Building a Cohesive, Inclusive, and Supportive Community Through Food, Dance, and Diversity

The APU Psychology Society Cultural Night, held on June 1st, was an exhilarating celebration that brought students together through the universal languages of food and dance.

The event featured a diverse array of culinary delights, with students proudly presenting traditional dishes from their homelands. From spicy Indian curries to savoury Japanese cuisine, the evening was a gastronomic journey around the world, highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures within the APU community.

The event was graced by the presence of the School of Psychology Head, Ms Vinorra Shaker, and Programme Leader, Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad. The second annual cultural event held by the APU Psychology Society was a success, thanks to the efforts of the society members and co-advisors Ms Dhevaania, Psychology Lecturer, and Ms Amirah Husna, Psychology Lab Technician.

Traditional dances from various regions added to the evening's vibrancy. Students donned their cultural attire and performed dances that told stories of their heritage, captivating the audience with their graceful movements and intricate choreography. These performances not only entertained but also educated attendees, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the student body.

Emphasising the Cultural Night’s broader impact, it contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which included SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By celebrating diverse backgrounds, the event promoted a more inclusive campus environment; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Through open and respectful cultural dialogue, students learned to appreciate and embrace differences, contributing to a more harmonious community; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The sense of belonging and community is crucial for mental health, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting overall well-being.

Sasweda Ramesh Kumar, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology student, reflected on her participation: “The games that we played at the beginning of the night allowed us to open up and get to know the people around us. We were also able to understand people we already know in greater depth.”

Sean Cedric Chua, who is also studying for a bachelor's degree in psychology, enthused, “I was able to meet many new people from the psychology community as well as other courses. The chance to mingle with so many people and have a good time was very much appreciated!”

Jun Sasaki, an international student from Japan who is also a psychology student, shared, “The cultural night helped me to link with my other psychology and non-psychology uni-mates. It opened my eyes to the diversity of culinary culture. I hope that I can join more events like this in the future.”

The first event held by the APU Psychology Society was a success, thanks to the efforts of the society members and co-advisors Ms Dhevaania, Lecturer of the School of Psychology, and Ms Amirah Husna, Psychology Lab Technician of the School.

By bringing students together to share their traditions and learn from one another, the event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in building a cohesive, inclusive, and supportive community within and beyond the campus.