Curtin Malaysia’s TECH-Reach empowers future leaders with Google-based digital skills

Miri, Sarawak – 10 October 2024 – In an initiative designed to empower and inspire, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) is set to continue its TECH-Reach Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) into the upcoming semester, with a focus on equipping high school students with essential digital skills through the power of volunteerism.

This hands-on programme, which blends technology with community engagement, is not only transforming classrooms but also fostering leadership among Curtin Malaysia’s undergraduates.

Spearheaded by Senior Lecturer Dr. Noraisikin Sabani from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, the TECH-Reach programme aims to close the digital divide by bringing Google-based digital skills to Form Four students in local schools.

“We are committed to extending the reach of this programme,” Dr. Noraisikin remarked, outlining plans to introduce either new ICT-based workshops or expand the current ones to more schools next semester.

Recently, two schools – SMK Dato Permaisuri and SMK Riam – hosted the latest TECH-Reach sessions, where 50 students participated in interactive workshops on essential skills like using Google Slides. Led by a dedicated team that included Valerie Velina Anaelechi from the General Studies Department, Dr. Anita Jimmie, and Puteri Nurul Fatihah Mohamad Azli from the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), Curtin Malaysia’s undergraduate volunteers guided the students through the digital tools, providing hands-on practice and mentoring.

These workshops, however, were more than just about tech. They were a platform for the undergraduates to step up as leaders and role models, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community. “TECH-Reach is goes beyond digital literacy; it is about inspiring a spirit of volunteerism and leadership in our students while addressing crucial skill gaps in our local secondary schools,” Dr. Noraisikin emphasised.

Feedback from the schools was overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to see more of these empowering workshops. “The students were engaged, motivated, and, most importantly, inspired,” said one of the teachers from SMK Riam. “We are looking forward to hosting more TECH-Reach programmes in the future.”

TECH-Reach stems from a larger research project funded by the Ministry of Education’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2020/SS0/CURTIN/03/1), and Curtin Malaysia’s KTP Grant, aimed at developing a personalised learning framework to support rural learners in East Malaysia. “Our goal is to create a sustainable model where students in non-urban and lower-income areas gain vital digital skills, while our university students develop the leadership and organisational expertise needed to make a lasting impact,” added Dr. Noraisikin.

Curtin Malaysia invites schools and potential partners interested in future TECH-Reach sessions to reach out to the Department of General Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin Malaysia, for more information. With plans to expand the programme, the university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a digitally proficient and socially conscious generation.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

SMK Dato Permaisuri students pose with Curtin Malaysia mentors, celebrating the success of the TECH-Reach workshop

Curtin Malaysia undergraduate volunteers guide students through Google Slides in an interactive, hands-on session

Dr. Noraisikin (centre), along with Valerie and the enthusiastic undergraduate volunteers, enjoy a moment with SMK Riam students during the TECH-Reach digital skills workshop