CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
For Northbound 2026, we’ve brought together a diverse group of leaders, mentors, and practitioners who are deeply invested in the next generation. Each speaker brings real-life experience from campus, church, and community, addressing faith, identity, leadership, and mission in ways that are honest, grounded, and relevant. Together, they will challenge, equip, and encourage students to rise with clarity, courage, and purpose as they step into their roles in bringing revival to their campuses.
CAMPUS VISION CONFERENCE: NORTHBOUND
3 to 6 March 2026
Rev Sam Surendran
Theme Speaker
1. FAITH OVER FEAR
2. CAMPUS DISCIPLESHIP
Rev Sam Surendran is a highly respected and seasoned leader with 33 years of ministry experience, widely known for raising the next generation with clarity, courage, and conviction. He pioneered EPCC from 3 people to over 1,600, a compelling testimony of vision and faith over fear. A trusted pastor, author, and mentor, he speaks with authority and cultural relevance that connects deeply with Gen Z. His messages call students to renew their minds, live fully surrendered lives, and move boldly in obedience to Christ- challenging them to see their campus as God’s mission field and their season now as preparation to win the world tomorrow.
Dr Herbert Tan
Theme Speaker
THRIVING WITH RELATIONSHIP
& EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Dr Herbert Tan is the National Director of Family Ministries Malaysia, passionately equipping young adults to thrive emotionally, relationally, and spiritually in today’s high-pressure world. Holding a PhD in Christian Education, he brings deep insight into identity formation, healing from past brokenness, and building healthy relationships—issues highly relevant to Gen Z as they navigate family background, expectations, and life transitions. Together with his wife, Ling Ming, he mentors young adults and couples toward emotional resilience and Christ-centred wholeness. As a parent journeying with two young adults living out their God-given callings, Dr Herbert speaks with authenticity and wisdom—offering a grounded, hope-filled perspective that helps students flourish in relationships and emotional health through God’s truth.
Pastor Simon Sumping Gawan
Workshop Speaker
STANDING FIRM WITH CONVICTION AND CLARITY
Originally from Sarikei, Sarawak, Pastor Simon serves as an Associate Lecturer (cum Assistant Dean) and Registrar for the Bahasa Melayu Program at Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS), Pulau Pinang. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Divinity, and is currently completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D). Passionate about training believers in the Word of God, he is deeply committed to strengthening the faith of young Christian leaders through theological education and leadership development, equipping them to stand firm in Christ with conviction and clarity through apologetics.
Albert Kuin
Workshop Speaker
SHAPING THE WORLDVIEW OF DIGITAL GENERATION
For over 20 years, Albert Kuin has faithfully journeyed with campus youths, passionately discipling and mentoring young leaders, particularly within Bahasa-speaking communities. Deeply rooted in the mission of building Christ-likeness and multiplying leaders through intentional discipleship, Albert focuses on helping the digital generation develop a biblical worldview that shapes how they think, engage culture, and live out their faith. He believes that when grounded in truth, today’s young leaders can influence lives, communities, and future generations with clarity and conviction.
PRE-MISSION CONFERENCE
23 to 25 February 2026
Phang Sin Nan
Pre-conference Speaker
PRE-MISSION CONFERENCE
(23-25 FEBRUARY)
Highly respected educator and Christ Ambassador. A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) alumnus, he served for nearly three decades as a Physics teacher in government schools across Sarawak and was promoted to Guru Cemerlang Fizik Gred Khas C in 2006. In 2022, he was honoured as “Tokoh Guru Negeri Sarawak 2022” by Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg. Passionate about reaching young people with the Good News, he is blessed with two children and four grandsons.
ORGANISING TEAM
Calvin Choong
Next Gen Project Founder
Over 30 years of hands-on experience journeying with young people, Calvin is passionate about reaching university students, mentoring young leaders, and helping them discover God’s calling for their lives. In 2017, he witnessed God move powerfully among students and started the Next Gen Project—beginning in Sarawak, expanding to Peninsular Indigenous communities, and this year mobilizing campus students to conquer campuses across the Northern region—driven by one heartbeat: raising the next generation to live out God’s mission boldly.
Yong Yen Ping
Advisor
Yen Ping is a trusted leader in campus development, journeying closely with university students as they grow in character, clarity, and purpose. Passionate about holistic mentoring, she empowers young people to align their thinking, values, and life mission—raising leaders who create meaningful impact. As an Advisor, she oversees the direction and content of all teaching, ensuring every participant captures the greater vision. Driven by a deep belief in investing in people, Yen Ping walks with individuals through every season of growth, empowering them to step into their full potential and multiply positive impact.
Challven Japirin
Project Director
Driven by vision and obedience to God’s call, Challven Japirin is a next-generation leader passionate about seeing campuses transformed in his generation. A Computer Science graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia, he has applied a strategic, systems-driven approach to the Next Gen Project since his first year, leveraging innovation and intentional design to accelerate gospel impact. Having walked closely with students over the years, he continues to shape young leaders through discipleship and hands-on ministry. Now serving as Project Director of NextGen 2026: Conquer the North, Challven is committed to raising and mobilising Christ-centred leaders to take the campus, influence culture, and advance God’s mission in his generation.
Vice Project Director
Jocelyn AK John
Jocelyn AK John sees music as a calling to serve, lead, and inspire the next generation. Committed to the Next Gen Project since her first year on campus, she creates safe and joyful spaces where young people grow in faith, confidence, and leadership through music, worship, and community, walking faithfully with them as they rise together in Christ.
Vice Project Director
Veralin
A Social Sciences graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Veralin brings a deep understanding of people, society, and culture into her leadership and ministry. Entering university during the Covid season became a defining chapter where uncertainty turned into spiritual formation, as God met her through a Christ-centred caring community rooted in missions and discipleship. Grounded in the conviction of being blessed to be a blessing, she is passionate about seeing lives transformed at both a personal and generational level—aligning her academic training in social realities with a Gospel-centred mission. As Vice Project Director of NextGen Project, Veralin serves with clarity, compassion, and conviction, committed to raising a generation that knows God, lives in obedience, and walks in full surrender wherever Christ leads.