Yayasan Chow Kit: Nur Salam Event

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Unoya, in collaboration with Matrix Connexion (MatrixC) and Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), organized a heartwarming and impactful event, TechConnectED. Hosted at Pusat Aktiviti Kanak-Kanak Nur Salam, this initiative aimed to bridge the digital divide and empower underprivileged children with essential technological tools and skills.

Setting the Stage for Success

The day started bright and early, with the Unoya and MatrixC teams, including Arif, Aisyah, Adi, Shafuan, and the CEOs Mem Maz (Unoya) and Sean Tay (MatrixC), arriving to set up. By 9:00 AM, the team had prepared the venue, fully charged 35 Chromebooks, and erected the TechConnectED banners to welcome the 35 eager children.

The event officially began at 10:15 AM, with an opening note delivered by YCK’s teacher Hazdalila Zai Ibrahim. Accompanying her as co-host was one of the school children, adding a personal touch to the program.

Inspiring Words to Begin the Journey

Mazlita Mat Hassan (Mem Maz), CEO of Unoya, took the stage next to share the vision behind TechConnectED. She spoke passionately about the initiative's mission: empowering young learners and fostering digital inclusion for a brighter future.

Following Mem Maz, Sean Tay, COO of Unoya and CEO of MatrixC, expressed his gratitude to YCK for their partnership. He highlighted MatrixC’s commitment to creating opportunities through technology, including sponsoring the Chromebooks for this initiative. The speeches culminated in a ceremonial handover of the Chromebooks to M. Pusenthi P. Maniam, YCK’s Senior Manager.

Engaging Learning Sessions

The morning continued with the first session at 10:40 AM, held in the 3rd-floor learning classroom. Facilitated by MatrixC’s emcee Adi, this session featured ice-breaking activities like the fun and lively karipap game, which encouraged the children to interact and build camaraderie.

The session then transitioned into hands-on Chromebook training led by Stephanie from Google Education Malaysia. The children learned to set up their accounts, navigate Google Workspace, and explore interactive activities like Read Along and creating digital art with shapes. For those facing connectivity issues, the dedicated team of Unoya, MatrixC, and Google staff provided hotspot assistance to ensure seamless learning.

Building Bonds Over Lunch

By 12:15 PM, the first session wrapped up with a group photo captured by MatrixC’s photographer Shafuan. The team and children then enjoyed a hearty lunch of chicken rice, while Mem Maz savored her nasi sambal ikan. Following lunch, the children observed their zohor prayers, a testament to the event’s respect for cultural practices.

Reaching More Young Minds

The afternoon session began with the second batch of 18 children, mirroring the activities of the first. Despite minor technical challenges, the students, guided by Stephanie’s assistant, enthusiastically engaged in the activities.

The day concluded with a special briefing session for YCK’s teachers at 2:30 PM, equipping them with the skills to maximize the Chromebooks’ potential in their curriculum. The Chromebooks were safely stored in YCK’s IT storage room, ensuring their readiness for future use.

A Day to Remember

By 3:00 PM, the event came to a close, leaving the children and organizers with beaming smiles and a shared sense of achievement. TechConnectED was not just a technological endeavor but a profound step toward inclusivity and empowerment.

Acknowledgments

MatrixC and Unoya extend their heartfelt thanks to YCK, Google Education Malaysia, and all participants for making this event a resounding success. Together, we continue to prove that technology, coupled with compassion, can transform lives.