Postgraduate and undergraduate students from APU’s School of Marketing & Management (SoMM) recently visited Cyberview Sdn. Bhd. in Cyberjaya, Selangor, to gain insights into how smart cities integrate technology, ESG principles, and sustainable innovation, while exploring the role organisations play in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Marketing & Management (SoMM) recently stepped out of the classroom for an inspiring deep dive into Cyberview Sdn. Bhd., the master developer shaping Cyberjaya, Selangor into a green, tech-fuelled city of the future.

This industrial visit round joined by postgraduate programmes in Digital Marketing and International Business Communication alongside undergraduate marketing cohorts led by Senior Lecturer and Industry Advisory Panel Coordinator, Ms Harjinder Kaur. 

The journey started with an energetic presentation titled ‘Global Technology Hub and Cyberview’s Living Lab’, delivered by Mr Wan Muhammad Najiy Wan Ali Saifuddin, Senior Executive of Innovation & Industry Development.

He revealed how Cyberview acts as the grand orchestrator, weaving together government agencies, tech giants, ambitious start-ups, and universities.

The session highlighted Cyberjaya’s contribution towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the creation of a dynamic innovation ecosystem that supports technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and smart infrastructure development.

The real eye-opener for the cohort was the Cyberview Living Lab — a real-world sandbox where companies test-drive smart mobility, Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, and green infrastructure directly on the city streets before commercial roll-out. 

It gave students a vivid look at how collaborative ecosystems turn raw digital ideas into viable, market-ready businesses while supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by improving urban liveability, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

Next up was Ms Farah Wahida Jamaludin, Assistant Manager of Risk & Sustainability, who delivered an inspiring session titled ‘Sustainability @ Cyberview’.

She demonstrated how embedding green initiatives — from solar grid adoption and electric vehicle networks to circular economy recycling — builds genuine brand trust and long-term business resilience. 

These initiatives directly contribute towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable resource management.

For the marketing students in the audience, the message resonated loud and clear: modern consumers demand authentic sustainability, making eco-friendly practices a core driver of strategic branding.

The absolute highlight of the day was a stop at Urban Farm Tech, Cyberview’s ESG Strategic Partner. Hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Francis Chuah and his team, the students stepped into an ultra-modern hydroponic paradise.

The visit got delightfully hands-on — and tasty — when the group sampled crunchily fresh, farm-grown vegetables paired with a fiery sambal salsa and chips. 

But beyond the delicious crunch lay a deeper business lesson. Mr Chuah explained that Urban Farm Tech is far more than a high-tech veg patch; it is an agritech powerhouse supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable food production and enhancing food security. 

The initiative also contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by encouraging localised food systems and reducing the environmental footprint associated with conventional agriculture 

The firm designs automated systems, sensor networks, and data analytics that reduce farm labour, lower costs, and solve urban food security issues. 

Students walked away seeing agritech not just as farming, but as a scalable, high-tech industry further reinforcing the relevance of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The final stop was Reka Scape, Cyberview’s vibrant creative and community hub. Designed as an integrated playground for social enterprises, creators, and eco-focused start-ups, the space proved how physical environments can spark organic innovation.

Students explored how Reka Scape smartly monetises its facilities whilst providing vital support, affordable spaces, and networking lifelines to emerging green ventures. 

Such initiatives reflect the spirit of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation-driven employment opportunities, while also contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among industry players, educational institutions, and communities. 

Reflecting on the excursion, Ms Harjinder noted that the visit seamlessly connected classroom theories with practical urban solutions. 

“We learned how Cyberview integrates ESG principles into city planning through renewable energy, green mobility, and community engagement,” shared Digital Marketing student, Ni Putu Ayu Sukraeni.

Nesrine Bounour added, “This experience strengthened my understanding of how sustainable practices drive long-term brand value and responsible growth.”

Wai Thin Khine was equally inspired by “The urban farming technologies and Cyberview’s commitment to supporting young talent through innovation programmes.”

Joanna Mable Chan appreciated the focus on sustainable development goals, whilst Ni Luh Putu Elsy Savitri Dhamayanti highlighted how the Living Lab concept demonstrated “how innovative ideas can be translated into meaningful solutions that benefit both businesses and communities.”

APU’s SoMM extends its warmest gratitude to Cyberview Sdn. Bhd. and Urban Farm Tech for opening their doors. 

Special appreciation goes to Mr Wan Muhammad Najiy Wan Ali Saifuddin, Ms Farah Wahida Jamaludin, Mr Mohd Arzairy Ab Rahman, Ms Nur Ain Syuhaida Salleh, Mr Najwan Muhammad Najib, and Mr Francis Chuah and team. 

Their time, hospitality, and invaluable industry wisdom provided the leaders of tomorrow with an unforgettable taste of a smarter, greener future.