council as of 1 June 2022, with no voting rights. This was in accordance with the new approved BGST Constitution dated 12 May 2022.
- 1 paid staff received more than $100,000 in annual remuneration.
- None of its paid staff were involved in setting his / her own remuneration.
09 — Fundraising and development
Building support, advancing our mission
This past year has been a deep reminder of God’s provision and the constant support of our BGST family through a season of big transitions.
At our Annual Luncheon, we took guests on a meaningful journey to look back at BGST’s journey since we first started in 1989. Tracing our history across the years reminded us all of God’s faithfulness in every physical move and season of growth.
Much of our focus this year was on getting our new campus ready. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our fundraising campaign for the BGST Nexus renovation successfully met its goal. While waiting for the renovations to finish, we were immensely grateful to Covenant Evangelical Free Church, who kindly opened their doors and let us use their meeting room as a temporary office so our work could continue.
We officially moved into BGST Nexus in January 2026, followed by a Dedication Service on 14 February 2026 to commit the new space to the Lord.
We are deeply thankful to everyone who prayed, gave, and stood by us during this transition. As we settle into BGST Nexus, we look forward to how God will use this space to equip believers in the years ahead.
$498,000
Raised $498,000 out of a target of $500,000 for the renovation of BGST Nexus. With thanksgiving to God, we moved in debt-free.
98% of the financial top-up needed
To be added
Financial summary from the audited statements for FY2025/26 — income, expenditure and reserves.
10 — Give
Your giving equips the next ambassador for Christ
Every gift supports the training of marketplace Christians, pastors, ministry staff and missionaries through the four centres at BGST Nexus.
Support BGST
Send a gift
Fundraising target for AY2026/27
$1,000,000
In AY2026/27, BGST looks to God’s continued provision as we work towards our fundraising goal of $1 million, which will help sustain the school’s ongoing operations and mission.
11 — Prayer requests for the journey ahead
The next phase of transforming BGST to equip ambassadors for Christ
As we embark on the next phase of transforming BGST to equip ambassadors for Christ, we seek your prayers for continued humility, love, wisdom and courage to develop new forms of training to serve the church and the marketplace.
Dr Lai Pak Wah, Principal
Annual Report AY2025/26
Download the full report as a PDF, including the audited financial statements.