Image

The spirit of giving continues to resonate beyond the campus of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), as student-led initiatives bring timely care and connection to marginalised communities across Kuala Lumpur. Through thoughtfully organised outreach efforts, APU’s Community Engagement Club (ACE Club) is translating compassion into action, especially during significant festive periods.

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan, the club organised a heartwarming iftar celebration on 14 March at Rumah Titian Kaseh in Titiwangsa. The shelter home, which supports orphans, abandoned children, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and single mothers, became the setting for an evening centred on togetherness and shared humanity. 

With careful planning, the student volunteers ensured that 65 individuals could break their fast with a satisfying and well-prepared meal. Beyond the iftar, the team contributed over RM2,500 worth of essential supplies, including Raya cookies, cleaning items, frozen food, and fresh vegetables, to help ease the home’s day-to-day operational needs.

What stood out most, however, was not just the provision of food and supplies but the genuine connections formed throughout the evening. APU students sat alongside the children, engaging in conversations, exchanging stories, and sharing moments of laughter. The atmosphere was lively yet heartfelt, reflecting a sense of mutual appreciation that extended beyond the occasion itself.

For many of the volunteers, the experience offered a meaningful opportunity to step into leadership roles while gaining a deeper understanding of community needs. 

Muhammad Shukri Bin Adi Azam, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Data Analytics, reflected on his involvement, saying, “This was my first time being in charge of organising an event like this. It was truthfully a fulfilling experience being able to contribute to the smiles of these kids.”

The club’s outreach efforts were not limited to Ramadan. Earlier, on 27 February, ACE Club members marked the Chinese New Year season with a visit to Rumah Kasih in Taman Setapak. The charity home provides shelter, food, and medical care to the discharged poor, homeless individuals, and elderly patients who have been abandoned or are terminally ill. 

During the visit, student volunteers spent quality time with the residents, offering companionship and reassurance during a festive period that can often feel isolating for those without family support. The team also contributed groceries worth RM600 and treated the residents to a comforting meal, creating a simple yet meaningful celebration.

These back-to-back initiatives highlight a growing culture of student-led community engagement at APU, where empathy is actively practised rather than passively discussed. By stepping beyond the classroom, students gain first-hand exposure to real-world challenges while learning the value of social responsibility. 

According to Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, ACE Advisor and Lecturer at the School of Business, such initiatives reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to making a tangible difference. 

“By dedicating time, effort, and resources, the club hopes to bring joy and comfort to those in need, especially during meaningful festive periods. APU believes that even small acts of kindness can help make these occasions more meaningful and memorable for everyone involved,” she shared. 

As these efforts continue to grow, APU reinforces its role in shaping graduates who are not only academically capable but also socially conscious—individuals who understand that impact is often built through consistent, thoughtful action.