The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in collaboration with AIESEC Universiti Putra Malaysia, hosted an engaging workshop titled “Equify 4.0” focused on Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) on 4th April 2025.

Under the guidance of Ms Nurjahan (Lecturer, SoMM at APU), the workshop was led by Ms Adhura, a 26-year-old freelance speaker and economist with lived experience of disability, who shared a compelling personal journey that inspired students to reflect on resilience, challenge societal norms, and embrace the importance of inclusion. Interactive Learning and Empathy Building

The workshop featured a dynamic blend of interactive lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and an engaging design thinking challenge.

These elements were carefully curated to encourage active participation and critical reflection.

Students were grouped into diverse teams and tasked with designing inclusive events specifically catered to individuals with disabilities.

Through collaborative brainstorming and exposure to real-world social issues, students gained a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design and communication can break down barriers and promote empathy within communities.

Cultural Exchange and Shared Experiences

Bringing together students from a variety of racial and national backgrounds, the workshop also created a rich platform for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning.

Through open discussions on discrimination and inclusion, students had the opportunity to examine complex social issues from multiple cultural and personal perspectives.

This exchange of experiences and viewpoints fostered a deeper sense of empathy, allowing students to better appreciate the diverse challenges faced by others.

Student Perspectives

A few perspective from students:

1. “The design thinking challenge was a standout experience that pushed us to move beyond conventional approaches and thoughtfully address the needs of individuals with disabilities, revealing the powerful impact of truly inclusive design.”
2. “Hearing firsthand from someone with lived experience of disability was both humbling and eye-opening, offering profound insight into challenges i had never truly considered before.”
3. “Engaging in discussions with students from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened my understanding of discrimination, reminding me that while inclusion may vary across contexts, empathy is the universal foundation.”

A Step towards Building an Inclusive future

Ms Nurjahan emphasised that this collaborative initiative successfully showcased the power of education, media, and youth engagement in tackling social inequalities and fostering a more inclusive world.

“By bringing together diverse perspectives, the workshop not only highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also empowered students with the knowledge and tools to advocate for inclusivity in their future careers.”