In a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering local communities with access to reliable internet connections, the UMP STEM Lab yesterday engaged in a fruitful meeting with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Pahang. The meeting is chaired by Tn Shahrizal Husin, the State Director.
The meeting, hosted by MCMC Pahang, brought together service providers and managers from Pusat Ekonomi Digital (PEDi), a government initiative spearheaded by MCMC. PEDi aims to empower communities in rural areas with access to stable internet connections, ensuring that digital opportunities are not confined to urban landscapes.
Back in 2022, UMP STEM Lab initiated a collaborative program with MCMC Pahang, piloting a project with 10 PEDis in Pekan and Kuantan. The program focused on providing coding and physical computing classes over an 8-week period. Classes covered a diverse range of topics, including Python programming, Scratch programming, 3D modeling, and Arduino robotics.
Through our collaborative efforts, we successfully conducted four coding and physical computing classes, reaching out to a remarkable 306 participants from rural areas. This achievement not only highlight the potential impact of such initiatives but also bring forward the appetite for digital education in communities that might not have easy access to these resources.
The classes conducted during the program were strategically designed to impart crucial skills in Python programming, Scratch programming for beginners, 3D modeling techniques, and hands-on experience in Arduino robotics. These courses aimed not only to introduce participants to the world of coding but also to foster creativity and problem-solving skills through practical applications.
I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. Every child can code when provided with the right tools and opportunities :). Our collaborative program with MCMC Pahang not only aligns with the academic ethos of inclusive education but also reflects the commitment to fostering digital literacy in diverse communities.
Yesterday’s meeting was not just a reflection on past accomplishments but a discussion on the possibility of extending our educational approach to a wider audience. The prospect of bringing coding education to more communities is both exciting and promising.
Special thanks to Pn Haznita Mohamad Lazim – Pahang State Director Development and Pn Saidatul Ashikin Abu Hassan – Director, Centre for Communications Safety Department for their continuous support and commitment.
UMP STEM Lab remains committed to advancing digital education and contributing to the empowerment of communities, fostering a future where digital literacy is accessible to all.
Stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative endeavors!
