The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) empowered students to discover their voice and express their authentic selves at the “Personal Branding: Awaken your Why, Build your Brand” empowerment workshop, held on 16th May 2025, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).

Organised with the aim of fostering self-awareness, leadership, and empowerment among students, the workshop was led under the guidance of:

1. Ms Lyeah Tan Zhao Chin, Senior Executive (International Market) of Student Services and Marketing at APU and Committee Member of APU’s DIGITGAL (Driving Girls in Technology, Growth, and Leadership).
2. Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU and Committee Member of APU’s DIGITGAL)
3. Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, SoP at APU and Committee Member of APU’s DIGITGAL)
    

The workshop featured two guest speakers who brought valuable and impactful insights into identity building, personal leadership, and women’s empowerment, enriching the overall experience for students.

Ms Germaine Tan, Co-Founder of DisruptHER, inspired students to understand their purpose and embrace vulnerability as a strength.

On the other hand, Ms Andrea Chuah, Co-Founder of DisruptHER, guided students in developing their personal brand through intentional storytelling and value-based communication.

Throughout the workshop, students also engaged in reflective storytelling exercises, personal branding frameworks, guided self-discovery prompts, and peer discussions fostering openness and connection. 

Student Perspective

1. Soong Yuan Yi: “Attending the workshop made me think about what really drives me, and it helped me realise that building a personal brand is simply about understanding who i am and what i stand for.”
    

Awakening Purpose, Elevating Confidence

From discovering their inner “why” to building a brand that reflects their true self, students walked away with renewed confidence and a strong sense of identity.

In a nutshell, the workshop served as a powerful reminder that personal branding is not about being someone else, instead, it’s about owning who you already are.