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The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continued its participation in the Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly (MAPSA), joining the 2026 edition held on 17th October at HELP University.

Organised by the Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA) and HELP University, MAPSA 2026 was held under the theme “Psychology for a Harmonious, Sustainable Society;” encouraging participants to consider the role of psychology in addressing contemporary societal needs.

Building on its participation in MAPSA 2024 and 2025, SoP once again brought together students and lecturers to engage in academic exchange, research presentations, and professional discussions with the wider psychology community.

MAPSA 2024 article can also be read on our website HERE.

MAPSA 2025 article can also be read on our website HERE.

Bringing Student Research to the Fore

Five Psychology students from APU presented their Final Year Project (FYP) research at the conference.

Two students delivered oral presentations and three presented their research through the poster session:

1. Yuki Yagi: Oral presentation
2. Ashwathy Sathish: Oral presentation
3. Jasprit Kaur Taggar Kalwant Singh: Poster presentation
4. Chong Chin Ying: Poster presentation
5. Maram Mohamed Anwer Tag Mohamed: Poster presentation
    

Through their presentations, the students had the opportunity to communicate their research findings to an audience beyond the university, while engaging with fellow psychology students and academics from across Malaysia. 

Expanding Academic Engagement

Beyond the student presentations, SoP lecturers also took on various academic and professional roles throughout the conference.

Their involvement spanned research review and academic discussions, as well as sharing their expertise through plenary sessions:

1. Ms Raihan Munira Moh Sani (Lecturer and Final Year Project Manager, SoP at APU): Scientific Committee Reviewer for Educational Psychology
2. Mr Tan Wei Yu (Lecturer, SoP at APU): Scientific Committee Reviewer for Social Psychology
3. Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer and Programme Leader, SoP at APU): Plenary Speaker in Social Psychology
4. Dr TamilSelvan Ramis (Lecturer, SoP at APU): Plenary Speaker in Educational Psychology
    

Meanwhile, Ms Amirah Husna Mohamad Hata Abdullah (Lecturer cum Psychology Lab Technician, SoP at APU), Mr Mohamad Hilmi Mhd Najri (Lecturer, SoP at APU), and Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong (Lecturer, SoP at APU) joined as accompanying lecturers, providing support to the students during their presentation sessions.

Also, the lecturers took part in the PSIMA Academic Council meeting, further extending their engagement in academic and professional discussions within the psychology community. 

Empowering Future Psychology Professionals

Ms Raihan highlighted that MAPSA 2026 provided students with a platform to present their research to a national audience, learn from other universities, and build their confidence in communicating their work.

She also shared that seeing the students present their research with pride was a meaningful moment for SoP, while encouraging more students to participate in academic conferences and similar opportunities in the future.

Meanwhile, Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU) emphasised the importance of helping students communicate academic research beyond the university setting.

“Translating academic research for a broader audience is a critical skill that directly prepares students for the workforce.

“Stepping out of the university bubble to present at platforms like MAPSA builds the confidence, critical thinking, and communication capabilities that future-forward professionals need to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market,” she said.