A New Dawn for Syria: Voices of Resilience and Independence

APU’s International Relations cluster, in collaboration with Cinta Syria Malaysia (CSM), hosted ‘A New Dawn for Syria: The Meaning of Independence’, a symposium featuring humanitarian activists and a refugee student who shared poignant personal narratives of the Syrian conflict and their journey to Malaysia, highlighting CSM’s vital aid efforts and fostering a deeper understanding of the refugee experience among APU students, who were inspired to engage in future volunteer and cultural exchange opportunities with CSM.

From left, Ms Iylia Balqis Suhaimi, Ms Nada Murad, Ms Roaa Al-Hamad, and Mr Muhammad Syahir Md Ali gave a briefing to APU students, covering aid initiatives for Syrian refugees, the specific challenges those refugees face, and other associated humanitarian concerns.

On the 25th of February 2025, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) International Relations Cluster, within School of Business (SoB), under the stewardship of Mr Muhammad Syahir Md Ali, Ms Nurul Hidayah Badrul Ezan and Mr Muhammad Ammar Hisyam Mohd. Anuar, in collaboration with Cinta Syria Malaysia, convened an illuminating symposium entitled ‘A New Dawn for Syria: The Meaning of Independence’.

The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including Ms Iylia Balqis Suhaimi, a humanitarian activist from Cinta Syria Malaysia (CSM), Ms Nada Murad, the Academic Principal at Pusat Bimbingan Alternatif CSM (PBA-CSM), and Ms Roaa Al-Hamad, a Grade 9 student at PBA-CSM.

The symposium’s primary objective was to elucidate CSM’s advocacy and aid initiatives for Syria and Syrian refugees, and to provide a platform for the dissemination of personal narratives from those directly impacted by the Syrian revolution.

Ms Iylia delivered an eloquent exposition of CSM’s pivotal role in the provision of humanitarian aid and the advocacy for the rights of Syrian refugees.

She underscored the imperative of international support and collaborative endeavours in mitigating the suffering of those displaced by the conflict.

Ms Nada and Ms Roaa shared poignant and deeply affecting accounts of their experiences within the conflict zone, articulating the formidable challenges they encountered and their subsequent journey to seek sanctuary in Malaysia.

Their narratives offered a profound personal perspective on the enduring impact of the revolution and the remarkable resilience of the Syrian people.

The symposium successfully consolidated the collaborative relationship between APU-International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Malaysia, fostering an environment conducive to future joint initiatives.

Students were afforded the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, gaining invaluable insights into the realities of humanitarian activism.

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This engagement not only broadened their comprehension of salient global issues but also instilled a sense of inspiration to contribute to humanitarian endeavours, reinforcing the significance of empathy and proactive engagement in addressing global crises.

The audience’s response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, with students demonstrating unwavering engagement throughout the session and exhibiting a keen interest in the speakers’ narratives and insights.

The symposium culminated in a resounding ovation, reflecting the audience’s profound appreciation for the speakers’ impactful presentations.

The students departed with not only a sense of enjoyment but also a heightened awareness of the humanitarian exigencies discussed, feeling inspired to contribute to similar causes in the future.

For those students interested in engaging further with Cinta Syria Malaysia (CSM), several enriching opportunities are available.

Students can participate in future engagements with the refugee school administered by CSM, offering their services as volunteers to assist with educational activities, mentorship programmes, and community events.

This hands-on involvement provides a meaningful avenue to support Syrian refugees and cultivate a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.

Furthermore, students can partake in cultural exchange programmes organised by CSM. These programmes offer a unique opportunity to explore Syrian culture, traditions, and the challenges faced by refugees.

Through these exchanges, students can forge meaningful connections, cultivate mutual understanding, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and empathetic community.