Prof Chook (fourth from left) and Wang (fourth from right) with the student team leading the Golden Seniors Connect project. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
TAR UMT’s Golden Seniors Connect initiative is bridging the digital divide by to making digital literacy accessible and appealing to seniors
PETALING JAYA: Family means everything to Choi Sua Lin. The octogenarian often reminisces about her loved ones and the moments they shared. Sadly, the details and vibrancy of those memories began to fade over time.
Determined to hold on to those sweet moments, Choi began her educational journey on technology at the ripe old age of 80 despite being apprehensive towards its use.
She learnt how to utilise certain apps – Google Photos in particular – to keep family closer to her heart.
“Joining Golden Seniors Connect at 80 has been a wonderful journey. Thanks to my granddaughter, I’ve learnt to use Google Photos to upload and share moments with my family.
“I enjoy revisiting those memories whenever I have time – technology has truly brought us closer together,” said Choi, who signed up to be a “senior influencer” of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s (TAR UMT) Golden Seniors Connect project.
Inspired by the tear jerking film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, TAR UMT has launched Golden Seniors Connect, to empower senior citizens to navigate the digital world confidently and stay connected in an increasingly digital society.
Prof Chook said the Golden Seniors Connect initiative was designed to make digital literacy both accessible and appealing to seniors. —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
TAR UMT vice-president Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo said the Golden Seniors Connect project is a social initiative that promotes digital literacy to the older generation through senior influencers.
“Golden Seniors Connect will focus on educating seniors to use six vital Google tools – Search, Calendar, Maps, Translate, Photos and Lens – which are instrumental in finding information, managing schedules, preserving memories and breaking language barriers.
“It features several key activities to engage both seniors and the younger generation. This includes an educational mini series – six short videos featuring senior influencers and young people using Google Tools through fun and engaging storylines,” he said during the launch at Menara Star here on Monday.
He added that TAR UMT, through the project led by a team of its advertising students, will partner with senior centres to provide hands-on experiences designed to be easy for seniors to understand and use in enhancing their daily lives.
“The project also extends to social media, with a dedicated web site and Instagram account aimed at both seniors and younger audiences.
“Content will include the special mini-series featuring senior influencers, tech tools, tips, how-tos, and interviews, providing personal insights into their views on technology and their journey as influencers.
“These efforts are designed to make digital literacy both accessible and appealing to seniors,” said Prof Chook.
TAR UMT’s Golden Seniors Connect initiative features (from left) Koay, Ramlah, Choi, Chum and Lee as senior influencers.
Joining Choi as influencers are Peggy Koay, 65; Ramlah Ali, 61; Chum Choy Fong, 52; and Vincent Lee, 48. They all share a common goal – mastering technology to improve their lives and inspire other seniors to do the same.
“Being part of the project has opened my eyes to how technology empowers seniors like me to stay independent. Thanks to Google Maps, I can drive myself around without depending on my daughter, who works all the time. It gives me my own ‘me time’ and freedom,” said Koay.
“Getting involved in the project has been an eye-opening experience. Using tools like Google Translate has helped me improve my English pronunciation, and it’s amazing how technology can make learning easier, even at my age,” said Ramlah.
Through her participation in the initiative, Chum discovered how simple it was to use technology. She said: “It’s surprisingly easy to navigate, even for us seniors! I’m excited to continue learning more.”
Lee opined that technology is the key in unlocking the connection between generations.
“It helps us understand new trends and interests while bringing us closer together as Malaysians.”
Wang said as a media company, SMG plays a role in empowering communities by supporting meaningful and impactful projects like TAR UMT’s Golden Seniors Connect project. —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Supported by Star Media Group (SMG), the project also emphasises the role of media as a powerful catalyst for social change.
Noting that SMG is an avid supporter of meaningful and impactful projects by people of all walks of life, its chief business officer Lydia Wang said: “Media plays a crucial role in empowering communities, and projects like Golden Seniors Connect to give seniors a voice in the digital age. It’s an honour for us to support such a meaningful initiative that fosters inclusivity and connectivity.”
TAR UMT lecturer and Golden Seniors Connect programme leader Cindy Poh Huay Yuet said: “TAR UMT is committed to fostering a spirit of concern for all members of the community. It’s a privilege to lead this meaningful project that not only educates but also opens the eyes of the younger generation to the importance of making a difference in the lives of those around them, including seniors.
“This project blends learning about Google tools with making a positive difference. It’s more than just technology – it’s about bridging generational gaps and fostering a spirit of inclusion. It exemplifies these values by empowering seniors to confidently navigate the digital world, ensuring they are not left behind in our rapidly advancing society.
“It bridges the gap between generations, giving a voice to seniors and empowering them to become influencers, teaching other seniors to embrace technology.
“This is what inclusivity looks like – a nation that provides opportunities for all, regardless of age,” she said.
TAR UMT's advertising students are the team leading the Golden Seniors Connect initiative —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
The project’s leader Lai Ee Shen, an advertising student, said the initiative was important to address the burgeoning issue of digital exclusion among seniors as well as empower them, while engaging the younger generation to work alongside them.
“It was heartwarming to see two generations connect and learn from each other, which is exactly what we aim to achieve with Golden Seniors Connect. We are proud to participate in and drive this initiative, helping bridge the digital divide and foster a more connected community,” she said.
Golden Seniors Connect invites everyone to follow their journey on Instagram (@goldenseniorsconnect) and participate in the mission to empower seniors to be digital-savvy.
Visit https://www.thestartv.com/v/grooming-the-golden-agers to view TAR UMT Golden Seniors Connect videos.
