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Expedition Championing Mental Health, Fitness, and Sustainability
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly launched the APU Smile Fest: Euphoria Expedition, a 3-day, student-led community programme, officiated by DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin.
Held at APU's campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, the festival runs from 3 October to 5 October 2024, focusing on mental well-being, physical fitness, and advocating for animal welfare and sustainability.
The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well-being, featuring a series of activities aimed at promoting mental health and physical fitness. The programme includes an on-campus bazaar over the first two days, offering a variety of booths and interactive activities. The event culminates with a night run on the final day, encouraging participants to engage in physical exercise while supporting mental health awareness.
A special focus of APU Smile Fest is its support for animal welfare and sustainability, reflecting APU’s long-standing commitment to these causes. Notably, APU students have been active volunteers for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor, where DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor serves as the Royal Patron.
During the launch, a mock cheque of RM30,000 was presented to support SPCA and other related initiatives, witnessed by DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor.
Since 2016, approximately 700 APU students have volunteered at SPCA Selangor, where they engage in activities such as animal care, cleaning, and public outreach to promote awareness about stray animal rescue. Over the years, APU students have raised and donated RM50,000 in cash and animal food to support the shelter through various fundraising efforts.
For the past decade, APU’s student community has also spearheaded multiple charitable initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives have included working with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) to protect wild tigers, launching quick relief efforts during flood disasters, and outreach to Indigenous and underprivileged communities. Additionally, students have raised charity funds for the FurryKids Safe Haven animal shelter, participated in beach clean-ups, and collaborated with Greenpeace Malaysia to advocate for forest conservation and climate action.
Reflecting on the success of the APU Smile Fest, Datuk Parmjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of APU, remarked, “At APU, we believe in creating impactful experiences that go beyond academics. Our students’ active 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, which are core to our university’s values. The entire APU Community of students and staff are immensely grateful to DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor for gracing the launch of this very meaningful programme. DYMM Tengku's passion for championing such important initiatives is an inspiration to all of us."
Also attending the ceremony were – Ms Christine Chin, Chairman of SPCA Selangor; Ms Jeskiran Kaur Bhat, Chairman of Furrykids; Datin Dr Sarvinder Kaur Sandhu, Head of the School of Foundation, APU; Mr Mohd Helmy bin Norman, Chief Financial Officer of APU; Mr Wan Hafiz Hamzah bin Wan Hussien, Director of APU; and Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, Lecturer of APU.
The APU Smile Fest: Euphoria Expedition continues until 5 October 2024, with its final day featuring the much-anticipated night run.