The School of Business (SoB) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at exposing orphanage children to good communication with other people, which will improve their confidence in delivering information.

This aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 4: Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

On June 8, 2024, a team of nine APU volunteers journeyed to Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera, Kuala Lumpur, to engage in immersive activities with the orphans. Following these activities, the development of communication skills among them was conducted.

Dr Athirah binti Mohd Tan, a lecturer at APU's SoB, led "Orphanage Child Care and Education Helper 1.0 (Communication)" in collaboration with the Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera and the Association of Malaysian Driving Institute (PIMA).

Dr Athirah, with her fellow lecturers at SoB Ms Farah Hanim Mohmmed Ismail and Ms Nurizzah Hanim Mohmmed Ismail, played instrumental roles in guiding and empowering the orphan participants to enhance their communication skills.

Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera was an orphanage home established in 2009 and is now operating in Kuala Lumpur with a total of 30 children. Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera plays the role of parents to monitor the children’s growth and help the orphanage look for assistance in the fund.

At Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera, these underprivileged children stay in a home-style environment. Therefore, this programme is intended to give care and assistance as well as fun communication activities that allow the participants to develop physically and psychologically.

The APU volunteers participating in this project included students from Bachelor in Business Management, Bachelor in Marketing Management and Diploma in Information & Communication Technology - Nuralwani, Lee Yean Xi, Nurryn Qistina, Mior Adam, Koh Yee Hong, and Hildani.

Recognising that effective communication is the process of conveying information, thoughts, ideas, or feelings from one person or group to another in a clear, concise, and understandable manner, Dr Athirah and other academics utilised simulations to provide hands-on experiences for the learners.

Dr Athirah explained that these simulation exercises had a dual impact. Firstly, these activities significantly boosted the children’s confidence in their ability to communicate effectively and encouraged participants to assess their communication styles and seek feedback from peers and instructors.

The participants' identifying their strengths for improvement can boost confidence between them. Secondly, these exercises served to enhance teamwork as the teams that communicate well can coordinate efforts, share ideas, and achieve common goals more efficiently. The activity plays a role as a support system to the orphanage home and children's initial start on guidance on future pathways.

The event was made possible through generous financial support and sponsorship by APU and the Association of Malaysian Driving Institute (PIMA), highlighting their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower orphans.