Empowering Underserved Communities Through Education

APU-UNESCO Chair’s “DIGITGAL” Team Partners with Teach For Malaysia

From October to December 2024, DIGITGAL—a Special Interest Group (SIG) under the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)-UNESCO Chair dedicated to promoting leadership and excellence among women and girls in science, technology, business, and other fields—collaborated with Teach For Malaysia (TFM) to support B40 students at PPR Raya Permai.

This collaboration was part of TFM’s Education Recovery Tutoring Initiative (ERTI), a programme designed to address learning loss and unlock potential in underserved communities.

The initiative focused on helping students recover academically in key subjects: Maths, English, and Bahasa Melayu. These efforts were aimed at mitigating the setbacks experienced by urban low-income families during the pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO), which had deepened educational disparities.

United for Change: APU and TFM Join Forces

The project was led by Ms Vinorra Shaker, APU’s Head of the School of Psychology and “DIGITGAL” GROW Lead. She was supported by Professor Dr Abtar Kaur Darshan Singh, APU’s UNESCO Chair and Director of the Digital Learning Hub (DLH), along with a dedicated team of lecturers:

• Ms Jasminder Kaur Harbindar (School of Business)
• Ms Tulasi Sathyabama (School of Computing)
• Dr Harvin Kaur and Ms Subhashini Gopal Krishnan (School of Engineering)
• Mr Jonathan Kovilpillai (DLH)

APU students also played a vital role in the initiative. Among them were Muhammad Mu'az Bin Mohamad Azizi, Nurul Nabihah Binti Muhamad Raduan, Agnes Magaya, Yaasotaa Mano Karan, Normurodova Shakhrizoda, Samra Ibrahim, Adonai Shimuli Kalule and Israa Mohammed Ibrahim, who worked on designing lesson plans, creating interactive content, and fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.

“TFM greatly appreciated the participation of APU lecturers and students in the programme. We noticed their dedication, especially when they created worksheets for the students, demonstrating their care and commitment. They were also incredibly supportive during ERTI's Open Day, organising engaging games and activities,” commented Ms Tiaradeetha Binti Ramjit, Volunteer Recruitment and Partnership Development at Teach For Malaysia.

A Transformative Impact

ERTI provided well-structured tutoring sessions to bridge educational gaps and enhance students' academic skills. Volunteers demonstrated empathy and creativity, creating a positive, interactive environment that improved both academic performance and self-esteem among the students.

For APU’s lecturers and students, the programme offered valuable insights into educational leadership and community engagement. This initiative embodied APU’s mission to nurture socially responsible graduates who are prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Reflections from Participants

“I enjoyed connecting with the young learners, seeing them improve their confidence and witnessing their progress throughout the programme. This has not only enhanced my skills but deepened my appreciation for the resilience of young learners,” shared Samra Ibrahim, an MSc in Information Technology Management student at APU.

“It was a rewarding experience where I had the chance to help students unlock their potential through education. It strengthened my adaptability and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while making a difference in their learning experience,” added Agnes Magaya, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration.

Praising the contribution of APU students, Prof Dr Abtar Kaur highlighted their exceptional dedication. “The participants greatly valued the learning gained from our students, particularly in lesson planning and implementation. The impact of the participants' voices and efforts was truly inspiring,” she remarked.

This collaboration underscored APU’s vision of providing high-quality, innovative education that extends beyond the classroom. By partnering with TFM, APU demonstrated its dedication to addressing societal issues, supporting underserved communities, and fostering ethical engagement.

"At APU, we believe that education is a transformative force, capable of creating equitable opportunities for all. Collaborating with Teach For Malaysia on this initiative reflects our commitment to empowering underserved communities through quality education and fostering a spirit of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility," concluded Prof Dr Abtar Kaur.