The School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in collaboration with the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), recently welcomed the second visit from Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts & Science (KCLAS), Coimbatore, India.

This enriching event was part of the KCLAS International Student Mobility Programme, which saw 21 students and a staff member from the Department of Psychology at KCLAS joining hands with APU’s Psychology Society for an immersive academic and cultural exchange experience.

The programme, co-organised by SoP’s Associate Head Ms Vinorra Shaker and Lecturer Ms Dhevaania C. Gendsen, emphasised the importance of student-led initiatives. APU’s Psychology Society played a vital role, embodying the spirit of leadership and collaboration as part of their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education.

Over several days, participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on mental health and emotional well-being, facilitated by professionals from SoP, KCLAS, and their associates. A standout moment was the “Mind Unveiled” session led by Ms Kelly Chan Jia Li and Ms Shaundtrya Ganasan from Soul Mechanics Therapy Center. This session introduced practical tools for mental health management, with a focus on emotional resilience and mindfulness, empowering students with techniques to navigate personal challenges. 

In addition, students explored the innovative side of psychology with XR Lab demonstrations, showcasing how virtual reality can be applied in research and mental health interventions. Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad’s session on “Enhancing Well-being and Relationships Through Positive Emotions” further deepened participants’ understanding of how gratitude, compassion, and other positive emotions can lead to holistic mental well-being. 

One of the most anticipated events was the student-led session titled “Navigating Online Identity: Understanding Digital Transformation and Digital Footprint”. Guided by Ms Dhevaania, APU’s third-year psychology students tackled the psychological impacts of social media, online privacy, and the evolution of digital identities. This session was particularly important in promoting critical thinking and digital literacy, key competencies for navigating today’s digital world.

Other dynamic sessions included “Self-Discovery through Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” by Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong, which blended literature with psychology to foster self-reflection, and a Zumba workout led by Mr Lee Gin Lim, reinforcing the strong connection between physical activity and mental health. The programme closed with a unique exploration of music’s therapeutic potential, presented by KCLAS faculty member, Assistant Professor Swathi Priya, demonstrating the wide-ranging applications of psychology in real life. 

Other faculty members who contributed to equally important sessions included Ms Kartpagam K. Karthigeyan, Mr Tan Wei Yu, Ms Amirah Husna, and Ms Raihan Munira Moh Sani.

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Ms Vinorra Shaker, Associate Head of SoP, stated, “This partnership with KCLAS is a testament to our shared commitment to student empowerment and academic excellence. Through programmes like these, we enable our students to experience the power of collaboration and the richness of cultural exchange, which are essential for building compassionate, forward-thinking global citizens.”