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Two student teams from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) achieved a double success at the Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2026, with Team Backbone emerging as Champion and two students receiving Best Presenter Awards, while Team Powerpuff Girls also delivered a strong performance at the national competition.
The competition brought together nine university teams from across Malaysia at the KLGCC Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 8 August 2026. Participants were challenged to develop and present innovative business event concepts, demonstrating their strategic planning, creativity, pitching and presentation skills.
Team Backbone, comprising Haithm Abdulghani Hussein Al-Bakri, Sarah Manisha Oorjitham, and Thiriidev Kumar Murlidaran, secured the Champion title with their proposal titled “Backbone Fest Asia 2027.”
The achievement also earned the team the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2026, which will be held in Xiamen, China, in November.
Team Powerpuff Girls, comprising Daisey Gabriella Ho, Reshika Ravichandran, Shaarmini Kohulan, and Yaashvin Devraaj, made an impressive showing with their proposal titled “NeuroWave Expo 2027.”
Beyond the team category, Thiriidev and Reshika were presented with Best Presenter Awards for their individual presentation performances.
This achievement was made possible through the mentorship of Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, School of Marketing and Management at APU), Mr Philip Tan Hock Guan (Lecturer, School of Marketing and Management at APU), and Mr David Ng Kok Meng (Senior Lecturer and Academic Leader, School of Marketing and Management at APU).
Business Event Ideas with Purpose
Team Backbone’s proposal demonstrated the ability to develop a commercially viable event concept, while exploring how technology could be incorporated to support those in need.
The concept also reflected the team’s focus on creating a business event that goes beyond conventional event experiences, with a clear purpose and practical applications that respond to contemporary societal needs.
Team Powerpuff Girls’ proposal explored how a focused business event could be developed through a combination of creative planning and strategic marketing.
Through their presentation, the team communicated the concept, event strategy, and potential value of the proposed expo, putting their academic knowledge into practice within a competitive business events setting.
Taking the Next Step on the International Stage
Reflecting on APU’s team progression, Assoc Prof Dr Devinder Kaur, Head of the School of Marketing and Management at APU, highlighted the perseverance and continuous learning demonstrated by the students throughout the competition journey.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, resilience, and growth of our students, as they continued to learn from each competition and turn challenges into opportunities for success.”
Building on the students’ achievement, Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer of APU, commended the students for their creativity, initiative, and ability to develop ideas with practical relevance.
“A splendid achievement by our forward-thinking students, whose commitment and perseverance throughout the competition have contributed to this well-deserved achievement.”
The journey will continue internationally, as Team Backbone prepares to represent Malaysia at the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2026, bringing together the skills and lessons gained through their national competition experience.