Cultivating empathy and financial awareness among the next generation of changemakers.

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On 24 July 2025, the APU AKPK Club at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) demonstrated how education extends far beyond the classroom. Through the Digital Financial Literacy Series (DFLS) 2 – Refugee Visit to Ayaz Sewing Centre, Selayang, a team of APU students embarked on a heartfelt outreach initiative to empower refugee children with financial knowledge and life skills. 

The project was led by Zaahirah binti Mohamed Jaffurula, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Digital Leadership student, whose leadership embodied APU’s vision of nurturing students who not only excel academically but also embody empathy, care, and social responsibility. 

She was supported by assistant project manager Hassan Hussain Khan, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management, and volunteer Rishita Gloria Rozario, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in E-Business student. Together, they worked with purpose and compassion to create a meaningful impact. 

Learning Through Empathy and Engagement

Guided by Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, and Dr Shim Pui Sen, Lecturer at the School of Accounting & Finance (SoAF) and Advisor to the AKPK Club, the students crafted a programme that blended education with empathy. 

The visit began with sincere, heart-to-heart conversations, where the children eagerly shared their dreams — to become doctors, teachers, artists, and entrepreneurs. These stories became the foundation for lively discussions about money, work, and the value of financial planning. 

The APU team ensured that financial concepts were introduced in an age-appropriate and engaging manner. Through interactive games and hands-on activities, the children learned about saving, budgeting, and the idea of making thoughtful choices — all while having fun. The laughter, excitement, and curiosity that filled the room were reflections of genuine learning and connection. 

Extending Care Beyond the Classroom

APU’s commitment to shaping well-rounded graduates was evident throughout the initiative. Beyond the teaching session, the team extended tangible care by donating essential household and educational supplies to the children and their families. This act of generosity underscored the University’s ethos of cultivating not only intellectual capability but also compassion, humility, and service-mindedness among its students. 

The day ended with bright smiles, laughter, and a renewed sense of hope. For the refugee children, it was an experience that reminded them that their dreams matter. For the APU students, it was an invaluable lesson in humanity — a reminder that leadership begins with understanding and caring for others. 

Nurturing Wholesome Personalities Through Purposeful Action

At APU, education is more than just acquiring knowledge — it is about developing wholesome individuals who combine intellect with integrity and empathy with excellence. The AKPK Club’s outreach to Ayaz Sewing Centre exemplified this philosophy, demonstrating how APU students continue to rise as socially responsible global citizens. 

Through initiatives like the Digital Financial Literacy Series, APU reinforces its mission to inspire action that uplifts communities, empowers the marginalised, and transforms compassion into meaningful change — proving that when knowledge meets kindness, true impact is created.