Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continued its long-standing collaboration with GRADUAN by participating in the GRADUAN ASPIRE 2025 career and networking fair, further reinforcing its commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

For the past 18 years, this partnership has enhanced employability pathways for APU’s Foundation, Diploma, and Degree students, offering invaluable access to Malaysia’s leading employers and industry insights.

On 22 November 2025, APU brought 40 students from various academic backgrounds—including Business, IT, Engineering, Media, Accounting, Psychology, and Design—to the event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

The visit was organised by Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Lecturer from the School of Business, with support from Khoo Lay Yang, President of Sustainability Future Fusion (SFF).

GRADUAN ASPIRE, held twice annually, continues to be one of the country’s most influential platforms for career exploration and professional growth, attracting participation from multinational corporations, government-linked companies, startups, and recruitment agencies. 

Students were welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere featuring interactive booths that showcased career pathways, internship opportunities, workplace cultures, technological advancements, and evolving industry needs across sectors such as finance, telecommunications, digital marketing, hospitality, technology, and creative industries.

Throughout the day, APU students engaged with recruiters, HR executives, and industry leaders, gaining first-hand insights into hiring expectations, essential professional skills, and workplace environments. For many, this experience marked their first major step into real-world networking, helping them build confidence in communicating professionally and articulating their career aspirations.

A notable feature of the event was a series of career-development workshops focusing on resume writing, interview strategies, and personal branding. Students learned how to craft impactful resumes, identify transferable skills, quantify achievements, and tailor their applications to industry demands. Industry experts also provided guidance on effective interview techniques, common pitfalls, and the growing importance of digital portfolios in today’s competitive job landscape.

Students further benefited from hands-on activities such as personality assessments, career-matching tools, and job simulations, enabling them to better understand their strengths and align them with suitable career paths. Several companies also offered on-the-spot resume reviews and personalised consultations, equipping students with actionable feedback to enhance their employability.

The event also opened opportunities for internships and potential placements, particularly for final-year students preparing to enter the workforce. Overall, the visit not only broadened students’ understanding of employer expectations but also strengthened APU’s commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates through meaningful industry partnerships.

Student participants described the event as eye-opening and inspiring:

• Alyssa Chew Fei Kim (Foundation) shared that exploring multiple companies helped her understand what employers look for, giving her clearer direction for her future pathway.
• See Shen Zhe (Foundation) said the experience provided in-depth insights into industry expectations and the skills required to meet them.
• Collins Kundai Matseketsa (Foundation) described the event as motivating, offering a valuable understanding of career growth.
• Htoo Htet Lwin (Foundation) said it was his first time attending such an event and found the job opportunities and exposure extremely beneficial.
   

APU remains committed to cultivating industry-ready graduates through strategic partnerships that support academic learning, personal development, and long-term employability.