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A group of 10 students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s Community Engagement Club (ACE Club) recently demonstrated the true spirit of volunteerism through a community outreach initiative at the Brahmarpanam Soup Kitchen in Kuala Lumpur. 

Located in Taman Ayer Panas, the Brahmarpanam Soup Kitchen is a well-established community service centre that provides free, nutritious, and purely vegetarian meals to the underprivileged across the Klang Valley on a daily basis. Driven by compassion and a commitment to social responsibility, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left without a warm meal.

On 19 March, accompanied by their club advisor, Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan, the APU student-volunteers immersed themselves in a large-scale food preparation effort, contributing to the preparation of meals for approximately 2,000 individuals. From the early hours of the morning until noon, the students took on a wide range of responsibilities, including cutting vegetables, cooking rice, washing utensils, and packing meals for distribution. 

While the tasks were physically demanding, the experience proved to be both eye-opening and deeply rewarding. For many of the students, it was their first exposure to the scale and coordination required to operate a soup kitchen that serves such a large number of people daily. Beyond the physical work, the initiative offered a valuable opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and engage in meaningful, hands-on service that directly impacts the community.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms Abbhirami highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping well-rounded individuals. “It’s good for students to see what goes on behind the scenes. Preparing meals at this scale isn’t easy, and being part of it gives them a better appreciation of community service,” she said. 

The impact of the outreach was clearly reflected in the students’ own experiences. Jorryn Loo Hwee Ying, a Foundation in Business student, shared her appreciation for the opportunity, noting, “I had a great time volunteering and feel truly grateful to learn how meals are prepared with care for the community every day.”

Her coursemate, Chok Jia Xuan, echoed similar sentiments, adding, “Being part of this volunteering experience was eye-opening and made me realise how much effort goes into something as simple as a meal.” 

For Ahmed Maher Abdelraouf Abdelhady Elgammal, a Bachelor of Computer Engineering student from Egypt, the experience was both humbling and fulfilling. “I had a great time. Even if we were tired by the end of the day, it definitely was a rewarding experience getting to give back to the community and to experience what working in a soup kitchen was like,” he shared.

Through initiatives such as this, APU continues to nurture socially conscious graduates by encouraging students to engage with real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. 

Beyond academic excellence, the University places strong emphasis on values such as empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility—qualities that are essential in shaping not only capable professionals, but also compassionate individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world.