Our Board
Amy Yong
Board Member
Originally from Malaysia, Amy grew up attending Sunday school and came to a personal faith in Christ at the age of fifteen. During her undergraduate studies, she sensed a strong calling to serve in tertiary student ministry, where she became actively involved in supporting and walking alongside fellow students in their faith journeys.
Amy moved to New Zealand to pursue a PhD in Organisational Psychology—a step that has deepened both her academic and spiritual journey. Her time in New Zealand has been marked by growth, faith, and service. She has served alongside the staff and volunteers of International Student Ministries (ISM) in Hamilton and now continues her involvement with the Wellington group, organising events, building community, and offering pastoral care alongside her professional role.
Akira's journey began in Japan, where he was born into a Shinto family. At the age of 20, he embraced Christianity through a Navigator Bible study. Professionally, Akira possesses a diverse skill set, including experience in sales, customer service, quality control, and marketing. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in TJAFL, and a Master's degree in JS.
Akira became a Navigator worker in Japan before making the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand in 1997. There, he became one of the founding members of ISMNZ and led Japanese ministry teams, serving international students from diverse backgrounds. Akira and his wife Kikuko currently reside in Palmerston North and have a son and two grandchildren.
Akira believes that he can make a meaningful contribution to the ISM Board by improving communication between the Board and staff and providing practical strategies to further the ministry's mission.
Akira Doi
Board Member
Mario is from the Philippines and came to New Zealand in 2001 as a volunteer for ISMNZ. Before coming to New Zealand, Mario was the Executive Officer of REACH, a disciplemaking ministry working in university campuses throughout the Philippines. Mario and his wife Saling have been involved in the national leadership of REACH which was founded by Gene Tabor, the former Philippines National Director of The Navigators. Mario and Saling live in Palmerston North with their daughter and three beautiful grandchildren who have roots from Ngati Porou Iwi.
Mario and Saling have lived in Wellington, Porirua, Hamilton and Palmerston North and ministered to international students whichever city they live in. They have always opened their home to international students so these students can have a 'home away from home' experience.
Mario has served for a time on the ISMNZ board and as the regional leader for the ISMNZ Auckland and Hamilton areas. Mario brings to ISMNZ his knowledge and experiences from the education, health and social services sectors.
Mario Garcia
Board Member