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In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) once again demonstrated their commitment to mental health advocacy by volunteering at the Pillars Festival 2025, a mental health and wellness initiative, held for two days at APW Bangsar and three days at the LINC KL.

APU’s participation was coordinated by the School of Psychology (SoP) at APU, and led by Ms Amirah Husna Mohamad Hata Abdullah (Lecturer cum Psychology Lab Technician and Co-Advisor of APU’s Psychology Society, SoP at APU), with support from Ms Subashini Ganesan (Lecturer and Co-Advisor of APU’s Psychology Society, SoP at APU), overseeing student volunteers comprising returning senior students, year one psychology students, and non-psychology students united by a shared passion for mental health advocacy.

Marking the second consecutive year of APU’s involvement, the collaboration reflects the university’s sustained dedication to community engagement and social impact through experiential learning, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3, 4, and 17 (SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 17).

Fostering Community engagement in Mental Health Awareness

Under the festival theme “Rally for Mental Health,” student volunteers supported a wide range of thoughtfully curated activities designed to encourage meaningful, open, and inclusive conversations around mental wellbeing.

In achieving this aim, the festival brought together psychologists, wellness practitioners, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds through a series of engaging and interactive programmes, including:

1. Talks and panel discussions exploring mental health awareness, emotional resilience, relationships, and contemporary wellbeing challenges, led by experienced professionals and subject-matter experts.
2. Interactive wellness sessions and mindfulness workshops designed to promote self-care, effective stress management, and emotional balance through practical, guided activities.
3. Music, art, and community-based experiences aimed at fostering holistic wellbeing, creative expression, and meaningful social connection among participants.
    

The student volunteers played an essential role in the successful delivery of the festival by managing on-site coordination, assisting facilitators, and engaging directly with participants throughout the event.

Their professionalism, empathy, and teamwork helped shape a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere, enabling participants to feel comfortable, heard, and engaged during the festival. 

APU Staff in action

One of the key highlights of the festival was the community panel discussion titled “Beyond the Bruises: Understanding the Impact of Bullying.”

The session explored the emotional, psychological, and social consequences of bullying, shedding light on the often-unseen long-term effects on victims.

The panel featured experts from mental health and safety-related disciplines, including Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, SoP at APU).

Drawing from both a clinical and educator’s perspective, she shared valuable insights on addressing bullying as a critical social issue, bridging professional practice, research-informed understanding, and the lived experiences of young people.

Designed to promote open dialogue and collective reflection, the session provided practical guidance on fostering empathy, resilience, and supportive communities, while highlighting the importance of early intervention, education, and community-based support across homes, schools, and workplaces.

Student Perspectives

1. Chua Khai Tim, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology: “The festival was a truly impactful experience that deepened my understanding of mental health through interactive and engaging activities beyond traditional talks, while also allowing me to contribute to awareness efforts, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain inspiration to see the initiative grow even further in the future.”
2. Man Keng Yoong, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology: “Returning as a volunteer reinforced my understanding that leadership developed through coordination and guidance plays a crucial role in delivering mental health awareness in engaging and accessible ways.”
3. Muhammed Amen, Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence): “Participating in the festival left a lasting impression on me, as the positive environment and collaborative spirit showed how working together with purpose can create meaningful experiences and personal fulfilment through serving others.”
    

Extending learning into the Community

Overall, APU’s involvement in the Pillars Festival 2025 reinforced the university’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible, empathetic, and community-minded students.

Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU) highlighted that through active engagement with community partners and hands-on participation in mental health initiatives, students were able to translate values into meaningful action that extends beyond the academic settings.

“By combining academic knowledge with real-world service, the initiative offered students a meaningful platform to contribute to mental health advocacy, while developing essential life and professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.”