Through academic mobility and APU–DMU knowledge transfer, psychology students gain critical exposure to social issues, strengthening their intellectual maturity, confidence and readiness for meaningful graduate impact in society and the workplace.

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Partnerships in higher education become most meaningful when students experience them as part of their own intellectual and personal growth. For psychology students at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), this came to life when Dr Simon Goodman, Associate Professor in Psychology at De Montfort University (DMU), UK, visited APU to deliver a thought-provoking guest lecture titled “Negative Representations of Refugees”. 

Held on 20 May at APU’s campus, the session brought together 70 students and staff from the School of Psychology (SoP) for an engaging exploration of how social psychology helps make sense of contemporary social issues. Coordinated by Mr Tan Wei Yu, Lecturer at SoP, the lecture reflected the value of academic mobility and knowledge transfer between APU and its sister university, DMU, in enriching students’ learning beyond formal classroom settings.

Drawing on his expertise in discursive psychology and media analysis, Dr Goodman guided students through the ways refugees are represented in British and European media. He examined how dehumanising metaphors and contested labels, including “bogus asylum seekers” and “economic migrants”, are often used to shape narratives around displaced communities. 

Through this discussion, students were encouraged to think about the power of language. They examined how words, labels and media frames can influence public perception, affect attitudes towards vulnerable groups, and reinforce broader social and political assumptions. The session also explored key shifts in media coverage, including evolving definitions of refugees and the narrative surrounding the 2015 “refugee crisis” in the UK. 

A significant part of the lecture focused on the contrast between media representations of Ukrainian refugees and those from the Middle East and Africa. Dr Goodman also unpacked how seemingly reasonable arguments, such as concerns about community cohesion or integration, may function rhetorically to legitimise exclusionary positions.

To strengthen applied learning, students participated in a group activity in which they critically analysed real news articles. By applying concepts introduced during the lecture, they identified rhetorical strategies and evaluated whether media representations were fair, balanced or harmful. This hands-on activity enabled students to connect theory with real-world discourse, enhancing their critical awareness as future psychology graduates.

For Judeana Emmanuelle KC Sathasivam, a final-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology student who emceed the session, the experience was both enlightening and formative.

“Dr Goodman’s lecture was insightful and offered a perspective on social psychology. It was impactful and engaging, serving as a strong reminder that greater awareness, research and advocacy are needed for marginalised and underrepresented communities,” shared Judeana. 

“The experience of being an emcee was both surreal and meaningful, especially since it was my first time taking on the role. I am truly grateful for the opportunity, as it helped me build my confidence and gain valuable exposure,” she added.

The lecture reinforced SoP’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, social awareness and applied psychological literacy among its students. These values align with APU’s broader ESG agenda and mission to develop graduates who are academically grounded, socially conscious and prepared to contribute to society. 

As students enrolled in APU’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology may opt for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme, such academic engagements further enhance the student journey. Under the scheme, graduates receive two degree certificates and transcripts, one from APU, Malaysia, and another from DMU, UK, giving them international exposure and an added edge in employability.