The APU School of Psychology (SoP) and the Psychology Society are thrilled to announce the triumphant completion of the 2024 DMU Global Study Trip, in collaboration with their esteemed partner, De Montfort University (DMU), United Kingdom.

This momentous programme was led by Ms Vinorra Shaker, Associate Head of APU’s School of Psychology, and Dr John Song, Senior Lecturer of DMU’s School of Applied Social Sciences.

A Fusion of Minds and Cultures

The programme brought together brilliant minds from both institutions, fostering a dynamic environment of cultural exchange and intellectual exploration within the field of psychology. It transcended the boundaries of the classroom by incorporating an innovative buddy system. This initiative, spearheaded by the APU Psychology Society, paired APU dual-award students with their DMU counterparts, fostering genuine friendships and cultural exchange.

Workshops and Intellectual Exploration

The programme served as a unique platform for students from both APU and DMU to unite in a collaborative learning experience. Through interactive workshops led by academicians from both institutions, students embarked on a journey of intellectual exploration. APU's psychology lecturers, Ms Dhevaania and Mr Jaff Choong, and psychology lab technician Ms Amirah Husna, along with APU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Murali Raman, facilitated insightful talks.

From DMU, the audience was delighted to hear from their psychology lecturers, Dr John Song and Professor Dr Iain Williamson. These workshops delved into diverse psychological topics, enriching each participant's understanding with a global perspective.

Despite the short visit, students from both institutions formed such a strong bond that their last day together was filled with bittersweet emotions. Witnessing this emotional farewell was a testament to the programme's success in fostering genuine friendships across borders.

Aligning with Global Goals

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the vision of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education. By fostering international collaboration, both universities actively contribute to building bridges of understanding and nurturing a future generation of psychology graduates equipped to address global challenges.

The knowledge exchange between students and staff from DMU and APU also promotes intercultural understanding and global citizenship education, which are key components of quality education.

For SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, this programme provides a platform for students from different backgrounds (UK and Malaysia) to learn together, fostering social inclusion and reducing educational inequalities.

For SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, this programme encourages open dialogue and understanding between different cultures (UK and Malaysia), contributing to building peaceful and inclusive societies.

The resounding success of the 2024 DMU Global Study Trip paves the way for even more exciting collaborations in the years to come. The APU School of Psychology is committed to fostering a dynamic global learning environment. This is just the beginning of a movement that celebrates the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of excellence in the field of psychology.

"The success of the 2024 DMU Global Study Trip highlights our commitment to providing a transformative education that transcends borders. This collaboration not only enriches our students' academic journey but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, preparing them to be global citizens who can make a positive impact on the world," affirmed Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU.