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The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) deepened students’ understanding of humanitarian issues and cross-cultural realities through a guest lecture titled “Between Borders: Stories and Struggles of Refugees in Malaysia,” held on 29th July 2025, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4,10, and 16 (SDG 4, SDG 10, and SDG 16).

Organised to expose students to lived refugee experiences in Malaysia, the guest lecture was led by Mr Tan Wei Yu (Lecturer, SoP at APU), and featured representatives from ElShaddai Centre Berhad, who shared both professional insights and personal stories from refugee communities.

Topics explored included legal status, access to healthcare and education, and the psychological well-being of refugee children. 

Student Learning and Engagement

Throughout the lecture, students from both Psychology and International Relations programmes immersed themselves in the stories and discussions, listening attentively to first-hand experiences and drawing meaningful connections to their fields of study.

They asked thoughtful questions during the Q&A session, sparking deeper dialogue on education, mental health, and the challenges faced by refugee communities.

Additionally, guided reflections and peer discussions further encouraged them to examine themes of resilience and inequality, fostering a stronger appreciation for cross-cultural perspectives.

This engagement not only broadened their understanding of global refugee issues, but also inspired them to consider how psychology and international relations can contribute to advocacy, policy development, and community support.

Building Empathy and Fostering Awareness

Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, SoP at APU) highlighted that the guest lecture reminded students that every struggle carries a story of resilience and hope.

“It challenged our students to see beyond borders and embrace empathy as the foundation of real change, reminding us that education is not only about knowledge, but also about humanity and responsibility.” 

Continuing the Collaboration

The guest lecture not only broadened academic perspectives, but also offered a powerful reminder of the human resilience that thrives even in adversity.

It stood as a testament to the value of bridging classroom learning with real-world humanitarian experiences.

SoP looks forward to expanding its collaboration with ElShaddai Centre Berhad through more community-based learning initiatives, empowering students to engage with and contribute meaningfully to diverse social contexts.