- 26 October, 2026
SAIGON, October 26, 2026: Indian priest Fr Victor Vijay Lobo has been elected president of SIGNIS Asia for the 2026–2030 term, with a new leadership team pledging to strengthen regional cooperation, promote digital formation and advance inclusive governance.
The election was held on Monday at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Saigon, Vietnam, with representatives from 12 of SIGNIS Asia’s 14 member countries participating in the hybrid electoral process.
Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno of the Philippines was elected vice-president, Kagnha Keo of Cambodia secretary, and Paul Chan Namgoong of South Korea treasurer. Cuc Daisy Pham of Vietnam and Fr Nikhil Gomes of Bangladesh were elected board members, while Fr Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap of Pakistan was chosen as stand-in delegate.
The election was conducted by a three-member committee comprising Bernard of the Philippines, Widi of Indonesia and Adeline of Malaysia.
Collaboration and digital formation among key priorities
Outlining his vision after the election, Fr Lobo called for a more connected, inclusive and future-ready SIGNIS Asia, emphasising stronger cooperation among member countries, professional formation and greater participation in decision-making.
He said member organisations should strengthen their ties by sharing experiences, resources and expertise. Such collaboration, he noted, would help build a more cohesive regional network and enable members to work collectively towards common goals.
Fr Lobo also highlighted the importance of preparing young people and media professionals to navigate a rapidly evolving technological environment. He called for formation that enables communicators to use emerging technologies creatively and responsibly, guided by Gospel values.
On governance, he stressed the need to create greater opportunities for lay professionals, women and young communicators to participate in leadership and decision-making. He underlined the importance of transparency, accountability and inclusive representation in strengthening the organisation.
Promoting truth, peace and human dignity
Fr Lobo underscored SIGNIS Asia’s role in promoting truth, peace, justice, dialogue and human dignity through communication, particularly in a region characterised by diverse social and cultural contexts.
He called on Catholic communicators to uphold these values in their work and contribute to greater understanding and dialogue across communities. His vision places the association’s mission within the broader responsibility of ensuring that communication serves people and society.
A call for collective leadership
Expressing gratitude to the outgoing board, Fr Lobo acknowledged its contribution and called on members to continue supporting the association’s mission through active participation and shared responsibility.
“I do not claim to have all the answers, nor can one person do everything alone. But I bring my experience, a willingness to listen, and a genuine desire to work with all of you,” he said.
His remarks reflected an approach to leadership based on collaboration, openness and collective effort, with member organisations expected to play an active role in shaping the association’s priorities during the new term.
Fr Lobo’s election marks the beginning of a new four-year term for SIGNIS Asia, the regional network of the World Catholic Association for Communication. The association brings together Catholic communicators across Asia to strengthen cooperation and promote communication rooted in Gospel values.
The new board will seek to build on this mission by fostering closer regional partnerships, expanding opportunities for professional formation and encouraging more inclusive participation in the organisation’s work amid a changing media landscape.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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