The 29th Six YMCAs Conference & 80th Anniversary of Taipei YMCA
The 29th Six YMCAs Conference was hosted by the Taipei YMCA from 19 to 21 November. Mr. Johnny Wong, our Acting General Secretary Remark1, led the delegation to actively participate alongside representatives from the Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore, Osaka YMCA, Seoul YMCA, and YMCA of Honolulu. Together, we engaged in thorough discussions on the theme “YMCA Strategy and Organiational Resilience in a Changing World” and shared the latest developments from each YMCA.
We were delighted to welcome keynote speakers Mr. Jamie Bruning-Miles, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, and Mr. Wen-Shyang Hsieh, Vice President of the Board of Taipei YMCA. They shared their insights on how YMCA can continue to make a meaningful impact in our fast-changing world, emphasising the importance of strengthening the bonds between the six YMCAs to champion holistic wellbeing in our communities and build a better future together.
The conference coincided with a major milestone of the 80th anniversary of the Taipei YMCA. To mark the occasion and celebrate with our friends, a number of our leaders travelled to Taiwan on 21 November, including Honorary President Mr. Joshua Yau, Vice President Mr. Philip Poon, Honorary Secretary Mr. Herbert Tsoi and his wife, and Honorary Treasurer Mr. Ronald Yam.They joined our conference delegation for the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Gala Dinner. The visit underscored the deep and enduring friendship between the two YMCAs and our shared commitment to fostering exchange and cooperation for an even greater impact in the future.
After the conference, we were delighted to welcome Mr. Jamie Bruning-Miles and two representatives from YMCA of Greater San Francisco, who visited Hong Kong from 23 to 27 November to explore future collaborations with then Acting General Secretary, Mr. Johnny Wong Remark1. During their stay, they toured several of our key centres, including the Bridges Street Centre, Kornhill Centre, Kowloon Centre, the Kei Yau Integrated Medical Centre, and our social enterprise YM Fleur. Our guests were highly impressed with the breadth of our work – from community service and youth development to our social enterprise initiatives. They expressed a strong desire to expand our cross-regional partnership, enhancing greater resource sharing and professional expertise exchange.
Remark 1: Mr. Johnny Wong will take up the appointment as the General Secretary on 1 January 2026.
Cycling for Love 2026: A charity ride for a greener future. Register now!
Since the 1990s, YMCA has been organising charity cycling fundraisers across Chinese Mainland, giving our members a unique opportunity to connect with local communities while supporting regional development. The upcoming “Cycling for Love 2026” will continue this tradition in the vibrant city of Chengdu, and we invite you to join us in championing green living and low-carbon travel!
On this journey, participants will cycle approximately 100km along Chengdu’s scenic Tianfu Greenway and Wenjiang Beilin Greenway, passing through stunning natural landscapes such as Xinglong Lake and the Wangjiawan Flower Sea. In addition to engaging in cultural exchange with local communities, the tour will also include a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, offering a chance to see these national treasures up close. For those looking for an extra special experience, there’s an optional volunteer programme where you can help prepare food for the pandas!
In celebration of our 125th anniversary next year, the event’s slogan is ” 1 Chengdu · 2 Wheels · 5 Days of Cycling “. This represents a five-day cycling journey connected by two wheels in one city, carrying forward the YMCA’s enduring spirit of care and service. We warmly invite you to register with your friends and family, and join us in spreading love, one pedal at a time!
Date: 6 – 11 April 2026
Location: Chengdu & Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province
Target: YMCA members aged 12 to 70
Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/d6nExS9dRg
Enquiries: 2705 2732
Wang Fuk Court Fire: YMCA Offers Comprehensive and Free Emergency Support
Following the serious fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, on 26 November, our various YMCA departments have united their efforts to provide our utmost support to the affected families during this difficult time. On the night of the fire, our Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village was immediately opened to provide shelter. This temporary accommodation arrangement has since been extended until the end of March 2026, with 120 free places reserved for those affected by the incident. We are also providing free meals, basic daily necessities, first-aid kits, and 24-hour on-site support from our social workers, ensuring that residents have a stable place to stay and can receive immediate emotional support during this transitional period.
In addition, our senior registered Chinese Medicine practitioners have been visiting the campsite to offer residents acupuncture and Tui Na (therapeutic massage) services. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists have also been on-site to help residents with issues such as pain and muscle tension.
Furthermore, our counselling unit is offering free psychological counselling services to support the affected families and members of the public distressed by the news. These in-person sessions are provided by our team of registered social workers and clinical psychologists. We have also set up a 24-hour support hotline, 2898 7802, to provide immediate assistance to anyone emotionally affected by the incident.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made generous donations in support of the affected Tai Po residents. Whether through online appeals or by delivering supplies in person, your kindness and community spirit have given us immense motivation to continue our selfless dedication to serving the community.
Chinese Y.M.C.A Secondary School participates in GEIA International Conference in Brazil
At the end of November, Principal Dr. Frederick Cheung of the Chinese Y.M.C.A Secondary School (CYMCASS) was invited to attend the 12th GEIA Seminar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He served as a keynote speaker, introducing the latest developments in aviation education at the school. Principal Cheung was accompanied by two students, Thomas Lok (S5) and Elena Lau (S3), who participated in the event and had the opportunity to interact with over two hundred aviation experts from North America, Asia, Europe, and Brazil, including air force pilots, PhDs in linguistics, and air traffic management professionals. During the Q&A session, both students demonstrated great confidence, responding promptly and accurately in English to questions from the audience about the school’s AEROSTEM programme philosophy, the aviation subjects they study, and their practical flight training experience. Their performance showcased the professionalism and global perspective of CYMCASS students.
Elena Lau is a cross-boundary student who resides in Chinese Mainland and commutes to Hong Kong for school each day. Despite previously having a weak foundation in English, after three years of dedicated training at our school, she is now able to converse fluently at an international academic conference. Thomas Lok, a local student, has dreamt of flying since childhood. The systematic aviation curriculum and flight training he has received at CYMCASS have not only enriched his learning journey but also enhanced his engagement and personal standards.
This trip was of extraordinary significance for both the school and the two students. It marked a successful step for CYMCASS beyond Asia, connecting us with the global community. Furthermore, CYMCASS is honoured to have been the secondary school delegation from Hong Kong invited to speak at this prestigious seminar of aviation professionals.
"Green in HK" Eco-Market at Wu Kwai Sha draws over 1,000 participants
The “Green in HK” environmental project, organised by our Environmental Working Group, hosted a successful eco-market at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village on 16 November, attracting over a thousand members of the public, all coming together to promote a green lifestyle. The market featured around 40 stalls selling eco-friendly and creative products, and offered a variety of experiences including tree climbing, pot planting, and guided tree walks, allowing participants to experience the beauty of nature first-hand.
Our hostel , The Cityview, also actively supported the event. They set up a stall selling delicious cookies “upcycled” from coffee grounds by their pastry chefs. These treats were presented in exquisite paper bags personally designed by the elderly from our Chai Wan
Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, making the initiative both environmentally friendly and meaningful.
On-site, locally grown roselle tea was served, and various green craft workshops and games were held. These activities provided a relaxed atmosphere for the public to learn about green concepts and work together towards a sustainable future.
Journey to Spain for the Walking Football World Nations Cup 2025: An experience of international exchange and vibrant spirit
Invited by the UK’s Walking Football Association (WFA), our walking football programme sent two teams, a Men’s 60+ and a Women’s 50+, to Spain for the biennial Walking Football World Nations Cup, where they competed against teams from across Europe and beyond.
After four days of intense competition, the men’s team secured a victory and the women’s team scored a goal, delivering an encouraging performance. During the tournament, our teams competed against several national squads and played a friendly match with the UK’s “Kicking Cancer Team”, gaining valuable insight into the global development of Walking Football.
This journey not only helped our players enhance their skills and teamwork but also broadened their international horizons. They experienced first-hand the power of Walking Football to promote physical and mental wellbeing while fostering cross-cultural exchange. Our team members shared that stepping onto the pitch felt like a dream come true. They expressed their gratitude to YMCA and the UK WFA for arranging this opportunity, which allowed them to compete with players from all over the world and forge new friendships. Looking ahead, we remain committed to promoting Walking Football, encouraging older adults and seniors to participate actively, enjoy the sport, and lead healthy and vibrant lives.
Since 2019, the Association has been actively involved in and implemented Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, formulated its corporate development policy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, and promoted sustainable development in Hong Kong in accordance with the “YMCA2030 Vision”. In addition to launching ESG impact reports, the Association is also committed to integrating ESG concepts into its daily operations, and this column aims to regularly share the Association’s trends in the ESG field with members.
A Culture of Peace Campaign– Peace Day Experience
Our Peace Day is held annually on the third Saturday of November. It aims to promote a culture of peace and encourage the community to build harmony through love and inclusivity. This year’s theme – “Weaving Love for Peace” – used the art of knitting as a medium to foster interpersonal peace and integrate love and harmony into daily life. Held on 15 November at our Kowloon Centre, the event attracted numerous families and was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere.
The “Peace Day: An Interpersonal Peace Experience” featured a rich programme of activities, including a weaving workshop for parents, activity booths for children, and a sharing session for parents. These interactive sessions allowed participants to experience the true meaning of peace. The sharing session featured Ms. Jennifer Tam, Director of Chicks, a local brand, alongside Dr. Jim Hui, our Acting Deputy General Secretary, and Ms. Rachel Yu, a Clinical Psychologist from our Counselling Unit. Their discussion centred on the theme “Interpersonal Peace: Beginning with Communication and Understanding” , offering parents inspiration on how to apply love and understanding in their family relationships. Ms. Tam also personally visited a low-income family, putting her care into action and spreading a powerful message of love.
The event not only fostered greater family interaction but also strengthened community bonds. It offered participants a chance to experience the core values of a peaceful culture, joining hands to cultivate a warm and harmonious atmosphere in our community.
As city dwellers who often work overtime and frequently perform repetitive motions, we are more susceptible to joint pain or sports injuries that can affect our quality of life. The Association’s Health Care Professions Department is launching a regular monthly column and publishing short articles about self-care. Topics covered will include arthritis, joint pain and self-healing. For more detailed health-related information, please visit our website: hcp.ymca.org.hk or call 2783 3616for inquiries.
Is Back Pain an Inevitable Part of Aging?
While statistics indicate a higher prevalence of low back pain with advancing age, the link is not absolute. The spine undergoes natural degenerative changes over time, including:
✓ Core muscle weakness leading to reduced structural support
✓ Disc dehydration with diminished height and elasticity
✓ Spinal joint degeneration and bone spur formation
Apart from aging, other risk factors significantly contribute to low back pain: poor posture (slump posture in sitting/ stomach sleeping / lifting heavy objects by bending the trunk), a history of trauma (sprain/ strain/ herniated disc), overweight, and physical inactivity. Therefore, aging itself does not always cause spinal discomfort. What matters is learning how to protect your spine in daily life. Here are some practical tips:
✓ Maintain good posture (sitting, standing, sleeping, and lifting heavy objects)
✓ Do regular spinal strengthening and stretching exercises
✓ Weight control
✓ Stress reduction techniques
Here are the simple exercises for spinal relaxation:
Two-Hand Overhead Reach
- Start with your feet at shoulder width
- Both hands point to the ceiling, palms facing inward, head gently reaching upward, feet firmly on the ground
- Extend your body upward and downward
- Hold for 10-20 seconds, breathing in and out steadily, repeat 3-4 times
Side Reach
- Start with your feet at shoulder width
- Both hands point to the side, palms facing upward
- Try to lengthen your body as if your fingertips reaching sideways and your head reaching further to the ceiling
- Hold for 10-20 seconds, breathing in and out steadily, repeat 3-4 times
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