The annual ‘Yoga for Charity’ initiative by School of Foundation (SoF) not only provided a mindful experience for 60 attendees, but it also promoted community spirit, raised awareness, and raised more than RM1,500 for refugee needs, benefiting both participants and beneficiaries.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) state-of-the-art campus hosted the annual ‘Yoga for Charity’ event last month, a heart-warming initiative spearheaded by the School of Foundation (SoF). 

This well-attended annual wellness and fundraising event, which took place from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, effectively combined the promotion of physical and mental well-being with a significant fundraising effort for the Ampang Refugee Home.

Organised with dedication by a team comprising SoF academics Ms Ruthira Nair A.B. Krishenan and Ms Nur Azliyana Abd Kadir; alongside enthusiastic students Mufliha Hafiyah Mohamed Ali, Dhaniyashire Kanimaaran, Ashini Sasidharan, Abhramy Dharsheny Logi, and Chia Syn Ern; the event underscored the university’s commitment to both student welfare and social responsibility. 

The yoga session itself was led with grace and expertise by Master Amutha, a seasoned yoga instructor who has generously volunteered her time and skills to this worthy cause for several consecutive years. 

This year witnessed the highest participation to date, with over 60 students and staff members embracing the opportunity to unwind and contribute to a meaningful purpose.

Participants, ranging from novices to experienced practitioners, engaged in breathing exercises, gentle stretches, and mindful movement under Master Amutha’s guidance. 

The inclusive nature of the event ensured that everyone felt welcome and able to participate fully in the spirit of wellness and giving.

The primary impetus behind ‘Yoga for Charity’ was to generate crucial funds for the Ampang Refugee Home. 

The entry fee, coupled with the generous additional donations from attendees, culminated in a total exceeding RM1,500. 

These funds will be directly utilised to procure essential provisions for refugee families, including vital items such as nappies, milk, rice, and sugar.

Omina Abdunazarova remarked on the session’s peacefulness and the gratifying feeling of contributing to a worthy cause simply by attending. 

Kevin Liew Kai Yip, a first-time yoga participant, expressed his surprise at the calming nature of the practice and the added significance imbued by the charitable objective. 

Muhammad Zahir echoed this sentiment, highlighting the genuine happiness derived from supporting others through his participation.

Reflecting on the experience, student organiser Mufliha Hafiyah Mohamed Ali shared the profound lessons learned in teamwork, time management, and the empowering realisation that even small collective efforts can instigate meaningful change. 

The success of Yoga for Charity 2025 demonstrates the strength of community spirit and the fundamental connection between personal well-being and communal responsibility, with a long-term good impact on both participants and recipients at the Ampang Refugee Home.