APU-UNESCO Chair 'Digital Initiative' @ Refugee Festival 2023 Empowers Deprived Communities

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s DIGITGAL, short for “Driving Girls in TECHNOLOGY, GROWTH & LEADERSHIP,” an innovative initiative under APU's UNESCO Chair on Harnessing Innovations in Technology to Support Teachers & Quality Learning, enthusiastically joined the Refugee Festival 2023.

Refugee panellists sharing their challenges in education and career prospects at the Refugee Festival 2023. 

The Refugee Festival 2023, held on September 8, 2023, at the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, was a vibrant celebration of refugee communities' diverse cultures and talents. The festival featured music, dance, art, storytelling, and a bazaar showcasing the culinary and craft skills of these communities.

The Refugee Festival 2023 was a vibrant celebration of refugee communities' diverse cultures and talents.

The core of APU’s DIGITGAL mission includes a steadfast commitment to empowering disenfranchised communities in Malaysia through education and skills development. This partnership with the Refugee Festival perfectly aligns with these objectives, intending to increase awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and migrants in Malaysia.

As part of its upcoming plan, APU’s DIGITGAL is dedicated to providing upskilling opportunities in areas such as Science and Technology, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Management, Sustainability, Resilience, and overall well-being, all aimed at improving the quality of life for refugee adults.

Established in April 2023 and under the guidance of Professor Dr. Abtar Darshan Singh as the Advisor, and led by Ms. Meera Eeswaran, APU’s DIGITGAL is committed to promoting technology, growth, and leadership among girls and women.

Prof. Abtar elaborated, "We have proposed upskilling activities for refugee adults to be carried out at APU in 2024, aligning with our respective pillars – GIST (Girls in Science & Technology), GIFT (Girls in Financial Literacy), GEMS (Girls in Entrepreneurship, Management & Sustainability), and GROW (Girls in Resilience & Overall Well-being)."

Twelve representatives from APU, including male and female lecturers, staff, and students joining the rest of the attendees took part in the panel session. 

Twelve representatives from APU, including male and female lecturers, staff, and students like Ts. Jonathan JS Kovilpillai, Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub; Ms. Vinorra Shaker, Associate Head of the School of Psychology; Ms. Subaashnii Suppramaniam of the School of Marketing; and Ms. Michele Shivaanii Sundra Raj of the School of Business, Ms. Lyeah Tan Zhao Chin of Student Services, gained valuable insights into the educational needs and gaps of refugee adults during their participation in the festival.

Distinguished guests, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. Wayne Robson, and Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who delivered opening remarks and a keynote address respectively, added prestige to the event.

APU's representatives also had the opportunity to attend a thought-provoking panel session on "Refugee Education & Career: Challenges and the Way Forward"; a sharing session with Mark Isaac, Writer and Photographer, moderated by Harizah Hatim of Refugee Emergency Fund (REF); and the screening of the film "Trapped People" during the event.

APU’s representatives with founders of “Refuge for the Refugees” - a social entrepreneurship effort. ​

The Refugee Festival was founded by renowned investigative journalist Ms. Mahi Ramakrishnan in 2017. She is a passionate refugee rights activist and runs a non-profit organisation, Beyond Borders, dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of refugees and stateless persons in Malaysia, who are fleeing internal conflicts and persecution in their home countries.

Mahi's decade-long work with refugees has connected refugee communities with Malaysian society, creating platforms for refugees to speak up and advocating for a comprehensive refugee policy from the Malaysian government. Her documentaries highlight issues related to trafficking, violence against refugees, and the need for peace and reconciliation, particularly through the performing arts and collaboration with civil society organisations in Malaysia.