In May 2026, APU ACE volunteers participated in three initiatives focusing on sustainability, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare, including a recycling awareness programme, Zoo Negara’s KeeperKu Programme, and a volunteering session at SPCA.

Image

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Community Engagement (ACE) volunteers dedicated the month of May 2026 to a series of impactful initiatives centred on sustainability, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare, reflecting their commitment to making a positive difference beyond the classroom.

The month began on 9 May 2026 with a recycling awareness programme in collaboration with Hara Makers, a social enterprise focused on recycling education and upcycling plastic waste into sustainable products. 

During the hands-on session, volunteers explored the importance of responsible waste management by sorting plastic materials and discovering how recycled waste could be transformed into practical items such as jewellery, bags, and everyday products.

The activity offered valuable insight into the recycling process while encouraging more sustainable habits among students.

Reflecting on the experience, second-year Computer Science student Maheen Zubair shared that “It was eye-opening to learn how recycled plastic could be turned into useful products,” adding that “Small actions could indeed make a meaningful difference”.

The commitment to environmental and community engagement continued on 16 May, when volunteers joined Zoo Negara’s KeeperKu Programme alongside students from various universities. 

The immersive experience provided a rare opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to wildlife care. 

Working closely with zoo staff, volunteers assisted in preparing animal feed, cleaning enclosures, supporting care activities involving tortoises and elephants, and carrying out general maintenance tasks.

The experience deepened students’ appreciation of the dedication required to ensure animal welfare in a professional setting. 

First-year Data Analytics student Zarin Tasnim Rahman described the experience as eye-opening, noting that it revealed the extensive behind-the-scenes work involved in caring for animals.

The month concluded on 23 May with ACE’s regular volunteering session at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which welcomed 24 new volunteers alongside 10 returning participants, highlighting growing student enthusiasm for animal welfare initiatives. 

Throughout the day, volunteers supported housekeeping tasks, walked dogs, interacted with rescued cats and dogs, and provided treats for the animals.

Beyond assisting with daily shelter operations, the session also allowed students to build meaningful connections with the animals and develop a deeper understanding of compassion and responsible pet care.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, ACE Adviser and Lecturer at the School of Business (SoB), expressed her encouragement at the students’ active participation, noting that such experiences not only contributed to the community but also helped students grow personally and professionally.

Through these initiatives, ACE continued to provide APU students with meaningful opportunities to engage with the community, strengthen their sense of social responsibility, and gain real-world experience. 

Collectively, the activities served as a reminder that even small acts of service could create lasting and meaningful impact for both the communities supported and the volunteers themselves.