On 17 June 2025, students at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) were inspired to transform their hobbies into income-generating ventures during an engaging APU Industry Talk titled “From Passion to Profit: Turn Your Hobby into a Hustle.”
This insightful session was organised by the APU Sustainable Future Fusion (SFF) Club as part of its mission to empower students through real-world exposure and entrepreneurial thinking. The talk attracted over 50 attendees from different schools, highlighting strong student interest in turning creative pursuits into viable businesses.
Real-World Insights from Industry Experts
Held at Auditorium 3, Block A, Level 3, this APU event featured two dynamic guest speakers who exemplify success through passion-driven entrepreneurship:
Mr. Kai Wong – A multi-award-winning co-founder in the real estate industry, known for his innovation and passion for personal development.
Mr. Kreeshwar Sukumar – A seasoned real estate agent, ex-business development manager, and former banker, who provided honest insights on risk-taking, resilience, and consistency in building a career from personal interests.
The session was moderated and emceed by Ms. Cynthia Mala Paul, Advisor of the APU SFF Club and Lecturer at the School of Business and Management. Her leadership created an engaging and energetic atmosphere throughout the session.
Equipping Students for Entrepreneurial Success
Students were encouraged to:
- Discover their personal strengths
- Explore side hustles and opportunities
- Build a unique personal brand
- Balance academic life and entrepreneurial ambitions
Both speakers shared actionable advice and authentic stories, motivating students to take the first step toward launching their own ventures.
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This APU SFF event aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promoting sustainable economic opportunities and entrepreneurship.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening collaboration between student clubs, institutions, and industry experts to enhance student development.
Student-Led Leadership and Collaboration
The success of the event was driven by passionate student leadership and teamwork:
Khoo Lay Yang, President of APU SFF and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a specialism in Cyber Security student, shared:
“We wanted students to realise that hobbies can be powerful. This talk was about helping peers believe in their own potential and pursue something meaningful and profitable.”
Rasik Abid Rudro, Leader of the PRM (Public Relations & Marketing) Team under SFF and a Foundation Programme student, led promotions, media coordination, and crowd engagement.
Chai Zhe Hee, Vice Secretary of APU SFF and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a specialism in Artificial Intelligence student, contributed to logistics and operations, saying:
“It was inspiring to see how students connect with real-life stories. Events like this give us the courage to take action.”
The event was further supported by the Beyond Media Club, which handled event photography and post-event coverage, and by Asia Pacific University (APU) for providing institutional support and venue facilities.
Driving APU’s Vision for Future-Ready Graduates
This APU Industry Talk not only offered a platform for student development but also fostered deeper conversations around passion, purpose, and profit. It reinforced APU’s commitment to nurturing future-ready, entrepreneurial graduates equipped to face real-world challenges.
The APU SFF Club is committed to organising more transformative APU events that inspire, educate, and empower students through real-life learning experiences.
