In 2025, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s Community Engagement (ACE) club continued to shine as a beacon of student-led compassion, bridging causes and cultures through meaningful service.

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From hands-on animal welfare initiatives to cross-border collaborations, ACE reaffirmed its commitment to empathy, engagement, and impact — values that define its growing legacy.

ACE for Animals: Serving the Voiceless

Throughout the year, ACE deepened its dedication to animal welfare through a series of impactful initiatives. The journey began on 25th January with a visit to SPCA Selangor, where volunteers took part in essential shelter tasks such as feeding, grooming, and cleaning enclosures. These efforts laid the foundation for a year of consistent and heartfelt service.

March saw ACE venture into new territory with its first volunteering session at My Pets Haven. Unlike previous visits, this experience demanded physical grit — from scrubbing floors to moving kennels — and left volunteers with a deeper appreciation for the resilience required in animal rescue work.

As committee member Siti Nur Alaniah, a Year 2 Media and Communication student, shared, “Lovely to take care of animals again… this was something I would go for again! All the cute cat pictures are a plus too!”

ACE’s partnership with SPCA Selangor continued with visits in March, April, and May, reinforcing the club’s commitment to long-term collaboration. These regular engagements allowed volunteers to reconnect with the shelter’s needs and contribute meaningfully to its mission of finding loving homes for rescued animals.

In May, ACE took its efforts a step further by collaborating with Furrykids Safehaven for a cage-building workshop. Volunteers worked with tools and materials to construct safer and more durable enclosures — a hands-on initiative that blended craftsmanship with care. 

Committee member Shee Mei Jun, a Year 2 Media and Communication student, reflected, “Watching the cage slowly come together made me feel like I was part of something real, something that might help to give those animals a better place to rest.”

Bridging Borders Through Service: Welcoming DMU

ACE’s commitment to compassion extended beyond local borders when it hosted a delegation of exchange students from De Montfort University (DMU), UK. 

The visit was designed to introduce international students to Malaysian grassroots engagement through a day of volunteering and cultural exchange.

The morning began at Free Tree Society, a community-based initiative focused on environmental sustainability. Students from both universities worked side by side in plant propagation, composting, and nursery upkeep, fostering teamwork and shared purpose. 

ACE committee member Dravid Trishanth Jaysham, a Year 1 International Business Management student, remarked, “The knowledge I gathered that day about the environment… will act as a benchmark for me to be more mindful about the land.”

After lunch, the group headed to SPCA Selangor, where they engaged in shelter activities including cleaning, food preparation, and spending time with rescued animals. For many DMU students, it was a new and eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression. 

ACE committee member and a Year 2 Computer Science (Cybersecurity) student, Lee Ming Hui, reflected, “We were like crossing lines in this brief pause of life, sharing stories and cultures before continuing on our own paths to chase our dreams.”

A Shared Vision of Empathy

Mr Gurpardeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer of APU, praised both initiatives:

“Whether it’s cleaning kennels, building enclosures, or welcoming international guests, ACE continues to create platforms where impact, education, and empathy meet. Their dedication throughout 2025 highlights how small efforts, repeated with sincerity, can create lasting change.” 

Future Outlook

From building cages to building friendships, ACE’s 2025 journey was a testament to the power of youth-led compassion. Whether serving animals or connecting across cultures, ACE proved that empathy knows no boundaries — and that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a better world.