APU Venture Day Ignites the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently held its annual Venture Day event, which aims to promote an entrepreneurial culture in the student community.

The event, which took place on 17^th June 2023, brought together students, parents, staff, and members of the local community to learn about the World of startups and small enterprises.

Venture Day 2023 was organised by six APU Club and Society members — Enterprise Club (E-Club), Operation Smile Club, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club, Integrated Sustainability and Urban Creativity Centre (ISUC Student Chapter), Music Club, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — spearheaded by the E-Club.

The E-Club was established in September 2021 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Angelina Yee, APU Director of Research and Enterprise/Club's Lead Advisor, and has over 200 members who are managed by a committee.

They collaborated to create an immersive and engaging experience for attendees, a chance to network with other students and entrepreneurs while also raising funds for charity.

The event featured a range of speakers, including William Wijaya, an APU Cybersecurity final-year student, who gave a mind-expanding workshop on Return Oriented Programming (ROP).

Aside from the workshop sessions, Venture Day included a variety of engaging activities, such as student clubs showcasing their talents through performances, entertaining games, captivating booths, and lucky draws.

The event provides students with the information and resources they need to start their enterprises, as well as to create a positive atmosphere for entrepreneurship on campus.

"By engaging in revenue-generating activities, students had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that would serve them well in the future," said Prof. Dr. Angelina.

At the same time, Dr. Beh Ching Yew, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, believes that Venture Day will play a role in helping our students become the future generation of entrepreneurs.

"Visitors were treated to a sight of APU's multicultural experience, an enticing mix of food trucks, food stalls, product showcases, coffee stations, and refreshing drink counters.

"To add to the excitement, Venture Day included a thrilling lucky draw, giving visitors the opportunity to win attractive prizes provided by the gracious sponsors."

Beyond the festivities, Venture Day embodied a generous and philanthropic spirit.

"The six APU Club and Society members pledged to donate RM10,000 to a charitable cause as part of their commitment to making a positive impact. This noble gesture is the definition of the community-driven nature of APU Venture Day and its commitment to giving back to society," explained Nicholas Wong, President of E-Club.

As the second edition of Venture Day came to a close, the organising committee extended their appreciation to all participants, clubs, businesses, and sponsors who helped make the event a success.

The festival's triumphant conclusion marked another milestone in nurturing APU students' entrepreneurial spirit while instilling a sense of social responsibility.

Looking ahead, the six APU Club and Society members are already envisioning an even greater success of Venture Day next year, aiming to create an enriching experience that continues to inspire and empower students.

With each iteration, this celebration of entrepreneurship promises to encourage innovation, forge connections, and make a lasting impact on both the APU community and society.