APU’s Community Engagement (ACE) Club members carried out a series of volunteer initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, community welfare and animal care, including a river cleaning activity at Sungai Keroh, supporting the Brahmarpanam Soup Kitchen, conducting two hybrid workshops with fundraising efforts, and participating in the Pet Care Programme at SPCA Selangor.

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Throughout July, members of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s Community Engagement (ACE) Club demonstrated the power of collective action through a series of volunteer initiatives focused on environmental conservation, community support and animal welfare.

Working alongside various community partners, ACE volunteers dedicated their time, energy and skills to creating positive change across three different causes, proving that even small acts of service could make a lasting difference.

The month began on 4 July with a River Cleaning Activity organised in collaboration with Hara Makers at Sungai Keroh, Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. 

Armed with gloves, litter pickers and a strong sense of responsibility, volunteers worked together to remove waste from the river and its surrounding areas.

By the end of the activity, the team had successfully collected 138 kilograms of rubbish, including plastic waste, clothing, glass bottles and other discarded materials. 

Beyond restoring the cleanliness of the area, the initiative encouraged participants to recognise their role in protecting Malaysia’s natural ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability.

Jacob Leong, an engineering student and regular ACE volunteer, shared that the experience strengthened his appreciation for environmental responsibility.

“Taking part in the cleanup made me realise that protecting our environment starts with small actions. 

“Working together with everyone made the experience both meaningful and rewarding,” he said.

Continuing their commitment to community service, ACE volunteers participated in the Brahmarpanam Soup Kitchen on 11 July, supporting efforts to provide meals for individuals and families in need. 

Volunteers assisted with food preparation, cooking and meal packing, contributing towards the preparation of approximately 2,000 meals.

The initiative highlighted the importance of compassion, teamwork and community support, while allowing students to experience first-hand how volunteer efforts could positively impact the lives of others.

Beyond direct community outreach, ACE also promoted knowledge-sharing through two hybrid workshops held on 19 July as part of its fundraising efforts. 

Conducted by APU alumni, the sessions focused on cybersecurity and AI-powered design using Figma Make, attracting a combined participation of 130 attendees from APU and external communities.

The workshops not only provided participants with valuable industry-relevant knowledge but also successfully raised RM2,000, with all proceeds channelled towards supporting ACE’s future community engagement and volunteering initiatives.

Rounding off the month’s activities, ACE volunteers took part in the monthly Pet Care Programme at SPCA Selangor on 25 July. 

During the visit, volunteers carried out cleaning activities around the shelter while also spending time feeding and walking the animals, helping to create a healthier and more comfortable environment for the shelter’s furry residents.

Reflecting on the initiatives, Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, ACE Adviser and Lecturer at School of Business (SoB), highlighted the importance of encouraging students to actively participate in community service.

“It is inspiring to see students willing to volunteer their time for different causes. These experiences help them understand the importance of community involvement while working alongside organisations that create meaningful impact,” she shared.

Through its July initiatives, ACE continued to nurture a culture of volunteerism among APU students, empowering them to become socially responsible individuals and active contributors to society. 

Beyond providing support to communities, these experiences also fostered personal growth, strengthened teamwork and reinforced the shared responsibility of creating a better world.