The APU Team during its recent e-Orientation Programme.
APU welcomed over 600 students to their pre-university intake via online
AS Malaysia’s premier education provider in technology, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) took a major leap forward when it welcomed its new pre-university students in a first-ever e-Orientation Programme, which was delivered completely online, beyond the 8,000 students who are currently undergoing Online Digital Learning (ODL) on the online platforms.
The programme was held May 18 to 20 and was streamed from the university’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) and recorded more than 2,000 online participants, including 632 students from over 22 countries, their parents and the university’s global partners.
With technology as its forte, APU embarked on its digital education transformation over the last two years.
Since August last year APU has set up a framework with strategic goals in place to roll out its e-learning, called the Online Digital Learning (ODL), to complement the conventional on-campus mode of teaching and learning.
Being one of the first universities in Malaysia to go live with online digital and remote learning during the MCO period, the implementation process was smooth for all stakeholders involved.
With aims to stay engaged with the pre-university students who will commence a new milestone online, the e-Orientation Programme connects the university’s academicians, support staff and the students, who are unable to attend classes in person due to the current conditional movement control order (CMCO).
APIIT Education Group CEO Datuk Parmjit Singh made a special appearance during the e-Orientation Programme.
To provide a personalised touch to all students virtually, the university established an e-counsellors team, comprising staff from the Student Services Team.
Prior to the e-Orientation Programme, each and every student was assigned to an e-counsellor, who are dedicated to providing a (virtual) hand-holding experience.
These included answering their queries, holding virtual meetings as well as question-and-answer sessions, as they hop onboard to the university’s ODL platforms that include Microsoft Teams, Moodle and the university’s proprietary student experience application, the APSpace.
Topics covered throughout the e-Orientation Programme included an overview of the online digital learning journey, social media digital footprint, an introduction to campus life and support services, briefing on PTPTN loans, ice-breaking sessions and more.
Chief operating officer (COO) of APIIT Education Group, Gurpardeep Singh inspiring the new students to adopt and embrace technology for digital transformation.
The university’s academic management team ranging from the vice chancellor down to all heads of school participated actively during the sessions.
APIIT Education Group chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh made a special appearance to encourage young SPM leavers to embrace technology and digital learning while adapting to the new normal with positivity.
“E-learning in APU was instantly adapted as soon as the MCO took place,” said Parmjit.
“I am delighted about the enthusiasm generated by all staff of APU and this e-Orientation is a fantastic initiative for our new students. We look forward to welcoming all our students to the campus soon.”
The e-Orientation Programme garnered positive responses from students and parents alike.
“It feels like I am attending a virtual Ted Talk”, said a student, who participated in the e-Orientation Programme.
Another student commented: “The dedication of the people in charge of today's conference are very commendable. Beginning to enjoy APU already!”
An APU alumni said: “As one of the APU alumni, I am proud that we can easily adapt technology especially in this pandemic.”
While a parent on Microsoft Teams Live commented: “As a parent, I feel proud. I wish my university was like this. Well done APU/APIIT!”
e-Orientation Programme host, Kok Cheng Mun (right) sharing with e-counsellor, Ryan Tan Teck Wei (left) on their experiences as APU alumni and their own orientation 10 years ago.
APU’s next pre-university intake is on June 29 for foundation and diploma programmes.
E-orientation programmes for bachelors degree and postgraduate students will commence in the first week of June.
APU offers a wide range of technology degree programmes aimed at nurturing students as professionals and preparing them for challenging careers in the global business community and society.
The multicultural student community comprises 12,000 students from over 130 countries.
The programme was streamed from the university’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM).
