TECH-Reach by Curtin Malaysia inspires students to explore the digital world

Miri, Sarawak – 6 November 2025 – More than 200 secondary school students in Miri are now equipped with valuable digital skills thanks to Curtin University Malaysia’s TECH-Reach Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide and inspire the next generation of tech-savvy learners.

Led by Senior Lecturer Dr. Noraisikin Sabani of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, TECH-Reach delivered hands-on training in high-demand digital tools such as graphic design using Canva and basic website development.

The programme was conducted at SMK Merbau, SMK Riam, and Knewton Global School throughout Semester 2, 2025, with a focus on empowering students from semi-rural and underprivileged communities.

Over its 18-month duration, TECH-Reach engaged 57 passionate Curtin undergraduate volunteers supported by a nine-member mentoring team led by Dr. Noraisikin. The mentors included Dr. Anita Jimmie, Puteri Nurul Fatihah Mohamad Azli, Valerie Velina, Esther Puyang Lihan, Gigi Hii Shu Qi, Donna Peterus, Praveena Munianday, and Sr. Nur Yusrina Muhammad Hasmi. Together, they created an inspiring learning environment where students explored creativity, problem-solving, and digital innovation.

Post-programme evaluations showed marked improvements in students’ confidence, creativity, and digital literacy, with teachers reporting that participants have since applied their new skills to enhance school projects and personal initiatives.

“We are thrilled to see how these workshops unlock students’ creative potential and foster self-directed learning,” said Dr. Noraisikin. “The enthusiasm from both students and teachers proves that with the right guidance and access, digital literacy truly is within everyone’s reach.”

The TECH-Reach initiative reflects Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and educational equity, helping to prepare young learners for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Supported by the Curtin Malaysia Office of Research and Development CMSRF-KTP TECH-REACH – IT Empowering Program, the project demonstrated how universities can play a transformative role in building digital resilience among youth.

“Programmes like TECH-Reach are not only about teaching technology; they are about creating opportunities,” added Dr. Noraisikin. “Every student deserves the chance to build the skills that will shape their future.”

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

Curtin Malaysia mentors and student volunteers guiding Knewton Global School participants through a Canva and website design workshop.

Curtin Malaysia mentors, student volunteers, and teachers with SMK Merbau students after the TECH-Reach digital skills workshop.

Curtin Malaysia student volunteers conducting a pre-workshop briefing with SMK Riam students.