APU-UNESCO Chair DIGITGAL Initiative Empowers Refugee Communities at Refugee Festival 2023
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s DIGITGAL initiative, an integral part of APU’s UNESCO Chair on Harnessing Innovations in Technology to Support Teachers & Quality Learning, made a significant impact at the Refugee Festival 2023 held on September 8, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur.
Refugee panellists sharing their challenges in education and career prospects at the Refugee Festival 2023
DIGITGAL, which stands for “Driving Girls in Technology, Growth & Leadership,” is committed to empowering disenfranchised communities in Malaysia through education and skills development. By participating in the Refugee Festival 2023, DIGITGAL aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and migrants in Malaysia and provide them with upskilling opportunities.
As part of its upcoming plan, DIGITGAL will offer training and workshops for refugee adults in various areas, including Science and Technology (GIST), Financial Literacy (GIFT), Entrepreneurship, Management & Sustainability (GEMS), and Resilience & Overall Well-being (GROW). These initiatives are designed to improve the quality of life for refugee adults and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in their new environment.
Twelve representatives from APU, including lecturers, staff, and students, actively participated in the festival, gaining valuable insights into the educational needs and gaps of refugee adults. They attended a panel session on “Refugee Education & Career: Challenges and the Way Forward,” a sharing session with writer and photographer Mark Isaac, and the screening of the film “Trapped People.”
Prof. Abtar Darshan Singh, the Advisor of DIGITGAL, emphasized the importance of these upskilling activities, stating, “We have proposed upskilling activities for refugee adults to be carried out at APU in 2024, aligning with our respective pillars – GIST, GIFT, GEMS, and GROW.”
The Refugee Festival, founded by investigative journalist and refugee rights activist Ms. Mahi Ramakrishnan, has been instrumental in connecting refugee communities with Malaysian society since 2017. Mahi’s dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of refugees and stateless persons in Malaysia has led to the creation of platforms for refugees to speak up and advocate for a comprehensive refugee policy from the Malaysian government.
DIGITGAL’s partnership with the Refugee Festival 2023 showcases APU’s commitment to driving positive change and empowering marginalized communities through technology, growth, and leadership. By providing upskilling opportunities and raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees, DIGITGAL is taking significant steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
