In May, a cohort of students from The Master’s University flew across the Pacific Ocean to participate in TMU’s new Southeast Asia summer immersion program.
For five weeks, these 15 students — joined by several alumni, faculty, and staff members — traveled through Singapore and key Malaysian cities, learning about culture, career, and marketplace missions.
The trip was a historic venture for the University. While study-abroad trips to Italy and Israel are staples of the school calendar, a Southeast Asia program had never taken place. But this year, in partnership with The Master’s Academy International and Malaysian conglomerate YTL Corporation, a new opportunity took shape.
Dr. Mitch Hopewell, TMU’s provost and chief academic officer, said, “We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous partnership and world-class hospitality of our partners, which made this trip not only possible, but an absolute blessing to our students.”
On the trip, students attended industry panels, made field visits, and met with leaders from the finance, technology, and hospitality sectors in Malaysia and Singapore. They engaged with almost a dozen C-level executives, gaining not only unique insider perspectives into Asia, but biblical insights on faithfulness in the workplace.
Throughout the program, students also participated in outreach alongside local ministries — including hosting a week-long VBS for a Singaporean church and gospel outreach at an eldercare facility and a girls’ home. At every opportunity, they were encouraged to evaluate their skills and explore pathways for fruitful careers and ministry in Southeast Asia.
Matthew Radmilovich, one of the student team leaders, said, “One of the most impactful themes for me was the experience of getting to work so closely with so many people from very different backgrounds, but all with the same love for Christ. I truly enjoyed the times of fellowship we shared with these brothers and sisters in Christ.”
TMU continues to deepen these international partnerships and explore opportunities for students to take their biblical training to the ends of the earth.
