KUALA LUMPUR: In line with the Higher Education Ministry’s announcement on allowing various categories of university students to return to campus, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is making preparations for reopening by enhancing its current health and safety efforts throughout its premises.
The efforts were announced via a #StaySafeTogether campaign launched on the university’s social media channels.
Prior to the implementation of the movement control order, an emergency response team (ERT) was formed in January to manage student welfare, ensure timely communication and enforce stringent health and safety measures for a safe campus.
‘Everyone is precious, hence we have spared no expenses in keeping everyone at APU safe, ’ said Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of APIIT Education Group.
During the MCO period, APU took a major leap forward when it welcomed more than 2,000 students for the e-orientation that was broadcast live to students from over 90 countries. APU was also among the first universities in Malaysia to go live with online digital and remote learning during the MCO period.
Fast forward to six months later, the ERT’s functions have been extended to include the appointment of “safety ambassadors” who are friendly, caring and dedicated students and staff members of the university.
APU safety ambassadors will educate and guide the APU community on social distancing and various hygiene measures, and ensure that SOP is practised.
The safety ambassadors will be educating, assisting and guiding the APU community on social distancing and various hygiene measures.
They will be stationed at various locations and also moving around the campus to ensure that the community stays safe at all times.
“The APU safety ambassadors are our frontliners, ” said APIIT Education Group CEO Datuk Parmjit Singh.
“We expect the staff and students to follow their guidance at all times, and approach them for any clarification on health and safety SOP that are in place on campus. The safety ambassadors are there to keep everyone safe and alert, ” he said.
Thermal scanners have been set up on the APU campus to screen students and staff members’ temperature. High-tech devices are deployed on the APU grounds to ensure a safe campus environment.
APU has implemented various stringent health and safety measures which were described in its #StaySafeTogether campaign video and in the university’s health and safety guidelines.
The measures include the installation of high-end thermal scanners, face recognition system, and other advanced technologies on campus.
Regular sanitisation that has been taking place throughout campus since mid February will be continued, while automated hand sanitisers have been installed on every floor and block of the buildings.
“At APU, we are a family of 12,000. Everyone is precious, ” said Parmjit.
“Malaysia has an excellent track record in managing the Covid-19 situation. Our frontliners have done a fantastic job; we have spared no expense in ensuring everyone at APU remains safe, ” he said.
The APU campus has been regularly sanitised since mid February.
The first batch of students who are in their final year returned to campus for laboratory, workshop and studio sessions on July 6. Other students will be returning by batches over the month of July.
APU is looking forward to further easing of the MCO so that all its local and international students can return to the university in Kuala Lumpur.
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation is amongst Malaysia’s premier private universities. APU offers a wide range of degree programmes in technology that aim to nurture students to be professionals and prepare them for challenging careers and roles in business and society globally.
The multi-cultural student community comprises 12,000 students from over 130 countries.
Prospective students and parents who are interested to discover study pathways at APU may visit the APU Open Day (by appointment) on July 11 and 12 (9am-5pm).
For more information, visit www.apu.edu.my.
