APU hosted ‘IT’S NOT A JOKE’, a multidisciplinary anti-bullying programme at Auditorium 2, which brought together 120 students, educators, film personalities, and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) representatives, featuring a film trailer screening, performances, an expert panel forum, and a student poster competition, empowering students to stand against bullying and foster an inclusive campus environment.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) reinforced its commitment to student well-being, social responsibility, and inclusive education by hosting ‘IT’S NOT A JOKE’, a multidisciplinary anti-bullying awareness programme, on 29 October 2026 at Auditorium 2 of its state-of-the-art campus. 

Brought together by APU’s School of Business (SoB) in collaboration with the School of Foundation (SoF), School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT), School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), Dream Film Sdn. Bhd., and the Sustainable Future Fusion Club, the event gathered approximately 120 students, educators, creative industry figures, and law enforcement representatives to address the emotional, psychological, social, and legal consequences of bullying. 

The atmosphere was electric as the event welcomed four cast members from the film ‘IT’S NOT A JOKE’ — Camans Kong, Chin Wen Xuan, Chloyen Lim, and Hui Qing Teoh — alongside the director and producer, Mr Choong Lin Loong (popularly known as Captain Denil), and members of the Dream Film production crew. 

Their presence brought the film’s core message to life, demonstrating how cinematic storytelling can serve as a powerful vehicle for advocacy and behavioural change. 

The screening of the official trailer was complemented by live song and dance performances, adding an evocative, creative dimension that illustrated how music and movement can capture the plight of victims and inspire compassion. 

Distinguished guests in attendance included Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Beg, former Director-General of Tourism Malaysia.

Opening the proceedings, Professor Dr Kashif Hussain, Senior Head of SoGHT and SoB, highlighted that true education extends beyond academic achievement to embrace empathy, integrity, and responsible citizenship. 

A central highlight of the afternoon was an interactive anti-bullying awareness forum moderated by Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Lecturer at SoB and Adviser to the Sustainable Future Fusion Club. 

The distinguished panel brought together a diverse range of expertise to address the multifaceted nature of bullying. 

Ms Ong Ai Teng, Anti-Bullying Ambassador and Founder of Geranium Coaching, opened the discussion by unpacking emotional resilience and the psychological impact of harassment on individuals. 

Representing the creative industry, Mr Choong Lin Loong discussed how film and the arts play a pivotal role in challenging negative social behaviours and raising public awareness. 

Completing the panel, ASP Siti Nooraini Mohd. Sahid from the Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) of the Criminal Investigation Department at IPK Kuala Lumpur provided vital clarity on behalf of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), outlining individual accountability, reporting channels, and the legal ramifications of cyberbullying and harassment.

The forum sparked robust dialogue on campus dynamics, addressing topics ranging from social exclusion and verbal abuse to cyberbullying and bystander intervention. 

Students gained valuable perspective on how casual banter can escalate into harmful behaviour, with panellists emphasizing early intervention, active reporting, and mutual respect. 

Alongside the presentations, visual art took centre stage with an Anti-Bullying Poster Exhibition featuring 21 student works evaluated by SoMAD academic judges Ts Ong Tee Chuan, Mr Mohamed Khairi Ibrahim, Ms Teay Siew Yen, and Ts Dr Stefanie Quah Li Jin. 

Top honours were awarded to Gildas Lusofonia Agnert Soares from Timor-Leste in first place (sponsored by the Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam), Zainab Waseem from Pakistan in second place (sponsored by Jac Lab Sdn. Bhd.), and Akhmetova Amina from Kazakhstan in third place (sponsored by Ms Cynthia Mala Paul). 

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Ms Cynthia Mala Paul shared that uniting academia, the creative industry, and law enforcement allowed students to examine bullying through multiple lenses, which is especially crucial in an era where digital harassment and online content carry long-term consequences. 

“Through collaborative efforts across schools, student volunteers, performers, and sponsors, APU reaffirmed a vital message: bullying is never harmless entertainment. 

“Initiatives like ‘IT’S NOT A JOKE’ reflect APU’s ongoing dedication to nurturing compassionate, socially responsible leaders who stand up, speak out, and choose kindness,” she said.