Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (centre) touring the bazaar. at left is Parmjit.
Varsity highlights mental and physical health issues, social causes
A student-led community programme in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, spotlighted mental well-being and physical fitness as well as advocated for animal welfare and sustainability.
Held at Asia-Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the three-day “APU Smile Fest: Euphoria Expedition” was launched by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
The programme aimed to celebrate the spirit of joy and compassion while raising awareness of social causes.
It included an on-campus bazaar and culminated in a night run to encourage physical exercise while supporting mental health awareness.
A special focus of the event was support for animal welfare and sustainability, reflecting APU’s long-standing commitment to these causes.
APU students have been active volunteers at Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor.
At the event, a mock cheque of RM30,000 was presented to support the animal charity and other related initiatives.
Since 2016, approximately 700 APU students have volunteered at SPCA Selangor, taking part in activities such as animal care and public outreach to promote awareness about stray animal rescue.
Over the years, APU students have raised funds to support the shelter, donating RM50,000 in cash alongside food for the animals.
For the past decade, APU’s student community has also spearheaded multiple charitable initiatives that have included working with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MyCat) to protect wild tigers, launching quick relief efforts during flood disasters and undertaking outreach work among indigenous and underprivileged communities.
Students have also raised funds for FurryKids Safe Haven animal shelter, participated in beach clean-ups and collaborated with Greenpeace Malaysia to advocate for forest conservation.
APU chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh said, “At APU, we believe in creating impactful experiences that go beyond academics.
“Our students’ involvement in initiatives like APU Smile Fest exemplifies their commitment to not only personal growth but also making meaningful contributions to society.
“This programme showcases the spirit of service and sustainability.”
Also present were SPCA Selangor chairman Christine Chin, Furrykids chairman Jeskiran Kaur Bhat and APU School of Foundation head Datin Dr Sarvinder Kaur Sandhu.
