Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) came alive with compassion, creativity, and environmental consciousness during the three-day “Paws and Plants” event, held from 24th to 26th June 2025 in celebration of World Environment Day.

Organised by Sustainability Future Fusion (SFF), the event brought together students, staff, and community partners for an experience that highlighted the importance of sustainable living and animal welfare in today’s world, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12, 15, and 17 (SDG 12, SDG 15, and SDG 17).

The event was brought to life by the passionate leadership of key figures:

1. Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Lecturer and Advisor of SFF, School of Business at APU): Provided valuable support and guidance throughout the planning of the event, ensuring it aligned with its goals and ran smoothly from start to finish.
2. Khoo Lay Yang, President of SFF: Played a key role in leading the team’s efforts, ensuring that every aspect of the event was well-coordinated.
3. Chai Zhe Hee, Vice Secretary of SFF: Contributed significantly to the success of the event by curating its overall concept and experience.
    

From the moment the event started, the campus was transformed into a green sanctuary filled with lush foliage, interactive stations, and the cheerful presence of furry friends.

Attendees were greeted by a variety of booths that featured plant showcases, adoption stations, eco-friendly product sales, and animal care awareness corners.

Hands-on workshops such as terrarium-making and aquascaping drew enthusiastic crowds, with attendees lining up to design their own miniature ecosystems.

Meanwhile, the pet therapy zone quickly became a crowd favourite, offering attendees a much-needed moment of calm and comfort as they cuddled, played with, and bonded with rescued animals.

On top of that, educational talks by animal welfare groups added depth to the experience, raising awareness about responsible pet care and the importance of adoption.

The event was further elevated by the contributions of several key sponsors and collaborators:

1. Go Paws Fishery and Pet Centre
2. Aquaplant Culture International
3. Plant Society Malaysia
4. The Omni Lab
5. Free Tree Society
6. Casper Cha Jun An, student from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology
    

To commemorate the event and leave a lasting legacy, Lay Yang and Zhe Hee gifted a large paludarium titled “Awakening,” a self-sustaining semi-aquatic ecosystem designed by Jun An, to the School of Business (SoB) at APU as a lasting symbol of the harmony between nature, education, and innovation. 

Sowing Seeds of change through Sustainability and Compassion

Paws and Plants proved that impactful change often starts with small, sincere actions, whether it’s adopting a plant, learning to care for a pet, or simply choosing to live more consciously. 

The event was not merely a celebration, but a call to action; a reminder that sustainability and compassion must go hand-in-hand in building a better future.