Young refugees from ElShaddai Refugee Learning Centre take centre stage at APU, gaining confidence, entrepreneurial experience and a sense of belonging through a celebration of cultural diversity.

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For young refugees, opportunities to express their cultural identity, discover their talents and engage with the wider community can be deeply empowering. Beyond providing a platform for learning, such experiences help build confidence, nurture self-worth and create a sense of belonging. 

Recognising the importance of these opportunities, the School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) brought together young learners from the ElShaddai Refugee Learning Centre (ERLC) and the university community for a day of cultural celebration, interaction and shared learning. 

Held on 4 September 2026, The ElShaddai Refugee School Cultural Day reflected SoF’s ongoing commitment to supporting marginalised communities through meaningful engagement that extends beyond the classroom. 

ERLC is a faith-based alternative school network and social initiative operating as an implementing partner of UNHCR Malaysia. It provides education and support to refugee, asylum-seeker, undocumented and stateless children, helping young people facing challenging circumstances access learning opportunities. 

Led by SoF lecturers Ms Iman Danish Sha and Ms Ruthira Nair, with support from the APU Myanmar Club, the event transformed the university campus into a vibrant meeting place where cultural diversity was celebrated, and young voices were heard.

One of the highlights was a series of cultural booths managed by the ERLC students themselves. Featuring traditional food, arts and crafts, and cultural items, the booths allowed 

the young participants to introduce their heritage to APU students and staff while gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship. 

For many, it was their first experience managing a sales booth. From interacting with customers and explaining their products to handling transactions and working as a team, the students acquired valuable communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

Their collective efforts generated over RM1,000 in sales, providing not only a tangible reward for their hard work but also a sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence.

The celebration continued on stage, where the young participants showcased their talents through traditional singing, dancing and a fashion show featuring cultural attire. 

For students who had never performed before a large university audience, stepping onto the stage required courage. Yet, each performance became an opportunity to overcome nervousness, embrace their identity and experience the encouragement of an appreciative audience.

The enthusiastic response from the APU community further demonstrated how simple acts of participation, encouragement and cultural exchange can help bridge social differences and foster mutual understanding. 

The initiative also supports three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting experiential learning and personal development; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, by creating opportunities for marginalised young people to participate in university community life; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through continued collaboration between APU and ERLC.

Reflecting on the event, Ms Iman Danish Sha emphasised that its significance extended far beyond a successful cultural celebration.

“Every child deserves to feel valued, heard and empowered, regardless of their background or circumstances. Seeing these young learners confidently managing their booths, interacting with our university community and performing on stage was incredibly rewarding. 

“At the School of Foundation, we believe education is also about nurturing compassion, understanding and social responsibility. Through our continued engagement with marginalised communities, we hope to create more opportunities for these young people to discover their potential, build meaningful connections and believe in a brighter future. Equally importantly, we want our own students to recognise that inclusivity begins with empathy and the willingness to make a difference,” she said.