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Recently, the School of Business (SoB) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in collaboration with the Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam, brought learning beyond the classroom through the Dapurku Cafe Experience; a community-based experiential learning programme held at Dapurku Cafe & Studio. 

Coordinated by Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Lecturer, SoB at APU), the programme transformed a working cafe into an interactive learning environment; giving children (under Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun) and APU student volunteers the opportunity to experience first-hand the teamwork, communication, discipline, and customer-service skills involved in running a cafe, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, 8, and 17 (SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 17). 

Learning by doing in a Real Cafe Environment

The programme was designed to move beyond observation, allowing participants to take part directly in different aspects of cafe operations under the guidance of the team at Dapurku Cafe & Studio. 

Participants learned how to welcome customers, take orders, communicate orders, prepare and plate food, pack takeaway orders, prepare coffee, serve customers, clear tables, and maintain an organised service area. 

A key highlight was the food preparation and presentation session, where participants discovered how careful coordination is needed even when preparing a familiar dish for customers. 

Through the activity, they were introduced to the importance of presentation, cleanliness, accuracy, and timing, while learning that each completed order involves several people working together to ensure it reaches the customer correctly. 

The coffee-making session also gave participants an introduction to the role of a barista; demonstrating how customer service combines practical skills with communication and attention to detail. 

By taking on different responsibilities, participants gained a clearer understanding of how the various roles within a cafe connect with one another, from taking an order and preparing food to serving customers and keeping the dining area in order. 

Building Confidence through Hands-On Experience

Beyond cafe operations, the experience provided opportunities for participants to develop communication, teamwork, and workplace skills through direct participation. 

The children were encouraged to communicate with people they had not previously met, follow instructions, take responsibility for assigned tasks, and support one another throughout the activities. 

On the other hand, APU student volunteers were also active learners throughout the programme; gaining opportunities to strengthen their leadership, patience, empathy, communication, teamwork, and social responsibility skills, as they worked alongside and guided the children. 

The experience therefore created a two-way learning opportunity, where the children gained exposure to a real workplace, while APU student volunteers had the opportunity to apply their interpersonal skills within a community setting. 

Student Perspectives 

A few perspective from students:

1. Afiq Ramadhan Khairul Izhar: “The programme was a meaningful opportunity for me to apply what i have learned in a real community setting, as i was able to work alongside the children, support them in learning different cafe responsibilities, and strengthen my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.”
2. Zainab Waseem: “Throughout the programme, i enjoyed interacting with the children through hands-on activities, such as preparing and making food together, while also having the opportunity to communicate, cooperate, and work as a team in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.”
    

From Cafe Experience to future Possibilities 

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Ms Cynthia shared that it gave the children an opportunity to try something unfamiliar and discover what they could accomplish through practice and teamwork, while APU student volunteers had the opportunity to step beyond their academic roles and become mentors, teammates, and facilitators. 

“The experience reflected APU’s commitment to connecting education with industry engagement and community participation; demonstrating how experiential learning can create opportunities for both personal and practical development.” 

Building on this perspective, Ms Fadzilah, President of the Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam, expressed her appreciation for the programme; noting the importance of providing children with opportunities to gain practical experience, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. 

She also acknowledged the role of APU student volunteers in supporting the children throughout the activities, as their guidance and interaction helped create a welcoming environment where both the children and university students could learn from one another, strengthen their communication, and grow through the shared experience. 

From Dapurku Cafe & Studio’s perspective, Ms May Chew, Partner and Co-Owner of Dapurku Cafe & Studio, highlighted that the experience demonstrated how a cafe can serve as a practical learning space where individuals can discover the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and customer service. 

“We hope that what the participants experienced at Dapurku Cafe & Studio will stay with them beyond the programme, whether as confidence to try something new, an appreciation for working with others, or simply the belief that every new experience can open the door to another possibility.”