Recently, students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), under the guidance of Ms Abbhirami Sivarajan (Lecturer, School of Business at APU), volunteered at the World Diabetes Day event, organised by the Malaysian Diabetes Association, held at 168 Park Mall, Selayang.

The event aimed to educate the public about diabetes, emphasise the importance of early detection, and promote healthier lifestyle choices through a combination of education, screening, and community engagement.

Throughout the day, members of the public were invited to take part in a range of activities, including health awareness sessions, wellness programmes, and interactive engagements, to which these initiatives were thoughtfully designed to make information about diabetes prevention and management accessible, relatable, and engaging. 

Turning awareness into action

APU students played a hands-on role in the overall execution of the event, contributing directly to both its coordination and public engagement. 

In addition to emceeing programme segments, the students actively interacted with participants, assisted with activity facilitation, and supported organisers in guiding visitors through various stations and scheduled sessions.

On top of that, by working closely with healthcare professionals and organisers, the students supported the delivery of key services such as health screenings, educational sharing sessions, and lifestyle-focused activities. 

Through these interactions, they observed how health messages are communicated clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, ranging from young children to older adults, reinforcing the importance of approachability and empathy in public health outreach. 

Creating Impact through service

In recognition of the students’ commitment and contributions, participating students were presented with certificates of appreciation by Dr Inthirani Sivarajah, President of Diabetes Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Branch, acknowledging their role in supporting the smooth execution of the event and their dedication to community service.

Overall, the World Diabetes Day event provided a meaningful platform for APU students to contribute to community well-being, while gaining valuable personal and professional insights.

APU’s continued participation in initiatives such as this reflects the university’s emphasis on experiential learning, where students are encouraged to apply their knowledge beyond academic settings.

These experiences not only enrich student learning, but also enable them to make a positive and lasting contribution to the wider community.