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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), through its Community Engagement Club (ACE Club), continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles with a recent World Animal Stray Day (WASD) programme aimed at raising awareness of stray animal issues in Malaysia. 

Held on 3 April, the initiative drew participation from approximately 150 students, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among APU’s student community to engage in meaningful social and environmental causes. The programme underscored the university’s emphasis on nurturing socially responsible graduates who are attuned to real-world challenges. 

Raising Awareness Through Knowledge and Dialogue

A key highlight of the event was an insightful session delivered by Mr Shashi Kumar, President of the Selangor Furry Future Association. He provided a comprehensive overview of the current stray animal situation in Malaysia, alongside his ongoing advocacy efforts to reform the Animal Welfare Act 2015. 

His talk offered students a deeper understanding of systemic challenges in animal welfare, while encouraging them to reflect on their role as advocates for change. The session resonated strongly with participants, including Stephy Tsen Yung Yi, a Foundation in Business student, who shared, “World Animal Stray Day made me realise how serious the stray situation is in Malaysia, something I had never really thought about before.”

The programme concluded on an engaging note with a scavenger hunt centred on the Animal Welfare Act. This interactive activity enabled students to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a practical context, while fostering teamwork and collaboration. The winning team was awarded a RM150 prize, adding a spirited and competitive element to the learning experience.

From Awareness to Action in the Community

Beyond campus-based initiatives, APU students have continued to translate awareness into tangible action. On 28 March, volunteers participated in their regular monthly outreach at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), supporting daily shelter operations such as cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, and assisting with general care. 

These hands-on experiences provide students with valuable exposure to the realities of animal welfare work, fostering empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Chin Yan Xin Nicole, also a Foundation in Business student, reflected on the experience, saying, “Seeing new volunteers every session brings a fresh energy, and it is also nice to see how many students are willing to step up when given the chance.” 

In addition to volunteer efforts, APU has extended its support through meaningful contributions. In March, the university donated approximately RM2,000 worth of essential supplies to SPCA, including cleaning materials, pet food, medication, and daily necessities such as leashes. These contributions play a crucial role in sustaining shelter operations and ensuring the well-being of the animals under their care. 

Embedding ESG Values in Holistic Education

Reflecting on the impact of such initiatives, Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, Lecturer at the School of Business and Advisor to the ACE Club, emphasised the importance of experiential learning. “Experiences like this stay with students because they’re hands-on and meaningful, not just something they hear about; that’s why it is important to constantly host such activities,” she noted. 

Through initiatives such as WASD and ongoing community outreach, APU continues to embed ESG and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) principles into its educational framework. By providing students with opportunities to engage directly with societal issues, the university ensures that its graduates are not only academically competent but also socially conscious. 

As these students prepare to enter the workforce, they carry with them a strong foundation of empathy, responsibility, and civic-mindedness. Such values are essential in shaping future leaders who are committed to giving back to society and driving sustainable change for the betterment of communities at large.