Assoc Prof Dr Selvakumar Samuel of APU played a pivotal mentorship role in helping a team of Form Five students from SMK Puteri, Seremban, clinch a bronze medal at the prestigious World Youth STEM Invention Innovation (WYSII) 2025 held in Indonesia. His voluntary guidance exemplifies APU’s academic spirit of service beyond institutional boundaries.

In a heartening display of mentorship and academic outreach, Associate Professor Dr Selvakumar Samuel from the School of Technology (SoT) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) played a significant role in mentoring a group of Form Five students from SMK Puteri, Seremban, as they competed and triumphed at the World Youth STEM Invention Innovation (WYSII) 2025.

Held in Medan, Indonesia, from 23 to 27 February 2025, WYSII 2025 brought together young scientific minds from 32 countries in a dynamic celebration of creativity and problem-solving in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Among them was one of the talented teams from Malaysia, comprising four young innovators — Sage Lam, Rashmika Raj Kumar, Kartigaa Dhevakumar, and Hildegard Klein Smita — who captured a bronze medal for their original invention: a sustainable hair cream product.

Before reaching the global stage, the team had already made waves locally, securing several gold medals at national-level STEM competitions. Their journey to WYSII 2025, however, was one of rigorous preparation and refinement — a journey made smoother and more strategic with the involvement of Assoc Prof Dr Selvakumar.

“My daughter studies at SMK Puteri, Seremban, and that’s how I came across this impressive initiative by a group of determined young learners,” Dr Selvakumar shared. “Out of courtesy and a sense of academic responsibility, I decided to lend a hand. I guided them in structuring their ideas, enhancing the sustainability of their product, and aligning their innovation with real-world relevance.”

His involvement was entirely voluntary, extending beyond his official duties at APU. Nevertheless, the results of his mentorship have been nothing short of impactful. The Malaysian contingent at WYSII 2025 made history with a record-setting 589 participants, as recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records, and the success of the SMK Puteri team adds another proud chapter to that legacy.

While this accomplishment may not be formally counted among APU’s numerous accolades from international and national platforms, it remains a testament to the calibre and commitment of APU’s academic community. 

Dr Selvakumar’s willingness to mentor young talent, unbound by institutional requirements, highlights a spirit of generosity and dedication that reflects the university’s broader mission of community engagement and academic excellence.

This heartening story serves as a reminder that true academic impact often happens beyond campus grounds — in classrooms, communities, and competitions where knowledge, passion, and mentorship come together to inspire the next generation.