Bridging digital, generational gap
Young volunteers in Segambut teaching senior citizens critical mobile app skills
Having previously been unfamiliar with digital platforms, Segambut resident Joe Fong found a digital workshop near his Kuala Lumpur home incredibly useful.
'It is very interesting for us to learn something, especially the various platforms that allow us to use public transport and order food.
'Previously, I would just take buses to move around, but now that I've learned to use e-hailing apps, I can book myself a car to get around,' said the 63-year-old.
Fong is a regular participant of digital workshops held at Pusat Nadi Segambut, an initiative by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh's office.
Nadi, the National Information Dissemination Centre, was formerly known as Digital Economy Centre.
To date, the Segambut centre has hosted 13 workshops aimed at empowering the community, particularly senior citizens, to use various apps.
Located at Jalan 8/38A, Taman Sri Sinar, the centre repurposed from a community hall offers an air-conditioned space for the community to rent laptops and access the Internet.
Schoolchildren can also rent laptops to do their homework and studies.
The most recent workshop taught participants to use the Pulse MyRapid app.
Mohd Sharif Ujang, 74, said the workshops had enabled him to learn about using e-wallets for various payments.
'Although I am rather slow in learning, the trainers have been patient.
'I try to come here as much as possible and learn new things,' said Mohd Sharif.
Yeoh's political secretary Yap Yee Vonne said the digital workshops began in March with the aim of helping senior citizens.
'We want to educate residents on using governmental services that are gradually moving from physical counters to mobile applications.
'They learn how to use the apps of Air Selangor, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Prasarana and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
'This is a safe place for them to learn, ask questions and get themselves equipped with digital knowledge.'
On the use of young volunteers to assist with digital teaching, Yap said, 'I think it is significant to bring generations together to foster a multi-generational relationship.
'We hope to continue to run more classes for all segments of society.
'Future workshops will cater to young working adults as well as youths about to start work.'
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