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The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on a transformative educational visit to PJ Eco Recycling Plaza on 24th June 2025.

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit offered students a rare, hands-on experience into real-world sustainability efforts through collaborations with Impactlution and Hara Makers. 

First Segment: Non-Profit Environmental Leadership and Community Engagement

The visit began with a warm welcome and insightful briefing by Ts Faisal Abdur Rani, Programme Director and Co-founder of Impactlution.

Students were introduced to the mission and operations of Impactlution and Hara Makers, both of which play vital roles in environmental conservation through education and grassroots initiatives.

This segment also showcased how environmental awareness is cultivated through interactive public outreach, and highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions in building sustainable habits and behaviours. 

Second Segment: Creative Upcycling and Eco-Innovation

Students witnessed the transformation of waste into functional and aesthetic products, such as chairs made from plastic bottles and photo frames crafted from styrofoam and newspapers.

Through the efforts of Hara Makers, they explored how upcycling and innovation contribute to the circular economy.

In addition, students explored composting systems, eco-materials derived from paper waste, and how food waste can be redirected into liquid compost to support sustainable agriculture. 

Third Segment: Waste Management Systems and Circular Technology

Students experienced real-time waste sorting and processing involving paper, plastics, e-waste, and used cooking oil.

They learned how effective source segregation enables efficient recycling, and how technology is used to optimise waste handling. 

Fourth Segment: Water Protection and Personal Sustainability

The final segment educated students on the link between land-based waste and marine pollution, especially how improper disposal can contaminate rivers.

Students also reflected on their personal impact, discussed the 5Rs:

1. Reduce
2. Reuse Recycle
3. Rethink
4. Reimagine
    

Student Perspectives

1. Ala Mohamed Abdullah Ba Dhib, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “The visit highlighted the power of creative upcycling, while the hands-on experience; especially seeing everyday waste transformed into functional items, showed how innovation can turn simple materials into meaningful solutions.”
2. Fayaz Rahman, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management: “Witnessing the circular economy in action was eye-opening and showed me that sustainability goes beyond recycling; it reflects a powerful blend of technology, community engagement, and public education that drives lasting impact.”
3. Wania Traiq Khan, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “Seeing how paper and plastic are broken down and reused opened my eyes to the potential of sustainable innovation.”
4. Felicia Fernanda Santosa, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “The visit was truly eye-opening, as the creative transformation of waste into useful items and the emphasis on protecting rivers motivated me to think more responsibly about environmental impact and everyday choices.”
    

Reflections on the Educational Visit

Ms Harjinder expressed her appreciation to PJ Eco Recycling Plaza for their warm hospitality and the invaluable learning experience provided to the students.

“This transformative visit gave our students a profound glimpse into the synergy of sustainability, community engagement, and environmental innovation in action, inspiring analytical inquiry and strongly linking classroom theory with real-world practice.”