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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently welcomed student delegations from De Montfort University (DMU) Cambodia and Kazakhstan for a transformative academic and cultural immersion programme from 20th to 26th April 2025.

The week-long itinerary, organised by the School of Computing (SoC), School of Technology (SoT), and Student Services and Marketing at APU, featured a blend of industry visits, academic workshops, and cultural experiences. 

Discovering Kuala Lumpur’s Heritage and Charm (21st April 2025)

The group of students explored the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, visiting some of its most iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots.

From historical sites and architectural marvels to bustling markets and scenic spots, the tour offered a rich insight into Malaysia’s diverse heritage and modern development.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about Malaysia’s multicultural roots, taste local delicacies, and engage with the dynamic urban environment. 

Academic Immersion begins at APU (22nd April 2025)

The academic programme kicked off with a warm welcome session and campus tour, guided by Student Ambassadors, who introduced the group of students to APU’s learning environment and facilities.

This was followed by an engaging hands-on workshop on the Internet of Things (IoT).

The workshop provided insights into the growing role of IoT in shaping modern industries and daily life, sparking curiosity and discussion among students.

After lunch, students delved into the first session of a two-part workshop titled “Introduction to Data Analytics.” 

The workshop equipped students with essential skills for understanding and working with data; a crucial competency in today’s technology-driven landscape.

Cybersecurity and Cross-Cultural Exchange (23rd April 2025)

The group of students embarked on an industrial visit to the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at Cyberjaya, where they gained insights into Malaysia’s digital defence landscape, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national infrastructure and businesses.

Students had the opportunity to explore real-world cybersecurity practices and engage with experts in the field, gaining a deeper understanding of current challenges and innovations in the digital security space.

In the afternoon, the students returned to APU for a dynamic interactive exchange session.

This collaborative session encouraged meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cross-cultural interaction, as students discussed emerging cybersecurity trends, academic interests, and the global relevance of cybersecurity education and careers.

Cloud Technology and Advanced Analytics (24th April 2025)

The group of students visited Cloudmile at MidValley, Kuala Lumpur, where they gained an insightful overview of enterprise cloud solutions, digital transformation strategies, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence across industries.

On top of that, the visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at how businesses leverage cloud technologies to drive innovation and efficiency, sparking thought-provoking questions from the students.

Later in the day, the students returned to APU for a continuation of the data analytics workshop, which took place on 22nd April 2025.

This session of the workshop further enhanced students’ technical skills, focusing on data manipulation, visualisation, and interpretation through hands-on activities and real datasets.

Global Connections and Learning Impact

Mr Muhammad Nabil Danial Mohd Zaini (Executive, University Placement, of Student Services and Marketing at APU) reflected on the success of the DMU Cambodia and Kazakhstan students visit, commending the well-structured itinerary and the meaningful engagement it fostered.

Mr Nabil, who was also in charge of overlooking the entirety of the visit, highlighted that the combination of industry visits, academic workshops, and cultural immersion provided a holistic learning experience.

This, he noted, strongly aligned with APU’s goals of delivering impactful and transformative student engagement. 

“Additionally, this visit not only deepened students’ academic understanding, but also inspired them to think globally, collaborate across cultures, and embrace innovation as a powerful tool for driving positive change in their future careers,” he said.

In contrast, Prof Dr Andy Seddon (Senior Director, Partnerships and Standards at APU) emphasised that international student programmes such as this are vital not only for developing technical acumen, but also for fostering global perspectives and intercultural competencies.

“By bringing together students from different regions and immersing them in Malaysia’s technological and cultural landscape, we empower future innovators to become adaptable, globally-minded professionals.

“This initiative strongly reflects APU’s mission to cultivate a diverse learning ecosystem that nurtures leadership, creativity, and a forward-thinking mindset.”