Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly participated in the World Cultural Diversity Day for Dialogue and Development Forum on 21st May 2025, hosted at Lodge Paradize, Kuala Lumpur.

The forum, themed “Harmony in Diversity, Strength in Dialogue,” gathered distinguished leaders from Malaysia’s tourism, creative, and cultural industries to champion culture as a vital component of sustainable development.

Representing APU was Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Lecturer and Advisor of Sustainability Future Fusion, School of Business at APU) and Khoo Lay Yang, President of Sustainability Future Fusion (SFF).

Their involvement was part of APU’s continued partnership with the Kuala Lumpur Tourism, Entrepreneurs, and Stakeholders Association (KLTESA), following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 to foster tourism talent and cultural initiatives.

Distinguished Speakers and Cultural Advocates at the Forum

1. Mr Khoo Kay Ping, Partner, Zaid Ibrahim & Co, and Author of Demi Rakyat
2. Datuk Zahim Albakri, Council Member, Badan Warisan Malaysia
3. Ms Lavinya Kalai Chelvan, Office of External Affairs, Bahá’í Community of Malaysia
4. Datuk Seri Mirza Mohd Taiyab Beg, Advisor, KLTESA and Kuala Lumpur Tourism Executive Association (KLTEA)
    

5. Ms Hana Halim, Wellnesspreneur and former President, Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
6. Mr Sivabalan Sothinathan, Director, UMA Publications Sdn Bhd, and Vice President, Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA)
7. Mr Wong Tuck Cheong, representative from Malaysian Public Library Research and Development Centre
8. Mr Chacko Vadaketh, Malaysian Actor, and Board Member, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS)
    

9. Mr Uzaidi Udanis, Co-Founder, OTA Academy, and former President, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA)
10. Mr Stephen Ng, Marketing and Media Consultant, Market Eagles Communications
11. Datuk Kamil Othman, Advisor, FINAS, and Managing Director, Creative Industry Consultants

Dynamic Dialogues

Emceed and moderated by Ms Cynthia, the forum featured three dynamic panel sessions:

1. Dialogue in a Fragmented World: Explored how cultural diversity can serve as a powerful tool for fostering mutual understanding, peace, and unity in an increasingly divided global landscape.
2. From Kampung to Digital: Addressed the importance of preserving Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and digital transformation for future generations.
3. Culture as Capital: Emphasised the significant role of Malaysia’s creative industries in driving sustainable development, economic resilience, and national identity.

Reflections on the Forum

Datuk Seri Mirza highlighted that the forum was a significant opportunity for learning, collaboration, and professional growth; particularly in the context of cultural sustainability and nation-building.

He further added by emphasising that the forum represents not only a powerful learning experience, but also recognition of how cultural understanding and academic engagement intersect.

On top of that, Ms Cynthia noted that the forum also provided valuable networking opportunities and underscored Malaysia’s cultural strength as a living force for unity, identity, and economic development.

“It is through such initiatives that we nurture inclusive mindsets and empower communities to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate cultural diversity as a cornerstone of national development,” she said.