Taiwan: Providence University Hosts ASEACCU Conference

The 31st ASEACCU (Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities) Conference opened on August 18, 2025, at Providence University in Taichung, Taiwan.

The theme of this year’s gathering is “Pilgrims of Hope: Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z.”

Held from August 18–21, the conference seeks to explore the spiritual growth and actions of Generation Z within the context of the Catholic faith, according to the organizers.

Following the opening Mass, the first session, “The Crucial Role and Responsibility of Youth in the Changing World”, featured addresses by Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan (University of Saint Joseph, Macao), Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako (Saint Louis University, Philippines), and Prof. Nobuyuki Kanzawa (Sophia University, Japan).

To further highlight the main theme, “Pilgrims of Hope—Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z,” Dr. Lucia Shih-Ling Lin (Providence University, Taiwan) and Dr. Gregory S. Ching (National Chengchi University, Taiwan) presented survey findings on the subject.

Several professors and experts also shared insights on “Experiences and Introspection on Social Participation,” “Higher Education Support for Gen Z’s Actions,” and “Campus Practices for Spiritual Development Education in the Curriculum.”

Panel discussions included “Understanding the Uniqueness of Gen Z,” led by delegates from the Youth Counselor Network of Youth Companions.

Participants included priests, nuns, students, and professors from Catholic colleges and universities across Southeast and East Asia.

The conference emphasizes hope, aligning with the Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by the late Pope Francis.

Generation Z, the demographic cohort following Millennials, refers to those born between 1997 and 2012. Often described as “digital natives” or “born digital,” Gen Z has grown up in a world where smartphones and the internet are ever-present, deeply shaping their worldview and lifestyle.