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The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in collaboration with APU Psychology Society, recently concluded the De Montfort University (DMU) Global Visit to Malaysia, a week-long academic and cultural exchange programme with DMU Leicester.

Held from 25th June to 1st July 2025, this segment of the programme brought together undergraduate psychology students and lecturers from both universities for a rich blend of intellectual exchange, leadership development, and intercultural learning, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, 10, and 16 (SDG 4, SDG 10, and SDG 16).

Key contributors of the programme included Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU), Dr John Song (Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School, School of Applied Social Sciences at DMU Leicester), lecturers from SoP at APU, Prof Dr Andy Seddon, Senior Director, Partnerships and Standards at APU, and Mr Muhammad Nabil Danial Mohd Zaini, Executive (University Placement) of Student Services and Marketing at APU. 

Student-Led Collaboration

A defining feature of this year’s programme was its student-led structure.

Under the leadership of Ashwathy Sathish, President of APU Psychology Society, with guidance from Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, SoP at APU) and Ms Amirah Husna Mohamad Hata Abdullah (Psychology Lab Technician, SoP at APU), the society’s committee members coordinated a buddy system pairing APU dual-award students with DMU students. 

This encouraged collaboration and the development of meaningful friendships, as students worked closely with their assigned buddies to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other throughout the programme.

Mr Tan Wei Yu (Lecturer, SoP at APU) conducted an insightful session that further enriched the students’ learning experience.

Additionally, peer-led workshops explored psychological concepts, examined cultural perspectives in professional practice, and fostered active knowledge sharing by encouraging open discussions, group activities, and collaborative problem-solving between students from both universities.

Breaking Stigma and building Hope through Awareness and Action

One of the most impactful parts of the programme was a community engagement visit to the Community Health Care Clinic, PT Foundation at Kuala Lumpur, organised by Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong (Lecturer, SoP at APU) and Ms Dhevaania.

The visit left students with a profound sense of awareness, empathy, and renewed purpose, as they witnessed firsthand the impact of holistic, person-centred care in addressing HIV.

On top of that, it reinforced the importance of bridging psychological theory with real-world public health efforts, and highlighted the power of grassroots organisations in driving meaningful change. (This article can also be read on our website by clicking HERE.).

Adding to this, during the visit, Dr John and Dr Nabeelah Omarjee (Psychology Link Tutor at DMU Leicester) had a valuable opportunity to meet with the APU dual-award students.

This session allowed them to receive direct feedback from the students on their experiences within the dual-award programme, including insights into academic modules, programme structure, employment opportunities, and overall student support.

Lessons beyond the Classroom

Ms Vinorra reflected on the success of the DMU Global Psychology Exchange, praising the strong collaboration between students, school/faculty, and community partners that brought the week-long programme to life.

She highlighted how the blend of peer-led workshops, cultural activities, and community engagement not only enhanced academic understanding, but also strengthened intercultural bonds.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof Andy emphasised the value of international exchanges in preparing students for the demands of a globalised world.

“By uniting students from diverse backgrounds, we nurture adaptable, globally-minded individuals who can apply their knowledge with cultural sensitivity.

“Programmes like this truly reflect APU’s goal to cultivate students who are not only academically capable, but also socially responsible and ready to make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.