Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Psychology Society recently partnered with J8 Autism Athletics to organise a meaningful industrial engagement event aimed at promoting inclusion and raising awareness about autism through the power of sports.

Held as part of the society’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement, the event provided psychology students with valuable exposure to real-world applications of psychological knowledge.

Key contributors of the event included:

1. Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, School of Psychology at APU)
2. Ms Amirah Husna Mohamad Hata Abdullah (Psychology Lab Technician, School of Psychology at APU)
3. Ashwathy Sathish, President of APU Psychology Society
4. Ahmad Syahir Azali, Vice President 1 of APU Psychology Society
    

J8 Autism Athletics is one of the first organisations in Malaysia to offer sports accommodations tailored specifically for children on the autism spectrum.

Their inclusive approach not only supports physical development, but also encourages social interaction and builds confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to observe and engage with J8 Autism Athletics’s unique sports-based activities, deepening their understanding of neurodiversity and the therapeutic role of physical activity in holistic child development.

This hands-on experience offered insight into how inclusive practices can make a lasting difference in the lives of children with autism.

In addition, the collaboration opened doors for students to explore internship and volunteering opportunities with J8 Autism Athletics, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in impactful, community-based settings.

Recognising the potential for long-term collaboration, the School of Psychology also initiated a meeting with Mr Joel, Founder of J8 Autism Athletics, to explore future partnership opportunities.

The discussion centred around integrating neurodiversity awareness and sports-based interventions into both academic and outreach efforts at APU.

Overall, the event marked a meaningful step forward in APU’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and impactful industrial engagement, while also empowering students to apply their knowledge in ways that contribute positively to the community.