Empowering Youth Through Creativity and Sustainability
The Rags to Richness workshop brought together 10 young girls aged 15 to 17, accompanied by two teachers from PKKTB. This workshop was a collaborative effort between APU ISUC and the Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam (SISA) — an organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls. We were honoured to have Ms. Fadzilah Yasin and Ms. Faridah Yasin, esteemed members of the SISA Executive Committee, play key roles in making the event a success.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the workshop taught participants how to creatively transform old t-shirts into beautiful rugs and coasters through innovative upcycling techniques. This hands-on experience nurtured not only creativity but also a strong sense of environmental responsibility. The handmade products will be sold, with proceeds supporting charitable causes.
Throughout the workshop, the young participants showed dedication and enthusiasm as they carefully braided and crafted upcycled materials, embodying the values of sustainability and creative reuse that we champion at APU ISUC.
Fostering Skills, Community, and Environmental Awareness
As the Project Coordinator Team Leader, I believe the Rags to Richness workshop was more than just a crafting session — it was a valuable opportunity for young individuals to develop essential skills while making a positive impact on their community and the environment.
Ms. Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, ISUC Student Chapter Advisor, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the workshop’s role in building community spirit and fostering a sustainable mindset.
Our ISUC Student Chapter at APU remains committed to creating more opportunities like this that inspire collective action and build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Extending Our Commitment: Outreach to the Elderly Community
Beyond youth initiatives, ISUC also collaborated with the School of Business (SoB) at APU to visit an old folks’ home in Petaling Jaya on 1 September 2023. During the visit, students donated RM250 worth of cooked meals and dried food to support 38 elderly residents. More importantly, the students engaged in meaningful conversations, storytelling, and interactive activities with the seniors — bridging the generation gap and fostering empathy.
This outreach reflects the holistic approach of ISUC in combining sustainability with social responsibility. I encourage the entire APU community to embrace compassion, empathy, and active participation in making a positive difference in society.
About ISUC at APU
The Integrated Sustainability & Urban Creativity Centre (ISUC) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is dedicated to advancing sustainability and urban creativity through innovative programs and community partnerships. Under my leadership as Project Coordinator Team Leader, ISUC strives to empower students and partners to become agents of sustainable change.
