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Recently, 30 students and academic staff from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and De Montfort University (DMU) visited the Community Health Care Clinic, PT Foundation at Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong (Lecturer, School of Psychology at APU) and Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, School of Psychology at APU), the visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) awareness, prevention, and support through community engagement. 

Understanding HIV

For the first session, students engaged closely with the PT Foundation team to learn how their community-based approach tackles HIV prevention and support.

They explored key initiatives such as the DHSKP Jom Test Programme, which provides free and anonymous HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings, and the Positive Living Programme, which offers counselling and psychoeducation for people living with HIV.

Through this session, students gained firsthand insight into how holistic, stigma-free care empowers vulnerable communities.

Exploring Complex Realities and Psychological Impacts

For the second session, the focus was on Chemsex (refers to the use of specific psychoactive drugs to enhance or prolong sexual activity) and its link to HIV risk.

Students examined this issue using a biopsychosocial lens, appreciating the importance of psychological safety and community-based harm reduction.

Gaining Insights from a Volunteer’s Journey

For the final session, the most impactful moment came when a volunteer shared his personal story of living with HIV for over a decade.

Once facing isolation, he now educates and empowers others as part of PT Foundation, demonstrating resilience, hope, and the healing power of community.

His story deeply moved the students, leaving them with a lasting appreciation for the strength found in lived experience and the importance of compassionate advocacy.

Lessons that Last

The visit left students with a profound sense of awareness, empathy, and renewed purpose, as they witnessed firsthand the impact of holistic, person-centred care in addressing HIV.

On top of that, it reinforced the importance of bridging psychological theory with real-world public health efforts, and highlighted the power of grassroots organisations in driving meaningful change.