Literary Appreciation Meets Creative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

On 21 November 2024, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) campus buzzed with energy as two impactful events took place concurrently, highlighting the importance of sustainability – both for the environment and humanity. 

Jointly organised by the School of Business (SoB) and the Sustainability Future Fusion (SFF) @ APU – a pioneering student-led organisation committed to sustainable development – the events brought together literary exploration and creative solutions for global challenges. 

The APU community enjoyed a stimulating "Meet & Greet" session with a renowned author while also engaging with the thought-provoking SDG Poster Exhibition on campus.

A Conversation with Hussin Alkheder: Humanity Through Storytelling

The "Meet & Greet" session featured Mr Hussin Alkheder, an acclaimed author from Damascus, Syria, who has penned five fictional novels, including "Maze of Destiny" and "Daughter of Damascus". Participants gained valuable insights into the art of storytelling, with Alkheder sharing how his works reflect humanity's struggles and moral dilemmas in times of crisis. 

Students were particularly captivated as Alkheder discussed the inspiration and challenges behind "Maze of Destiny" – a powerful tale depicting a Syrian family's survival amidst war. The novel vividly portrays the human cost of conflict while celebrating the enduring strength of the human spirit. 

The interactive Q&A session that followed showcased the deep interest of APU students, with questions ranging from writing techniques to character development. 

Alkheder's session provided a unique perspective on the role of literature in reflecting societal issues and emphasised the importance of resilience and empathy in navigating life's complexities.

SDG Poster Exhibition: Innovation for a Better Future

Running parallel to the book discussion, the SDG Poster Exhibition featured 15 innovative student projects under the guidance of Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, a SoB lecturer and Advisor of SFF. The exhibition demonstrated how business education at APU aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presenting creative solutions to real-world challenges. 

Students explored posters that tackled various sustainability themes, showcasing their ingenuity in addressing global issues. These projects emphasised the importance of SDG principles, particularly focusing on SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Voices from the APU Community

Reflecting on the event’s success, Khoo Lay Yang, President of SFF, remarked: "As students, we're proud to organise events that bring together cultural enrichment and sustainable development. Through these initiatives, we're not just learning about SDGs – we're actively engaging with them while creating meaningful experiences for our fellow students." 

Students who volunteered at the event also expressed their enthusiasm for its impact. Kyaw Zay Ya, a Foundation Programme student and dedicated volunteer, shared: "The SDG Poster Exhibition and Book Launching event was inspiring. We were happy to help open the book booth, which showcased a great book on the development of the SDGs. The posters were creative and effectively highlighted the importance of these goals, sparking meaningful discussions on how we can contribute to a better future."

APU’s Commitment to Holistic Education

The successful integration of these two events underscored APU's dedication to providing a holistic educational experience. By blending cultural engagement with sustainable development principles, APU continues to nurture socially conscious leaders who can drive meaningful change in society. 

Through initiatives like the Meet & Greet session with Mr Hussin Alkheder and the SDG Poster Exhibition, APU reaffirms its commitment to supporting the United Nations' SDG agenda, fostering an environment where education, creativity, and sustainability come together to create a better world.