APU Raptors, the cheerleading team from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), proudly secured 1st Runner-Up in the Team University Coed Level 4 category at the CHARM Cheerleading Championship (C3) with their flawless stunts and a final score of 203.05; emphasising the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork over medals, the Raptors look forward to competing again next year, aiming even higher while preparing for another competition in March 2026.

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Cheerleading Club, known as the APU Raptors, soared to an impressive 1st Runner-Up position at the prestigious CHARM Cheerleading Championship 2025 (C3). 

Competing in the highly competitive Team University Coed Level 4 category, the event took place at IOI Mall, Puchong, Selangor last August.

This annual championship, organised by the Cheer Association and Register of Malaysia (CHARM), attracts cheerleading teams from primary schools all the way to universities, showcasing an exciting display of skills including group stunts and partner stunts. 

The event truly celebrates the athleticism and teamwork of cheerleading across all levels.

The APU Raptors team comprises of Chok Wan Ting, Darren Chui Weng Mun, Evangeline Lee Si Ern, Khoo Jian Feng, Kritthakorn Lee Seesuwan, Lau Foon Xuan, Lee Ethan, Lee Ming Sheng, Liew Jian Hao, Lim Qi Cai, Loga Vignesh Shanker, Lui Han Yang, Serene Loh Zi Ting, Wong Pei, Wong Sin Yee, Wong Yuin Yie, Wong Zheng Yi, Wong Zoey, and Yap Choon Lock.

Chok Wan Ting, President of the APU Cheerleading Club, expressed delight over their achievement. 

“This was only our second time competing as the APU Raptors, and we are thrilled with our final score of 203.05, which earned us 1st Runner-Up overall.

“We trained twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Initially, sessions ran from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, but to accommodate members undergoing internships, we shifted the timings to 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm,” Wan Ting explained.

Preparation for the competition began a full five months in advance, allowing the team ample time to perfect every move and ensure flawless execution of their stunts. The journey, however, was not without challenges.

“Many of us experienced burnout and fatigue from the demanding practices, but the shared goal of proving ourselves as a newly established team kept us motivated,” said Wan Ting. 

“We wanted to show the cheerleading community what the Raptors are capable of. Our combined effort and sacrifices paid off with this remarkable placing at a national level.

“The lessons learned from this competition are invaluable. Success requires putting in the hours and working hard. Although the road was bumpy, we persevered. Despite having many inexperienced members, their dedication helped us rise to the competition’s standards.”

Entering the competition as underdogs, the Raptors emphasised that it was not just about the medal but the experience and pride in knowing they gave their all. 

“What made the moment even more special were the smiles and cheers from the crowd who enjoyed our two-minute routine,” she shared.

Wan Ting added, “This journey taught us that achieving results demands relentless effort. We approached the competition with the mindset of enjoying every moment and giving our best. Winning the silver medal was the reward for all our sacrifices and hard graft.”

Looking ahead, the APU Raptors are eager to return to next year’s CHARM Cheerleading Championship, potentially in an even tougher division. For now, their focus is on preparing for their next challenge, a competition slated for March 2026.