From lecture halls to job calls

The Star

21-05-2025

ASIA Pacific University's (APU) Bukit Jalil campus, Kuala Lumpur, which typically buzzes with students, was transformed into a vibrant meeting ground on May 7, where learners and potential employers gathered, looking to form mutually beneficial matches.
What began in 2017 with around 80 companies has now grown into a major university-organised recruitment event in Malaysia, drawing over 7,000 students and more than 500 talent partners this year.
The fair saw over 120 leading companies in banking, telecoms, IT, gaming and beyond offering upwards of 10,000 internships and graduate roles to eager and bright jobseekers.
New ways to shine
A highlight of this year's fair was APU's newly introduced 'Career Shark Tank', a fast-paced pitching challenge where students presented 90-second self-introductions to a panel of 20 companies.
All participants secured at least one interview, while standout students received job offers from all the companies present.
This session helped participants sharpen their personal branding under pressure, practice public speaking and engage directly with local and international recruiters.
The university also organised panel talks for students, inviting industry experts to give students a direct line of tips on how they can stand out in a competitive and evolving job market.
Meanwhile, the AI-powered CV clinic provided real-time feedback on structure, language and keyword optimisation—helping students tailor their resumes for digital screening.
Learning meets industry
As a Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)-recognised Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI), APU collaborates closely with leading tech players—including Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Intel and Microsoft—to co-design modules, guest-lecture and run hackathons modelled on real-world challenges.
Students also gain priority access to internships, talent-hunt events and targeted networking sessions with partner companies, while AI- and data-driven workshops ensure their skills align with Malaysia's digital-economy roadmap.
Through this ecosystem, APU integrates industry expectations into classroom learning to ensure students graduate career-ready.
Leaders on the ground
APU chief operating officer Gurpardeep Singh called the event a clear validation of the university's commitment to employability.
Gurpardeep views the strong relationship between the university and industry as a key part of its broader mission to produce future-proof professionals.
He noted that recruiters from Japan, Hong Kong and Sweden even flew in to take part, underscoring global interest in APU's diverse student body, especially its international cohort.
'Our vision is to transform students into highly employable, competent and future-proof professionals.
'This fair is part of that mission—and it speaks volumes when employers keep returning year after year,' he said.
While technical know-how is expected, he added that employers prize attitude and communication most.
APU vice chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan echoed that sentiment, framing the university's role as a custodian for its students.
'Many of our students are the first in their families to attend university,' he said.
The university takes its role in nurturing students and preparing them for meaningful careers seriously, according to Prof Ho.
'Parents entrust us with their children and expect a return on investment: gainful employment and career growth.'
Prof Ho highlighted APU's multicultural makeup, with half of its students hailing from over 130 countries, as a valuable asset.
'Our graduates develop cross-cultural communication skills that are critical in a global workforce,' he said.
A wall of possibilities: Over 10,000 job and internship listings drew in eager crowds at APU's Mega Career Fair.
Giving back to the next generation
Returning alumni also played their part.
Lee Kar Hoe, an APU International Relations alum and now Horizontal Talent Malaysia's account lead for IT recruitment, shared fond memories of his time at APU.
He urged students interested in tech to build portfolios through freelance or part-time projects, noting, 'Only one in ten candidates arrives with hands-on work to show, and that makes all the difference.'
He also highlighted the value of interpersonal skills that reflect readiness to learn and the importance of branding.
Software engineering diploma graduate turned Touch 'n Go Digital Java developer Carmen Lim Yi Yen said her course laid a strong foundation of skills and knowledge.
Her advice to IT hopefuls is simple: 'Fresh graduates won't know everything, but if you show passion and eagerness to learn, employers will notice.'
With its unique blend of recruitment, mentorship, and real-world preparation, APU's career fair serves as a launchpad, equipping students not just with job leads but also the mindset and skills to thrive in the working world.
By creating a dynamic space where employers can engage with top student talent, often securing first pick of the next generation, the annual Mega Career Fair continues to bridge education and meaningful employment.