On 11 September 2025, the School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted a meaningful and timely event—the Bullying Awareness Forum. Themed “Stand Up, Speak Out: A Forum on Bullying Awareness”, the session was designed by students, for students, and held at APU’s Auditorium One.

The forum sought to shed light on the psychological and educational impacts of bullying while equipping young people with practical strategies to respond effectively. 

This initiative demonstrated APU’s ongoing commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also strong moral values among its students, ensuring that they are well-prepared to be empathetic and resilient individuals in society. 

Insights from Experts

The forum featured two distinguished guest speakers: Ms Nicole Tan, Clinical Psychologist, and Dr TamilSelvan Ramis, Educational Psychologist. Their combined perspectives offered a comprehensive understanding of bullying—its causes, consequences, and the critical need for intervention. 

Students were encouraged to recognise different forms of bullying, understand its emotional and mental health repercussions, and make use of the support channels available within APU. 

The discussion highlighted the importance of building safe and inclusive peer environments where mutual respect, empathy, and kindness thrive. 

Empowering Foundation Students

One of the most inspiring aspects of the forum was that it was moderated by two Foundation students, Marcel Sequeira Alves Piedade and Phyoe Thet Naing. Both took centre stage confidently, guiding discussions with professionalism and maturity far beyond their years. 

Trained and mentored by their lecturers, Ms Nur Azliyana Abdul Kadir and Ms Ruthira Nair, the students demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. 

The experience not only enhanced their public speaking abilities but also built their confidence to take responsibility in addressing sensitive topics such as bullying. 

In their testimonials, Marcel and Phyoe expressed gratitude for the chance to moderate alongside professional psychologists. They described the opportunity as meaningful, not only because it expanded their skill sets but also because it allowed them to contribute to their peers’ awareness and growth. 

Action-Oriented Awareness

The forum did more than just raise awareness—it equipped students with tangible solutions. Participants were reminded of APU’s comprehensive support systems, which include the Mentorship Programme and access to Counselling Services. 

By ensuring that students know where to turn in times of need, APU reinforced its commitment to student welfare and safety. 

The forum encouraged students to actively reach out, support their peers, and speak up against bullying. This action-oriented approach transformed the forum into more than a discussion—it became a call to action for every student present. 

Building a Culture of Empathy and Inclusivity

With over 200 participants in attendance, the Bullying Awareness Forum marked a significant milestone for APU’s School of Foundation. 

It successfully combined professional insights with student leadership, leaving participants more informed, empowered, and motivated to stand against bullying. 

The event exemplified APU’s approach to education—developing students holistically by instilling in them the values of empathy, resilience, and inclusivity while providing them with the skills to thrive academically and socially. 

Even at the Foundation level, students are trusted to take on meaningful responsibilities that shape their character and strengthen their sense of community. 

Concluding Note

Reflecting on the success of the event, Head of the School of Foundation Studies, Dr Sarvinder Kaur, applauded her students: 

“At APU, we believe in empowering even our youngest learners to be change-makers. By standing up and speaking out against bullying, our Foundation students have proven that leadership, empathy, and courage are qualities that can be nurtured early on. This forum is a testament to how education can transform lives and shape a more compassionate future.”