APU students extend STEM learning to refugee communities, fostering curiosity and skills while cultivating empathy, responsibility, and character through meaningful, hands-on volunteering experiences that shape socially conscious graduates.

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In 2026, the School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) successfully launched another three-month cycle of its ongoing collaboration with Elshaddai Refugee School, marking a meaningful continuation of a partnership that began in 2023. 

Now entering its third year, the initiative reflects APU’s sustained commitment to community engagement, where education extends beyond the classroom to nurture socially responsible graduates.

The latest cycle concluded with the third visit by APU’s first batch of dedicated student volunteers. While each volunteer is initially required to commit to three months, many have chosen to extend their involvement, with some even contributing beyond official APU hours. This willingness to go the extra mile speaks volumes about the personal fulfilment and sense of purpose that the initiative has instilled in them.

Led by Ms Iman Danish Sha, lecturer at SoF, the programme has seen APU students working closely with refugee learners through a series of thoughtfully designed STEM-based activities. These sessions aim not only to introduce foundational scientific concepts but also to ignite curiosity and encourage experiential learning among the students.

Across the three months, each visit was anchored by a hands-on project that transformed theory into practice. In February, participants collaborated to build model houses using wooden sticks and glue, an exercise that encouraged structural thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

March saw the introduction of engineering concepts through the construction of paper roller coaster tracks, where students tested their designs with marbles, with some groups successfully achieving functional loops.

Most recently, on 10 April, APU volunteers guided the students in designing and building balloon-powered cars using simple materials such as cardboard, sticks, straws, and bottle caps, bringing principles of motion and force to life in an engaging and accessible manner.

While these activities have undoubtedly sparked enthusiasm and excitement among the refugee students, the impact extends far beyond academic enrichment. The initiative has created a safe and encouraging environment where young learners can explore, experiment, and express themselves freely, building confidence alongside knowledge. At the same time, it has cultivated essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Equally significant is the transformation experienced by APU student volunteers. Through consistent interaction with the refugee community, they have developed a deeper sense of empathy, patience, and social awareness.

Guiding younger learners through challenges has strengthened their ability to communicate clearly and effectively, while also instilling humility and resilience. These are qualities that cannot be taught through textbooks alone but are shaped through meaningful human connection and service.

This initiative stands as a testament to APU’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, where academic excellence is complemented by the development of character and values. 

By embedding community engagement into the student experience, APU ensures that its graduates are not only technically competent but also compassionate individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.

“As we look ahead, SoF is committed to continuing this impactful programme through to November 2026. We warmly welcome lecturers and student clubs to collaborate with us in this initiative, as we strive to create even more meaningful learning experiences and lasting positive change within the community,” said Ms Iman.

Through initiatives such as this, APU continues to demonstrate that education is not solely about knowledge acquisition, but about shaping individuals who carry forward a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and purpose—qualities that define true leaders of tomorrow.