New partnership paves way for B40

ASIA Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun (PKKTB) have joined hands to offer better opportunities for underprivileged children and youths.

As part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), APU Integrated Sustainability & Urban Creativity Centre (ISUC) will work with PKKTB to address issues that coincide with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely, SDG3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being for all, and SDG4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Representing APU at the virtual MoA signing ceremony was vice-chancellor Dr Hari Narayanan, while signing on behalf of PKKTB was its director and treasurer Datuk Wan Mohamed Yaacob Wan Salaidin.

In his speech, Hari said APU is committed to sustainable development and giving back to society.

“In partnership with PKKTB, and in line with SDG4, we aim to focus on empowering and guiding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates from B40 households in finding their career pathways and enhancing their employability skills,” he said in a press release from the university dated Sept 7.

The initiative will include organising academic workshops such as computer literacy classes, curriculum vitae and cover letter writing classes, mock interview sessions, and career opportunity guidance.

“We are also planning to promote well-being programmes and services in line with SDG3, an area which is so relevant especially during this pandemic,” he added.

According to the press release, a series of webinars and activities promoting mental health, as well as developing resilience during the pandemic, will be made available for underprivileged children, those fleeing prosecution, and children with special needs.

Both parties also aim to stimulate and push for sustainable innovations that will answer social and technological needs to promote awareness of sustainability, green environment and technology.

PKKTB, under the patronage of former Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Bainun Mohd Ali, is a non-profit organisation with a mission to provide a haven for children and youths – regardless of income, gender, religion, language or ability – to gain access to creative learning while exploring and developing an appreciation for the arts, talents, and cultures of diverse communities.

PKKTB general manager Wan Aminah Wan Suffian said the collaboration will provide new opportunities and experiences to underprivileged children and youths beyond creative arts.

“Moreover, this brings new ventures to PKKTB, inculcating the importance of basic human values, exposure to local arts, heritage, culture, and a love for nature in the next generation,” she said.