APU Students Embrace Community Spirit with Food Aid

The SoGHT students gained invaluable practical experience, developing teamwork, organisational, and essential hospitality management skills while contributing to the community and understanding the challenges faced by the underprivileged, furthering the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2): Zero Hunger.



Seven Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) students recently demonstrated the power of community spirit by volunteering with The Food Aid Foundation.

The Food Aid Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and food bank incorporated in 2013. To date, it has collected 1,833,243 kg of donations, distributed food worth approximately RM31,401,427, and provided 1,831,749 meals.

Driven by their commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), the students — Amin Ali Haimoud, Onindo Lawrence Perera, Noa Kurogi, Pham Duc Duong, Ly Hai Cuong, Ly Hai Yen, and Vu Minh Thuyet — helped with food packaging and distribution under the guidance of Lecturer Chef Zaishahrizal Zamani, Senior Lecturers Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali, and Mr Yeoh Tay Boon.

The experience provided invaluable practical insights, as Chef Zaishahrizal explained, “These activities were to provide practical experience, enhance community engagement and develop essential skills in hospitality management, as well as contribute positively to the community and understand the challenges faced by the underprivileged.”  

“As students, our resources are limited, but we can offer our energy and manpower,” said Amin Ali Haimoud.

“And it gives us an experience and satisfaction for being able to help those in need.”  

Ly Hai Cuong highlighted the wider implications, “Initiatives like this underscore the transformative impact of education and community engagement in addressing pressing global issues like food security and environmental sustainability.” 

Vu Minh Thuyet added, “Through our collective action, we have not only given back to the underprivileged but also strengthened community bonds and advanced sustainable development goals to people around PPR Sri Pantai Dalam.”  

The students’ enthusiasm and dedication underscored the importance of community engagement in shaping a more compassionate future.

APU volunteers also presented donations to Ms Salamah Jalaludin, Assistant Secretary of PPR Sri Pantai Dalam, for distribution to those in need.