The St John Ambulance Asia Pacific Regional Youth Competition 2026 (APRYC) was successfully held in Hong Kong on 24–25 July 2026. To celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Hong Kong St John Ambulance Brigade (HKSJAB) this year, HKSJAB hosted and organised the competition in Hong Kong.
Echoing the Brigade’s Anniversary theme, “Together We Serve, We Connect,” the event provided an important opportunity to strengthen the long-standing friendship among HKSJAB, St John Singapore (SJS) and St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM).
For many years, the SJS and SJAM First Aid and Home Nursing Competition has been a meaningful tradition in the St John calendar, bringing teams together in a spirit of excellence and camaraderie. This competition now brought cadets from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore together as a tangible sign of international fellowship, showcased the delegates’ exceptional first aid skills and teamwork, and demonstrated how dedication and training can transform into vital lifesaving abilities. For sure, all these are core values that lie at the heart of the St John movement.
Howard Ng, Awardee of Best First Aider of the Male Team
“I truly believe that events such as this one do not happen by chance, as they require the dedication of many St John fellows, not only in terms of vision and resources, but also through sacrifices and countless hours of planning and preparation.
For me, competing with outstanding youths from Malaysia and Singapore has itself already been an extremely rewarding experience. Although we come from different countries, we share the same vision and St John values.
“First aid” has served as a lingua franca, a universal language that unites us beyond borders.
I am lucky to have been recognised as the best first aider among the male contestants in this year’s competition. This is not merely an honour, but also carries expectations and responsibilities.
The competition and training have reminded me that this is only a stepping stone. True skill is not confined to a single pile of textbooks; it is forged through practice, humility, and openness to learning from both our mistakes and our counterparts.”
Angel Shi, Leader of the Female First Aid Team
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”
As a participant in the St John Ambulance Asia Pacific Regional Youth Competition 2026, I gained hands-on first aid skills and treasured memories. Regardless of the results, all of us shared wonderful and invaluable moments throughout the competition.
Looking back on my journey, the greatest challenge I faced was stepping up as the team leader of the female First Aid Team. Although I had taken on leadership roles before on other occasions, guiding a team through an international competition was a brand-new experience for me.
I am deeply grateful for this rewarding experience. I have learnt to collaborate with my teammates and remain resilient under pressure. I firmly believe that this experience will motivate me to become a better version of myself.”
Michael Lee, Awardee of Best Leader of the Male Team
“The St John Ambulance Asia Pacific Regional Youth First Aid Competition 2026 (APRYC), together with the preparations undertaken beforehand, was an enlightening experience that encouraged the development of many positive qualities in me.
Attending long training sessions several times a week, combined with intensive case drilling, not only sharpened our confidence and ability to perform at a high standard under pressure, but also instilled in my teammates and me a strong sense of pride in the skill of first aid.
In addition to striving to perform at our best, my teammates and I were excited to observe how fellow St John members from other countries approached first aid scenarios, and to appreciate the differences in training shaped by our different geographies.
Overall, international competitions such as the APRYC foster individual confidence and competence, while also encouraging international mindedness and mutual understanding. They serve as important milestones in the St John journeys of all participating cadets.”
Reflections from St John International
Jessa Gardner, St John International’s (SJI) Head of People and Strategy, shared her reflections on the experience:
“What an incredible week in Hong Kong at the Asia Pacific Youth Competitions.
It was a privilege not only to watch the competitions, but also to spend time meeting so many young people, leaders and volunteers from across the region (St John Hong Kong, St John Malaysia, and St John Singapore). The calibre of the young people competing was outstanding. I was truly blown away.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, shared their stories, and demonstrated such dedication and commitment to supporting their communities.”
The Asia Pacific Regional Youth Competition 2026 was about much more than awards and results. It was an opportunity for young people from three St. John organisations to come together around a shared purpose.
Through competition, participants tested their skills. Through training, they strengthened their confidence. Through teamwork, they learned to rely on one another. And through meeting fellow cadets from across the region, they discovered that the values of service and first aid can transcend borders.
As HKSJAB celebrates 110 years of service, APRYC 2026 stands as a fitting expression of its Anniversary theme: Together We Serve, We Connect.
The friendships formed, lessons learned and skills developed during the competition will continue beyond the event itself. For the participating cadets, APRYC represents another step in their St. John journey — one that will hopefully inspire them to keep learning, keep serving and, in turn, help others do the same.
