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Led by an APU undergraduate who is already an active entrepreneur, the Influence Building Masterclass (IBM) 2.0 demonstrated how real-world industry experience can be transformed into meaningful, peer-to-peer learning on campus.
In today’s increasingly competitive global job market, academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient. For university graduates, the ability to communicate ideas with clarity, lead teams with confidence, and project a professional presence is what truly differentiates them.
Recognising this growing imperative, the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCORE) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), in strategic collaboration with NEOS Development Global, organised the Influence Building Masterclass (IBM) 2.0 on campus.
Held on 10 December 2025, the masterclass illustrated how a student-entrepreneur who is already operating within the industry can play a pivotal role in developing the professional readiness of his peers and coursemates.
The session was led by Thiriidev Kumar Murlidaran, a second-year Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering with Honours student at APU, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of NEOS, a Kuala Lumpur-based student startup specialising in real estate development, investment, and the integration of artificial intelligence in education.
By sharing hands-on, practical insights from his journey as a student CEO, Thiriidev empowered fellow students to build confidence, sharpen their communication skills, and cultivate professional influence—capabilities essential for success beyond university.
Designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and professional influence, the intensive training brought together 13 highly motivated students from diverse academic backgrounds, both within and beyond APU. Through a series of interactive activities, participants focused on developing executive presence, strengthening communication skills, and articulating ideas with greater clarity and conviction—areas often underemphasised in conventional technical education.
The masterclass commenced with an immersive module titled “Owning Your Voice”. Drawing directly from his experience engaging with industry stakeholders, Thiriidev guided participants through the PEEL technique (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link), equipping them with a structured approach to presenting ideas logically and persuasively.
This peer-led learning approach resonated strongly, as students were able to relate to a facilitator who had successfully applied these skills beyond the classroom and within real business contexts.
A distinctive feature of the session was the introduction of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Through selected NLP principles, participants explored how language patterns, mindset shifts, and self-awareness can be harnessed to build rapport, confidence, and influence in professional environments. These insights encouraged students to reflect not only on what they communicate, but also on how they communicate it.
Beyond the training room, participants completed a mandatory LinkedIn engagement task, collectively generating over 10,000 digital impressions. This initiative significantly amplified the visibility of APCORE while reinforcing APU’s commitment to producing industry-ready, digitally savvy graduates.
Reflecting on the experience, Shivendra Thamilarasu, a Diploma in Information Technology student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), shared, “I honestly didn’t expect IBM 2.0 to be so impactful. I was surprised by how much confidence and self-belief I gained from just one masterclass—it truly opened my eyes to my own potential.”
The programme also exemplified a sustainable model of student–industry collaboration. Serving as a fundraising initiative, it generated a profit share for APCORE with zero operational costs, made possible through the generous support of Mr Rasjeev Singh, Director of Business Development at Motorhaus Sdn. Bhd.
Explaining the operational model behind the initiative, Thiriidev noted, “NEOS bore the initial upfront costs to host the masterclass, including food and learning materials. Through participant registrations, we were able to generate funds that created value without placing any financial burden on the University.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, he added, “I founded NEOS in January 2025 as a sole proprietorship and continue to manage the enterprise independently. Through disciplined time management—working weekends and maximising short breaks between classes—I have been able to grow the company alongside my studies.”
Commenting on the initiative, Ts Suresh Gobee, Head of APCORE, remarked, “IBM 2.0 demonstrates what is possible when we empower our students to lead and create value for their peers. By collaborating with a student-led enterprise like NEOS, we are nurturing graduates who are not only technically competent but also articulate, confident, and ready to shape the industries of tomorrow.”