APU Vice-Chancellor Champions Knowledge Sharing through CSR-driven Training

The spectrum for real educators is without borders; they teach, guide, and inspire—reaching learners from all walks of life, regardless of background or education level. True to this spirit, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, continues to exemplify leadership that transcends academia. 

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On 11 September 2025, he brought this philosophy to life through a dynamic workshop on innovation and documentation for a group of primary school science teachers. 

Organised by the National Education Policy Study Committee (JKD) for the Science subject at Tamil National Type Schools (SJKT), in collaboration with the Port Dickson District Education Department, the workshop reflected a meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative that emphasised knowledge sharing as a public good. 

Design Thinking at the Heart of Education 

The training session centred on empowering teachers with practical tools to spark creativity and innovation in the classroom. Using Design Thinking as the core methodology, Prof Murali guided participants through the five stages—Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—illustrating how each stage can transform science lessons into engaging, student-centred experiences. 

“Innovation in education begins with empathy,” he shared. “When teachers understand their students’ needs deeply, they can design learning experiences that are not only effective but also inspiring.” 

Through interactive discussions, group brainstorming, and creative exercises, the teachers explored how Design Thinking could reshape lesson planning, problem-solving, and classroom engagement. Prof Murali encouraged them to view science not as a rigid subject, but as a platform for curiosity, discovery, and imagination. 

Reimagining Science Education

The workshop also introduced participants to new approaches in documentation and storytelling—two often-overlooked yet powerful tools in teaching science. Teachers learned how to present scientific concepts through narratives and visuals that make learning more relatable and memorable. 

“Science is not just about facts and formulas—it’s about curiosity, exploration, and creativity,” said Prof Murali. “By adopting innovative approaches, we can ignite a lifelong love for science among our students.” 

This holistic approach to science teaching aligns with APU’s broader educational philosophy, which champions innovation, inclusivity, and impact. It also reflects Prof Murali’s belief that every teacher is an innovator capable of transforming how knowledge is delivered and received. 

Training the Trainers for Greater Impact 

Throughout the session, teachers participated in hands-on activities, from developing prototypes of classroom tools to designing new ways of documenting student progress. These practical exercises allowed them to immediately apply Design Thinking principles within their own teaching contexts. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many educators expressed gratitude for the fresh perspectives and actionable strategies shared during the workshop. 

For some, it marked their first exposure to Design Thinking—a framework they now plan to integrate into lesson planning and school projects. 

This initiative underscores Prof Murali’s dedication to educational transformation beyond the university setting. By sharing his expertise voluntarily on a CSR basis, he contributes directly to capacity building in underserved school communities, empowering teachers to become changemakers in their own classrooms. 

Championing Knowledge as a Shared Responsibility

As an academic leader, Prof Murali Raman believes that the true value of education lies in its ripple effect—when knowledge shared inspires others to do the same. His outreach efforts exemplify APU’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and lifelong learning. 

Through initiatives like this teacher training programme, APU continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for societal progress, where innovation and compassion intersect to create meaningful change. 

By equipping educators with the tools to inspire future generations, Prof Murali and APU reaffirm a simple yet powerful truth: education is most impactful when it is shared selflessly, across borders, for the greater good.