Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) once again demonstrated its strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable living through the Pantai Kelanang beach clean-up on 13th September 2025.

Organised by Sustainability Future Fusion (SFF), in collaboration with the School of Business (SoB) at APU, under the guidance of Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Lecturer and Advisor of SFF, SoB at APU), the initiative brought together a passionate group of students united by a shared mission; to protect the coastline, promote marine conservation, and nurture collective responsibility towards a greener planet, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13, 14, and 15 (SDG 13, SDG 14, and SDG 15). 

Empowering change through Education

Before the clean-up began, students attended an inspiring talk by Ms Lyvia Chong, Nature and Outdoor Educator, who delivered an eye-opening session titled “Protecting our Marine Life.”

She discussed the devastating effects of human negligence, from unethical waste disposal to the destruction of marine habitats.

She explained that plastics and other pollutants break down into harmful microplastics that enter the food chain, while oil spills, discarded fishing nets, and non-biodegradable waste suffocate coral reefs and endanger marine species such as sea turtles and seabirds, ultimately threatening the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems and human well-being alike.

Highlighting these issues, she then emphasised that small, conscious actions, such as reducing single-use plastics, recycling responsibly, and joining clean-up activities, can collectively make a big difference in preserving biodiversity.

Her session also featured a hands-on demonstration on creative recycling, where she showed students how discarded plastic bottles could be transformed into practical items, reminding everyone that waste is not merely a problem to discard, but a resource to reimagine, and that true sustainability begins with mindful choices made every day.

Collaborative Action for a Cleaner Coast

The beach clean-up was held in partnership with Soroptimist International Shah Alam (SISA), following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APU.

SISA generously sponsored RM1,000 to support the programme, providing essential items such as food, caps, gloves, biodegradable bags, sanitisers, and sunscreen to ensure students’ safety and comfort throughout the activity.

Throughout the morning, students worked in teams to collect and sort waste along the shoreline, separating recyclables such as plastic bottles, glass, and aluminium cans from general litter.

On top of that, they removed fishing nets, ropes, and bulky items that posed hazards to marine life.

The students also documented their findings, recording the types and quantities of waste to better understand pollution patterns along the coast.

Despite the unpredictable weather, their enthusiasm never faltered, and together they successfully removed 51.3 kilograms of rubbish and recyclable materials from the beach.

Student Perspectives

1. Sam Sameer Ahmed Zewar: “Joining the beach clean-up was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of how even the smallest waste can harm marine life, inspiring me to take greater care of our coastal environment.”
2. Sai Pyae Hein Kyaw: “Through this initiative, i had a fun and rewarding opportunity to explore Malaysia’s beautiful coastline, while contributing to a meaningful cause that strengthened my appreciation for environmental conservation.”
3. Amina Lian Poovachinte Akam: “Participating alongside my peers in the beach clean-up revealed how small collective actions can lead to lasting impact, reinforcing the importance of community care and motivating me to continue contributing to environmental initiatives.”
    

Carrying the Spirit of Sustainability forward 

Ms Cynthia shared that the beach clean-up at Pantai Kelanang was a great experience for students, allowing them to translate classroom learning on sustainability into tangible community action. 

“This initiative went beyond environmental conservation; it fostered leadership, teamwork, and empathy among students, as they worked together towards a shared goal.” 

Meanwhile, Ms Fazilah Yasin, President of SISA, highlighted that the collaboration between SISA and APU was a testament to the power of partnership in driving collective change. 

“The beach clean-up at Pantai Kelanang was more than just an activity; it was a reminder of how collaboration, community, and care can transform good intentions into meaningful impact. 

“This initiative reflects the essence of what SISA stands for; taking action that uplifts communities, nurtures the environment, and inspires future generations,” she said.