Thirteen creative teams of students and professionals gathered on October 2 for the launch of the Idea-thon, a technology and innovation challenge designed to inspire “digital-first” solutions to advance the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Hosted by Ryan Micua, Renee Mwamakamba, and Joven Agno of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division Information Technology Department, the event opened with the theme “Think Big for Mission.” The launch highlighted the Church’s expanding presence in an increasingly connected digital world and invited participants to view technology not as an end in itself but as a powerful instrument to advance the mission.
Ben Thomas, director of technology, operations, and strategy for the South Pacific Division (SPD), set the tone for the event by reminding participants that technology is not the end goal but a means to fulfill the mission. In his keynote address, Thomas urged the teams to stay focused on the true purpose of their innovations—the advancement of God’s work. He encouraged them to think big and embrace the power of vision, to pursue projects that make a lasting impact, and to value collaboration as a key to creativity and effectiveness. He also reminded the participants that the greatest satisfaction in innovation comes when outcomes inspire others to join the mission.
To motivate engagement, the organizers reminded participants about winning exclusive Adventist tech merchandise. Each team was also tasked to develop a visual prototype and deliver a project pitch, combining creativity and practical design.
Teams Across Southern Asia-Pacific
The Idea-ton brought together 13 dynamic teams representing Adventist organization and institutions from across the Southern Asia-Pacific region, each eager to present innovative digital concepts for mission. Among them were the HALE (Holistic Adventist Life Enrichment) team from Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), the Three Wise Men with their project Adventlume from AIIAS, and DavarSys, also from AIIAS. HopeLink representing the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission, while Mission Possible came from the Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences - ACNHS in Penang, Malaysia. Other creative teams included Disciple.io, AIedX from the Philippine Publishing House, Mind Manna from AIIAS Academy, and Project Peter, another group from AIIAS. Completing the roster were DscplrTech from the Central Luzon Provinces Mission, Team Veritas from South Philippine Adventist College, Team MYUM Ideation in Myanmar, and Two Beacons from the Central Luzon Conference.
Each group showcased unique ideas that harnessed digital technology to strengthen evangelism, discipleship, education, and community engagement—demonstrating how innovation can powerfully complement the mission of sharing hope in the digital age.
Innovation with a Purpose
The Idea-thon embodies the Adventist Church’s broader mission to integrate faith and innovation. By equipping young innovators to think critically and creatively, the event encourages them to see technology as a tool to share the message of hope in Jesus with the digital generation.
As the Idea-ton progresses, participants will continue refining their projects toward implementation, demonstrating that when technology and mission unite under a shared vision, the result can be both transformative and Christ-centered.