Ellen G. White Research Center Opens Its Doors at AIU

History was made at Asia-Pacific International University (AIU) on February 21, 2025, as the Ellen G. White Research Center celebrated its grand opening. Over 100 people gathered to witness this significant event, a collaborative effort between AIU, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), and the Ellen G. White Estate, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

At the 3rd floor of the AIU Library, the center welcomed students, staff, and faculty, alongside distinguished guests from different parts of the world. Representatives from the General Conference (GC) in the US, Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) in the Philippines, and Union leaders from SEUM (Thailand), MAUM (Malaysia), MYUM (Myanmar), and various Mission administrators joined the celebration. What brought everyone together? The official Recognition and Inauguration of the Ellen G. White Research Center.

Dr. Surachet Insom and Pastor Victor Bejota started the program with a warm welcome and an opening song, setting a tone of joyful reverence.
Pr. Somchai Chuenjit, President of the Southeastern Asia Union Mission, formally welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the significance of the center’s establishment. Then, Pr. Mahaingam Varah, Director of the Ellen G. White Research Center, provided a brief overview of the center’s mission and resources, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting the prophetic voice of Ellen G. White.

Dr. Merlin D. Burt, Director of the Ellen G. White Estate, GC, delivered an inspiring keynote address in which he passionately discussed the importance of the Spirit of Prophecy and the need to preserve this prophetic voice for generations to come. “We are to be custodians of the Lord’s will and Revelation in these last days,” he remarked, emphasizing the center’s role in this mission. His words resonated deeply with the audience, setting an inspiring tone for the day’s proceedings.

“We are to be custodians of the Lord’s will and Revelation in these last days,”

A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by key leaders including Dr. Jarurat Sriratanaprapat, Pr. Somchai Chuenjit, Prof. Dr. Merlin D. Burt, and Pr. Roger Caderma highlighted the center’s opening. The unveiling was also conducted by Dr. Tim Poirier, Pr. Bryan Tolentino, Mr. Atikom Sriratanaprapat, Dr. Donny Chrissutianto, and Pr. Abel Bana, Pr. Alvin Po Po Hla, Pr. Niratisai Aipan, and Pr. Mahaingam Varah, marking the formal opening of the center. An important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the four key partners: GC, SSD, SEUM, and AIU, solidifying their commitment to this endeavor.

Pr. Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, delivered a charge, emphasizing the center’s role in advancing theological research and education. Pr. Somchai Chuenjit responded with a commitment to uphold the center’s mission.

The celebration was further enriched by special a capella music from The Singing Garuda, adding a melodious charm to the solemn occasion.
Looking ahead, the center has ambitious plans. In the next five years, Ellen G. White’s works will be translated into local languages, making them accessible to a wider audience. The center will also focus on expanding its collection, ensuring it becomes a hub for research and discovery.

The inauguration successfully raised awareness about the Ellen G. White Research Center and the Ellen G. White Estate. It highlighted their role in preserving and promoting the Spirit of Prophecy and aligned with the university’s mission to provide valuable resources on Ellen G. White’s writings and church history. Students, faculty, pastors, and researchers now have a dedicated space to explore and learn.

The atmosphere was spirited, with attendees actively engaged. A tour of the facility left many feeling inspired. Attendees praised the event’s organization and smooth flow, expressing a newfound motivation to engage with the Ellen G. White Estate.

This landmark event, marking the establishment of the 19th Ellen G. White Research Center, was the culmination of nearly six years of dedicated effort. From its initial vision in 2018 to the final approvals by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and the General Conference, the center’s journey reflects perseverance and commitment.

The center is open to everyone – students, teachers, church members, and anyone who wants to know more about Ellen White’s writings. It is located on the third floor of the AIU Library and is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.