Image

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This timeless English maxim aptly captures the spirit of celebration as Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly honoured the completion of the academic journey undertaken by its Foundation Class of 2024—a journey that laid the groundwork for future ambitions, resilience, and success. 

A Journey Worth Celebrating 

Completing a course of study is never merely about reaching the end. Instead, it is about the growth, perseverance, and self-discovery that unfold along the way. For the Foundation Class of 2024, this milestone marked the successful conclusion of a formative chapter—one that equipped them with academic rigour, confidence, and a readiness to progress into undergraduate studies and beyond. 

In recognition of this achievement, the School of Foundation (SoF) at APU recently hosted a modest yet ceremonious School of Foundation Awards Ceremony, celebrating both academic excellence and holistic development. 

A Meaningful Ceremony on Campus

Held on campus on 12 December 2025, the pre-university graduation ceremony filled Auditorium 2 with a palpable sense of pride and anticipation. Nearly 200 Foundation Studies graduates, smartly clad in formal attire, gathered alongside lecturers and university leaders to commemorate their shared journey.

The event was spearheaded by Mr Muhammad Ma’wa Abdul Aziz, Academic Leader of Foundation Studies, under the leadership of Dr Sarvinder Kaur, Head of the School of Foundation. Meticulously planned and warmly hosted by the SoF lecturers, the ceremony reflected the close-knit and nurturing spirit that defines the School.

Words of Encouragement and Reflection

The ceremony commenced with a welcoming and congratulatory address by Dr Sarvinder Kaur, who acknowledged the dedication, resilience, and academic commitment demonstrated by the Foundation Class of 2024 throughout their studies. She reflected on the students’ journey of growth and learning, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence as they advance into the next phase of their academic lives.

Adding a deeply personal touch, Haemaavadhaana Seemadaran, Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt speech. She spoke candidly about the shared challenges, friendships, and achievements of the cohort, offering words of motivation as her peers prepared to take their next academic steps. 

Honouring Excellence and Holistic Achievement

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award, which recognised 170 Foundation students for their outstanding academic performance. The awards were presented by Dr Sarvinder Kaur and Dr Teh Choon Jin, Registrar and Senior Director of Administration and Human Resources, underscoring APU’s steadfast commitment to celebrating student excellence. 

In addition, four students—Haemaavadhaana Seemadaran, Adewale Robiah Adejoke, Adrian Lee Zhe Feng, and Vdovina Darya—were conferred the Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achiever Award. This honour recognised not only their academic distinction but also their leadership, character, and meaningful contributions to the School of Foundation community, reflecting APU’s emphasis on holistic development. 

Gratitude, Reflections, and a Forward Look

The ceremony concluded with a closing address by Dr Teh, formally marking the end of the event. It ended on a heartfelt note as the Valedictorian and fellow students shared reflections and testimonies, describing the ceremony as both inspiring and memorable. Many expressed sincere gratitude for the guidance and encouragement received from lecturers, peers, and family members throughout their Foundation year. 

In her concluding note, Dr Sarvinder Kaur shared a sentiment that encapsulated the spirit of the day, “This cohort has shown us that true success is built on perseverance, curiosity, and kindness. As you move forward, carry with you not only the knowledge you have gained but also the values and confidence that will shape you into responsible, compassionate, and forward-thinking individuals. We are immensely proud of you.” 

The celebration of the Foundation Class of 2024 stood as a testament to shared effort, collective achievement, and the promising journeys that lie ahead.