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The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised a thought-provoking guest lecture titled “Feminist Movement in Malaysia” on 28th March 2025.

Under the guidance of Mr Tan Wei Yu (Lecturer, SoP at APU) and coordinated by Parisa Sadat Bizeh, a third year psychology student, the guest lecture aimed to deepen students understanding of gender justice through the lens of Malaysia’s feminist movement, while encouraging critical awareness of social issues such as gender inequality, legal rights, and institutional responsibility, also; how this contributes to the study of psychology.

Ms Chong Kar Yan, a practicing lawyer and dedicated advocate for gender equality, served as the distinguished guest lecturer for the engaging and informative session.

Empowering Perspectives from Legal Advocacy

Ms Chong highlighted key milestones in the feminist movement, tracing its evolution from historical beginnings to present-day activism in Malaysia.

She shared real-life legal insights drawn from her professional experience, shedding light on the challenges women continue to face in various spheres of society.

A major focus of her talk was the pervasive issue of sexual harassment, where she emphasised the critical need for legal literacy, stronger enforcement of protections, and greater institutional accountability in creating safer environments.

Global Dialogue and Interactive Engagement

The guest lecture also featured engaging group activities that encouraged students to actively participate in discussions beyond the Malaysian context.

By comparing feminist movements from various countries, students gained valuable insights into the diverse ways gender justice is pursued globally, highlighting both shared struggles and unique cultural challenges.

These activities not only enriched the learning experience, but also fostered open dialogue, critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration among peers, allowing students to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives in a supportive academic environment.

Reflections on the Guest Lecture

Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU) reflected on the guest lecture’s success, commending its engaging delivery and relevance to contemporary social issues.

“The guest lecture not only broadened students’ academic perspectives on gender justice, but also sparked meaningful conversations around the importance of legal literacy, empowerment, and advocacy.

“Events like this play a vital role in shaping socially conscious graduates who are better equipped to understand and contribute to real-world societal change,” she said.