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The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on a meaningful educational visit to the Free Tree Society (FTS) Nursery Plant in Kuala Lumpur on 10th June 2025. 

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit offered students a valuable opportunity to experience sustainability in action. 

Activity 1: Welcoming Session and Introduction to FTS 

The visit began with a warm welcome by Ms Lydia, Programme Manager at FTS, accompanied by Ms Emily, Programme Assistant at FTS. 

Students were introduced to FTS’s mission as a leading environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting sustainability through education and community empowerment.

On top of that, the team from FTS shared its philosophy of encouraging people to grow and give away plants as a simple yet powerful gesture toward environmental stewardship, setting the tone for an engaging day of learning and discovery.

Activity 2: Exploring Sustainability Practices

Students were then immersed in a session exploring the three key pillars of sustainability, to which are environmental, social, and economic.

Through engaging discussions, they learned how businesses can integrate sustainability into brand narratives and marketing campaigns.

Topics such as reducing carbon footprints, minimising single-use plastics, and supporting local biodiversity were highlighted, providing practical knowledge applicable to real-world marketing strategies.

Activity 3: Hands-On Composting Demonstration

In a highly interactive segment, students took part in a composting workshop.

They learned to identify compostable materials, understand the balance between nitrogen-rich “greens” and carbon-rich “browns,” and appreciate how composting supports healthy soil and waste reduction.

This hands-on activity connected environmental theory to real-life practice and showed how even marketers can contribute to sustainable living.

Activity 4: Planting Session and Environmental Engagement

The planting session allowed students to engage directly with nature by potting seedlings and exploring soil composition.

Guided by the team from FTS, students developed a practical understanding of plant care and the ecological importance of urban green spaces.

The activity reinforced how simple, mindful actions; like planting a tree, can contribute to broader environmental goals, resonating with the students’ academic focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Student Perspectives

1. Teng Chun Hong, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “The visit provided valuable insights into water conservation and sustainable gardening, while the hands-on experience deepened my awareness of the urgent need to protect natural resources and embrace environmental responsibility in our daily lives.”
2. Bhomika Meghwar, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “Engaging directly with sustainable practices at FTS deepened my understanding of how purposeful, eco-conscious actions can create lasting impact beyond the classroom.”
3. Moldagaliyev Arman, Masters in Global Marketing Management: “Reconnecting with nature through this visit offered a powerful reminder of how meaningful environmental engagement can be, inspiring me to champion greener initiatives in both my personal journey and future marketing endeavours.”
4. Vaneeza Amir, Masters in Global Marketing Management: “The visit to FTS was an eye-opening experience that demonstrated how sustainability can be effectively integrated into marketing, inspiring me to reflect on the influential role NGOs play in fostering environmental awareness and responsible action.”
    

Reflections on the Educational Visit

Ms Harjinder expressed her gratitude to the team from FTS for their warm hospitality and the enriching learning experience offered to the students.

“This meaningful visit offered students a rare opportunity to engage with environmental advocacy at its core, fostering a deeper awareness of sustainability issues and inspiring a sense of personal responsibility towards creating a greener and more conscious future.”