A transformative initiative by APU students proves that academic knowledge alone doesn’t build a complete person—social responsibility does.

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In today’s ever-evolving global landscape, academic achievement alone no longer defines a truly successful graduate. Knowledge, while essential, must be complemented by empathy, awareness, and a sense of responsibility towards others. 

Higher learning institutions are increasingly recognising this truth—and one recent initiative at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) stands as a compelling example of how universities can nurture not only minds but hearts. 

On 18th January 2025, a group of passionate APU students took a meaningful step toward this vision by organising a heartfelt charity event at the Gurpuri Foundation in Ampang, Selangor. Their mission is to bring healing, hope, and creativity to underprivileged and orphaned children—and in doing so, learn the power of giving back. 

A Vision with Purpose: The Birth of ‘Dream On Community’

The initiative was not a coincidence but the result of thoughtful academic design. The students—Muhammad Zakiey Azhar and Aishath Humaidha Ahmed from the MSc in International Business Communications, alongside final-year Psychology students Nainah Abdussamad and Sara Salah Ahmed Mahmoud Elheneidy—came together through a module assignment titled Planning Business Communications Campaigns (PBCC). 

Under the guidance of Mr Ninderpal Singh (School of Marketing & Management) and Ms Dhevaania C. Gendsen (School of Psychology), the team formed Dream On Community, driven by the belief that meaningful change begins with small, intentional acts of kindness. 

Their charity event was more than a feel-good gathering. It was a well-crafted campaign aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). 

Healing Through Stories: A Workshop That Transformed Lives

At the heart of the day was an immersive, therapeutic workshop designed to help the children of Gurpuri Foundation dream again. Through art and storytelling, participants were encouraged to explore and express their hopes, fears, and emotions in safe and imaginative ways. 

For children who have experienced trauma, the act of creating symbolic stories or painting abstract feelings can be transformative. It allows them to process grief, anxiety, and anger in a language deeper than words. By adopting narrative structures like the hero’s journey, they learn to frame themselves not as victims, but as resilient protagonists of their own stories. 

This workshop model fostered emotional expression, identity rebuilding, and collective healing. Through group activities and shared stories, children realised they were not alone. They connected through experiences, built trust, and rediscovered their voice. 

A Sustainable Vision for the Future

But the 'Dream On' initiative is not a one-off effort. It represents a long-term collaboration between APU’s School of Psychology (SoP) and the School of Marketing & Management (SoMM). It aimed to provide continuous psychological and emotional support while raising public awareness and garnering long-term support. 

The SoP will focus on designing ongoing resilience and mental well-being programmes tailored to the unique needs of traumatised children. Meanwhile, the SoMM will work to scale the campaign’s visibility and resource network, ensuring it has both reach and impact. 

“This structured, interdisciplinary approach ensures that the 'Dream On' vision extends beyond a single event, fostering sustainable and meaningful change in the lives of these children,” said Mr Ninderpal Singh, reflecting on the initiative’s lasting value. 

No Child Left Behind: A Shared Dream with Gurpuri Foundation

The synergy between Dream On and the Gurpuri Foundation speaks volumes. Both share a deep commitment to providing marginalised children with equal access to care, opportunity, and emotional development. 

By integrating the SDG principles into its framework, Dream On not only addresses immediate emotional needs but also lays a foundation for long-term empowerment—ensuring that no child is forgotten or left behind. 

This initiative proves that when education meets empathy, the result is nothing short of transformational. When we teach students to dream beyond the classroom, they can help others dream beyond their circumstances.