APU’s ACE Club members Himajasri Nedumaran and Aly Mahmoud Ezzeldin Mohamed Emam won the Sustainability & Leadership and Leadership & Community Engagement Awards at the Global Youth Conference 2025. Inspired to drive positive change, they and fellow ACE members continued spreading kindness through community projects, donating over RM8,000 to support elderly homes, animal shelters, and children’s homes.

Two members of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) Community Engagement Club (ACE Club), Himajasri Nedumaran and Aly Mahmoud Ezzeldin Mohamed Emam, were honoured at the Global Youth Conference 2025, organised by the Youth Peace & Leadership Organisation. 

Himajasri received the Sustainability & Leadership Award, while Aly earned the Leadership & Community Engagement Award.

“It was my first time attending this conference, and it was truly an honour to be nominated for the awards as well,” shared Himajasri, a Media and Communication Studies student.

Himajasri was recognised for her exceptional leadership as President of ACE Club. Under her guidance, the club has led numerous corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects and successful campus events such as the Neon Run & Carnival 2025.

“The Global Youth Conference provided valuable insights into how young people can drive positive change in society. The speakers’ experiences reminded me that every effort, no matter how small, can create meaningful impact.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, attending insightful sessions, and of course, winning the award was truly the highlight of the day,” she said. 

Receiving this award has further strengthened her motivation to continue leading impactful community initiatives. 

“These experiences complement my course, enhancing my critical thinking, marketing, and design skills — all essential aspects of media and communication studies. If given the opportunity, I would be honoured to participate again and strive for another award in the future,” she added.

For Aly Mahmoud Ezzeldin, an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, this was also his first time attending the conference; an experience he described as both eye-opening and inspiring.

As an ACE Club committee member, Aly has been actively involved in various clubs and events, learning to blend leadership, teamwork, and creativity in every project. 

“I constantly researched ways to make each project a better experience for participants and applied those lessons in the competition. 

“Along with weeks of preparation and feedback from peers and mentors, these experiences helped me present impactful ideas and stand out among international participants,” he said. 

He shared that the conference taught him how to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse audience while reinforcing the value of teamwork, adaptability, and cultural exchange. 

“Meeting passionate individuals from different backgrounds motivated me to think globally about innovation. 

“It allowed me to apply what I have learnt in engineering to real-world scenarios, improving my presentation, problem-solving, and leadership skills. It exceeded my expectations and gave me confidence to pursue larger-scale projects in the future.”

Aly plans to continue participating in international conferences and innovation challenges related to engineering and sustainability, believing that each opportunity contributes to both personal and professional growth.

ACE Club: Spreading Kindness Across Communities

Throughout September and October, the ACE Club continued to embody the spirit of giving by extending kindness to elderly homes, animal shelters, and children’s homes.

Members devoted their weekends to spreading compassion and connection within the community, collectively donating RM8,000 across four initiatives: each reflecting ACE’s unwavering commitment to service.

ACE visited Rumah Kasih, an old folks’ home filled with warmth and love. Members arrived with boxes of donated goods, but it was their presence and laughter that truly brightened the day. 

Karaoke sessions, cheerful dances, and heartfelt conversations brought generations together.

“It was heartwarming to see how a simple visit could bring so much joy. The residents’ laughter reminded us that kindness does not need grand gestures, just a genuine heart,” said Shee Mei Jun, ACE Club’s Head of Social Media.

The following weekend, volunteers joined the SPCA Selangor Pet Care Programme, taking on tasks from walking dogs to cleaning cat shelters. 

Though physically demanding, the experience deepened their appreciation for animal welfare.

“I enjoyed walking the dogs. They were so full of energy. Seeing them wag their tails lifted my mood and made me feel refreshed,” said Chua Khai Tim, ACE Head of Marketing.

ACE members later supported Furrykids Safehaven’s Adoption Drive at St. Mark Church, Seremban, helping manage booths, greet visitors, deliver donations and witnessing pets find loving homes left a lasting impression.

“Helping FurryKids was more than just a donation drive. It was a heartwarming experience filled with wagging tails, happy barks, and the joy of giving,” said Abiiraami Elaiya Raja, ACE Head of Community Engagement.

To close the month, ACE students visited Vivekananda Home in Rembau, spending the day playing games and sharing lunch with the children.

“They made me feel like a child again,” said Dravid Trishanth Jaysham, ACE committee member, added “Happiness can come from the simplest things. Laughing, playing, and just being present. It reminded me how joy does not need technology, only connection.”

Continuing their mission, ACE students also joined the Free Tree Society in Bangsar, taking part in an environmental awareness initiative that encouraged sustainable action.

Volunteers learned about greenhouse pollution, planted trees, and even “adopted” some to nurture at home.

Each of these initiatives carried its own unique story, yet together, they conveyed a powerful message, ‘compassion connects us all’. 

Whether caring for the elderly, animals, or children, ACE members have once again proven that true community engagement comes from sincerity, empathy, and the courage to make a difference.

As September ended and October unfolded with new projects, ACE continued to celebrate more than just successful events. They celebrated hearts in service, friendships formed, and the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting change.