Note: Introducing XGA Academy’s newest venture – “Stories from the Community”.

This weekly segment spotlights individuals shaping the Web3 landscape and their contributions to the widespread adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Featured Community: APU Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC)

Did you know that Malaysia has its own biggest blockchain university club?

The APU Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club, or APUBCC, is a vibrant student organization spreading knowledge about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.

APUBCC: Malaysia’s Premier Blockchain Club

Formed in 2021, APUBCC stands as Malaysia’s premier and largest blockchain-focused student organization, boasting over 500 members and a portfolio of more than 20 events.

Internationally acclaimed, the club has received awards such as the Best Governance App at ETH Seoul 2023 and Best DeFi App at Ethereum Singapore 2023.

“Our aim is to enhance understanding and practical application in the blockchain and cryptocurrency fields,” said Yudhishthra Sugumaran, APUBCC President.

Sugumaran emphasized that these achievements not only underscore the talent within the club but also highlight APU’s role in nurturing future leaders in the blockchain and cryptocurrency domains.

Adding an interesting aspect, members of APUBCC come from various academic backgrounds, emphasizing the club’s commitment to exploring blockchain technology with a diverse and multidisciplinary approach.

Elevated Initiatives and Ethereum Foundation Grant

During its early stages, APUBCC prioritized educating members about the basics of blockchain and cryptocurrencies through internal events.

However, by its third year, the club took a significant leap, introducing advanced knowledge-sharing workshops.

A noteworthy achievement for APUBCC was securing a grant from the Ethereum Foundation as part of their Road to Devcon Grant.

This recognition not only validates the club’s efforts and potential but also provides substantial resources to advance its initiatives.

The grant is currently funding a series of planned bootcamps this year, including the upcoming Web3 101: More Than Cryptocurrency, aiming to enhance the learning experiences of club members and contribute to the broader blockchain community.

APUBCC’s Mission to Educate Malaysians Beyond Cryptocurrency Trading

According to Statista, as of 2023, 23% of Malaysians owned cryptocurrency, signaling a growing interest in the digital asset space.

Despite this, public awareness remains limited. Notable initiatives involving the government and other entities have emerged, like Penang Free School planning to issue blockchain certifications and MDEC collaborating with Pentas to allocate RM4 million for artists creating NFTs.

In response to these developments, APUBCC aims to dispel the misconception that cryptocurrency is solely about trading and investments.

Tan Hao Xiang, Lead of External Relations at APUBCC, highlights the need to recognize the broader implications of blockchain technology beyond financial realms.

He said, “There’s a common misconception that the realm of crypto is limited to just the trading and investment aspects of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, the technology behind these currencies, blockchain, has far-reaching implications beyond just financial transactions.”

To bridge this knowledge gap, APUBCC actively engages in workshops, educational trips, talks, podcasts, and collaborations with external partners.

Their mission is to broaden the public’s perception of cryptocurrency and blockchain, showcasing their potential for innovation in diverse fields such as supply chain management, healthcare, digital identity, and more.

Web3 101 Event: Enhancing Understanding

Demonstrating their dedication to education, APUBCC is organizing the Web3 101: More than Cryptocurrency event from January 27 to 28, 2024, at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).