APU’s School of General Studies (SoGS), together with the APU AMAR Club, held ‘Splashing Colours, Spreading Smiles’ at Rumah Pertubuhan Hati Emas, Kajang, where students painted, gardened, and decorated the centre, creating a vibrant, inclusive space for children with special needs while gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and community service.

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On 25 October 2025, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of General Studies (SoGS), in collaboration with the APU AMAR Club, organised the community service initiative: ‘Splashing Colours, Spreading Smiles’ at Rumah Pertubuhan Hati Emas, Kajang, Selangor. 

The event saw 38 local and international diploma students painting, gardening, and decorating the centre, creating a vibrant, inclusive space for children with autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.

The two-day project was led by Ooi Wei Yee, Diploma in ICT student, with guidance from Head of SoGS, Mr Ragunathan Ayyavoo, and SoGS lecturers Ms Munirah Salamat, Ms Nurul Farhanah Mohd. Nasir, Mr Elaveenthan Kumaran, and Ms Vicknisha Balu. 

With sponsorship from Kansai Paint Malaysia and funds raised through student activities, the initiative transformed the centre while providing hands-on experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and community engagement.

“This was my first time leading a charity event, and I am truly grateful for the guidance of our lecturers and the support from fellow students,” said Wei Yee.

“Securing sponsorship and seeing our efforts turn into a colourful, welcoming space was incredibly rewarding. It showed me how teamwork and dedication can create real impact.”

“By creating vibrant, welcoming, and sensory-friendly spaces, we aim to support children in feeling safe, valued, and part of the community,” said Ms Munirah, SoGS Senior Lecturer and project anchor. 

“These simple yet meaningful actions help foster a sense of belonging and joy while also allowing our students to give back.”

Industrial Design students Krithika Sree Devi and Chandramohan Akshayan, along with Cindy Aulia Putri Ritonga, led the mural painting. 

Krithika shared, “Partnering with Akshayan, whose experience at his father’s hardware shop proved invaluable, made us a practical and creative team.”

Akshayan added, “It was exciting to watch the dull walls transform into something lively and creative. Teamwork and creativity truly made a difference.”

Lim Jia Qi, secretary for the event, reflected, “Despite rain halting our first day, I learned to stay calm, handle unexpected problems, and collaborate effectively. Beyond mural painting, this experience strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving skills.”

Volunteers from AMAR APU coordinated the activities, with Chua Khai Tim noting, “Even though painting can be tiring, I felt energised doing it together, knowing our efforts benefit the community. Small actions can make a big difference, and seeing the centre transformed made us proud.”

“Our collaboration with SoGS and CC1 students not only raises awareness of integrity but also nurtures responsible and reliable graduates for the future,” added Ms Nurul Farhanah, APU AMAR Advisor.

The event concluded with tokens of appreciation for participating students and heartfelt thanks to Kansai Paint Malaysia for their generous sponsorship. 

Through ‘Splashing Colours, Spreading Smiles’, APU students demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the children at Rumah Pertubuhan Hati Emas and embodying the spirit of community service.