Image

Recently, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter (APU SPE SC) hosted its annual handover ceremony, a meaningful occasion that celebrated leadership, service, and continuity as the chapter transitioned into a new term (2025/2026).

Serving as a defining moment, the event connected the chapter’s past accomplishments with a future full of promise and ambition.

The event brought together outgoing and incoming committee members, alongside esteemed academic leaders and lecturers from the Petroleum Engineering programme:

1. Professor Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer
2. Ir Dr Wong Siew Fan (Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering at APU)
3. Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Harvin Kaur Gurchran Singh (Assistant Professor, School of Engineering at APU)
    

Reflecting on a year of Impact

Prof Vinesh highlighted that what truly sets the chapter apart is not merely the number of activities undertaken, but the strong values that guide each initiative and decision.

He noted that the committee members have consistently demonstrated leadership with purpose by integrating technical excellence with empathy, sustainability, and meaningful service to the community, reflecting a balanced approach to professional and social responsibility.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Wong praised the chapter’s dedication to advancing technical knowledge, while remaining socially and environmentally responsible, reminding committee members that their roles extend beyond organising events to becoming future changemakers within the petroleum engineering landscape.

She further emphasised that through consistent engagement in close to 20 impactful initiatives over the past year, committee members were able to translate classroom learning into practical industry exposure, while cultivating professionalism, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility to society and the environment.

Key highlights included:

1. APU & KL SPE Chapters Bring Joy to Raudhatul Al-faeez Orphanage. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/apu-kl-spe-chapters-bring-joy-raudhatul-al-faeez-orphanage).
2. Cultivating a Greener Tomorrow. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/cultivating-greener-tomorrow).
3. Experts illuminate Field Development Plan in the Oil and Gas Industry. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/experts-illuminate-field-development-plan-oil-and-gas-industry).
4. Empowering future Advocates through Environmental issues Training with Greenpeace. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/empowering-future-advocates-through-environmental-issues-training-greenpeace).
5. Exploring Offshore Operations at Kemaman Supply Base. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/exploring-offshore-operations-kemaman-supply-base).
6. Bridging Academia and Industry through Industrial Visit to Uzma Group and Deleum Berhad. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/bridging-academia-and-industry-through-industrial-visit-uzma-group-and-deleum-berhad).
7. Bringing Smiles and Science to Teens Girl Home Shelter. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/bringing-smiles-and-science-teens-girl-home-shelter).
8. APU Students Participate in the PetroBowl Asia Pacific Regional Qualifiers 2025. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/apu-students-participate-petrobowl-asia-pacific-regional-qualifiers-2025).
9. Eco Heroes in action. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/eco-heroes-action).
10. APU Students lead Coastal clean-up and Community empowerment at Bagan Pinang. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/news/apu-students-lead-coastal-clean-and-community-empowerment-bagan-pinang).
     

Following it, Bany Zechariah Mangar Chol, outgoing APU SPE SC President, delivered a comprehensive presentation that brought the chapter’s journey over the past term into clear focus, offering a structured overview of its progress and evolution.

He reflected on the collective effort required to sustain momentum throughout the year, acknowledging the dedication of committee members and volunteers who balanced academic commitments with organisational responsibilities.

Looking ahead with Confidence

As the event drew to a close, Dr Harvin delivered a heartfelt address, expressing pride in the chapter’s achievements and urging the new committee to build upon the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, to which her words also highlighted the importance of mentorship, resilience, and long-term vision in shaping effective student leaders.

With fresh leadership at the helm and a strong legacy to build upon, APU SPE SC now looks ahead to a new term filled with collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact.

More than a ceremonial transition, the handover ceremony reaffirmed the chapter’s mission to inspire, empower, and lead with integrity within the petroleum engineering community.