Leaders From 15 Adventist Health-Care Institutions Meet in South Korea

The 2025 Adventist Health Care Association (AHCA) Presidents’ Council was held at the Fairfield Marriott Songdo Beach in Busan, South Korea, from September 29 to October 1. More than 80 representatives from 15 medical institutions under the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) participated in the gathering.

Toshihiro Nishino, AHCA president, opened the meeting by welcoming the delegates. “With the recent addition of four new countries to the NSD, AHCA has expanded, and we now have more representatives and attendees. Let us take full advantage of this opportunity for greater communication, fellowship, and information sharing,” he said.

Reports were presented from 14 hospitals and institutions, beginning with Karachi Adventist Hospital and concluding with Yeosu Newstart Hospital. Each institution shared its annual achievements and mission reports. A major agenda item was the decision to reappoint Toshihiro Nishino as AHCA president for 2026 and to confirm Alex Lan, CEO of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, for another term as secretary and treasurer for AHCA. In addition, new steering committee members were elected from the four recently added countries. It was also confirmed that next year’s AHCA meeting will be hosted by Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.

Guest speaker Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, Health Ministries director of the General Conference, delivered a lecture entitled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in Adventist Hospitals.” He highlighted the influence of AI on daily life and explained its growing role in health-care systems. Emphasizing the importance of technological integration, he stated, “To achieve sustainable innovation in twenty-first-century health care, it is essential to strategically incorporate AI and robotics.”

Soon Gi Kang, NSD president, also attended the meeting and shared a spiritual message under the title “Arise, Shine,” based on Isaiah 60:1. He emphasized, “[God] wants to use His church as a special agent of healing. We must receive God’s light and share that light with the world. As God’s ambassadors, we must reveal His will.” He then concluded with a benediction, saying, “We hope to give glory to God through our ministry and service. Please use us as the Lord’s agent and instrument to bring light to people.”

On the second day, participants visited several hospitals, including Busan Adventist Hospital, Pusan National University Hospital, and Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital. They were given guided tours, engaged in question-and-answer sessions, and exchanged insights on medical technologies and health-care practices. One participant shared, “The medical standards and services of Korean hospitals, including Busan Adventist Hospital, are truly impressive. We hope to strengthen cooperation with them for a more effective medical mission.”

On the final day, participants concluded their time together with a cultural tour of Busan, enjoying fellowship while experiencing the city’s rich heritage and coastal beauty. The three-day gathering not only provided opportunities for reports and discussions but also strengthened bonds of friendship and mission among the representatives, organizers said. “As the council ended, participants returned to their respective institutions with renewed vision, inspired to continue advancing Adventist health care as a ministry of healing and hope,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.