BBYO Celebrates First-Ever Asia Pacific Regional Convention, Marking a Pivotal Moment of Growth

Teens and community leaders across the continent gathered for a weekend of inspiring programs, friendship-building, and meaningful community moments

Singapore—As the leading pluralistic Jewish teen Movement in 63 countries around the world, BBYO continues to deliver compelling experiences and boundless opportunities to tens of thousands of Jewish teens at a time when they need it most. Continuing its monumental outreach, BBYO further expanded its efforts and reach in Asia with the first-ever Asia Pacific Regional Convention (APRC), which took place from November 9-12, 2023, in Singapore. Welcoming 45 teens and eight community stakeholders from Taipei, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Beijing, the convention brought together an interconnected Jewish teen network across the Asia Pacific Region for a weekend of programming, events, and bonding moments.

“I know it can be challenging to find Jewish connections here in Asia, especially amongst teens, but the BBYO Asia Pacific Regional Convention showed me that it doesn’t have to be as difficult as we think it is,” said Patricia Graboi, N’siah (President) of BBYO Chapter in Singapore. “Building the connections and communities is possible right here in Asia.”

At the inaugural BBYO Asia Pacific Regional Convention, delegates strategized how to strengthen BBYO chapters in their respective communities, learned what it means to be a teen leader, and understood their important role in the Jewish teen diaspora. Simultaneously, community stakeholders, including rabbis from Taipei, Hong Kong, and Singapore, advisors from Mainland China, and board members and parents in Tokyo, created a blueprint for expanding BBYO in Asia, making a unique turning point for the Movement in the region. The convention marked an inflection point for a new generation of young Jewish people in the diaspora that will set new standards for reaching and connecting global Jewry.

“We were thrilled to welcome teen leaders, community professionals, board members, and proud parents from across Asia to further BBYO’s mission to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences,” said Ryan Ladd, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at BBYO. “This historic convention demonstrates our commitment that every Jewish teen, regardless of where they are from or the size of their community, deserves powerful Jewish experiences after their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.”

Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in special BBYO moments, such as an AZA & BBG Traditions Night, ‘Taste of Asia’ Oneg, Jewish exploration electives, and a “You Are So Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” dance party. Conversations were led by BBYO’s teen presidents, TJ Katz, the 99th Grand Aleph Godol of the Aleph Zadik Aleph, and Courtney Saxe, the 79th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah of the B’nai B’rith Girls, marking the first time in BBYO’s history that the international presidents visited BBYO in the Asia Pacific Region.

“It was such an incredible honor to be the first International N’siah to travel to this region,” shared Courtney Saxe, 79th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah (President). “As our Movement continues to expand, I look forward to working closely with these teens to ensure BBYO can thrive in the Asia Pacific Region for years to come.”

While convening in Singapore, convention delegates explored many of the local area's unique offerings, such as:

• A visit to Jewel Changi, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex
• An opportunity to explore the iconic Gardens by the Bay
• An afternoon at Sentosa, an island with panoramic views on the South Coast, to experience HydroDash, Singapore’s floating water park

BBYO Asia dates back to the 1940s when Jews fled Germany during the war and landed in Shanghai, forming the first AZA chapter there. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that BBYO re-launched in the area with a chapter in Shanghai.

The Asia Pacific Regional Convention is another prime example of BBYO’s commitment to ensure Jews everywhere come together and find a common bond of friendship and connectivity. The event is proudly supported by the JDC, the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization that graciously provided a financial gift to ensure the event's success.

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About BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. Since its founding nearly 100 years ago, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO‘s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), have been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are among the most prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries around the world that now approaches its Centennial anniversary. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, a plethora of summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values. For more information on BBYO, please visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”