KUALA LUMPUR: TODAY, smartphones, tablets and computers with apps like Face book, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube have become part of our everyday lives.
The younger generation, especially, have grown up in a connected era and the use of digital technologies is second nature to them.
While we may be viewed as among the world’s top consumers of digital content, the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), with support from the Education Ministry, wants us to focus on digital-making as well.
The #mydigitalmaker initiative has set out to inspire this switch.
The initiative zeroes in on exposing Malaysian youths to the opportunities presented by the creative and innovative aspects of digital technologies.
Using several platforms, the movement will develop their skills in coding, app development, 3D printing, robotics, programming and data analysis.
MDEC Talent & Digital Entrepreneurship vice-president Sumitra Nair said most students who participate in the #mydigitalmaker initiative were from rural and urban areas.
“There are many success stories of students from rural areas who took part in this initiative. For example, there are three students from SMK Luar Bandar Miri in Sarawak who invented a device to sort oil palm fruit according to colour. These students, who did not own a computer, would go to school an hour or two earlier each day to use their teacher’s computer to work on the programming for the device,” she said.
A particularly popular event was the Hour of Code, a global movement involving millions of students from more than 180 countries.
The event is organised to introduce participants to the field of coding, and anyone can take part in it.
No prior knowledge is required and students will be able to learn how coding is done for game apps, such as Minecraft, Flappy Bird, Starwars, Moana, Frozen, PacMan, Candy Quest and many more.
The #mydigitalmaker bus is also travelling across the peninsula to meet some 100,000 students in rural areas to spread awareness about these initiatives.
The highlight of #mydigitalmaker is the #mydigitalmaker Fair 2018, which will feature exciting workshops like how to make a drone, 3D printing, exhibitions and career talks for the future.
The #mydigitalmaker bus will bring creative and fun-filled activities for the children, while at the same time, imparting knowledge of the digital world.
Don’t miss the fair, which will be held at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on Sept 29 and 30, and make sure to join all the fun activities planned!
For information, visit www.mydigitalmaker.com or follow the Facebook page at @mydigitalmakermovement and Instagram @mydigitalmaker_my.