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Recently, a heartwarming and impactful community outreach programme was successfully organised at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), for children from Yayasan Chow Kit, aged between seven and 12 years old.

Led by Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Lecturer and Advisor of Sustainability Future Fusion, School of Business at APU), the programme aimed to introduce young learners to the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) in a fun, safe, and engaging environment.

Bringing together shared expertise and a strong sense of purpose, the programme was made possible through a meaningful collaboration between:

1. APU Sustainability Future Fusion (APU SFF)
2. APU AKPK Grow Club
3. Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam
    

This partnership reflected a united commitment to advancing community empowerment, expanding access to education, and promoting digital inclusion, particularly among young learners, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and 10 (SDG 4 and SDG 10). 

Developing communication skills through structured AI learning

Focusing on building strong communication foundations, the programme introduced the children to a structured approach to using AI tools effectively.

Through the Prompt-Refactor-Verify (PRV) Framework, the children were guided to think more clearly about how they present their ideas; from identifying their purpose to shaping their message in a meaningful and expressive way.

This structured learning approach not only enhanced their ability to present information effectively, but also nurtured critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. 

Exploring Creativity through AI innovation

A key highlight of the programme was the AI creativity session by Ayaan Minhas and Muhammad Noorullah Baig, both APU students specialising in AI.

During the session, the children were first guided to reflect on their personal interests, hobbies, and favourite topics before transforming these ideas into short, meaningful poems.

With guidance from student representatives, the children learned how to craft simple and effective prompts for AI tools, enabling them to generate creative images that visually represented their written work.

The children actively experimented with different ideas, colours, and styles, refining their prompts to achieve results that best matched their imagination.

By combining storytelling with technology, the session created an engaging and immersive learning experience, allowing the children to see their ideas come to life, while building confidence in expressing themselves through both words and visuals.

A meaningful Conclusion celebrating Joy and Achievement

The programme concluded with heartfelt celebrations; Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam, represented by Ms Fadzilah, Ms Azlinza, and Ms Halifah, contributed thoughtfully curated goodie bags filled with games, stationery sets, and refreshments, bringing joy and excitement to the children.

To make the occasion even more memorable, each child also received a refurbished soft toy of their choice, adding a sense of warmth and comfort that resonated deeply with them. 

Student Perspectives

A few perspective from students:

1. Phone Thant Kyaw: “I felt very happy to be part of the programme, as i could see how collaboration was important in forming a successful programme for the children, while also learning about the role of AI in enhancing the learning process, making it a truly memorable experience for me.”
2. Nang Hla Hla Htay: “From the beginning to the end of the programme, i tried my best to support the children in their learning journey, and i was truly impressed by how quickly they adapted and showed strong intelligence and curiosity in learning about AI, reflecting how positively they are growing with the changing world.”
3. Angela Merici Da Conceicao: “Taking part in the programme was a truly enjoyable experience for me, as i was able to learn how to use AI more effectively through proper prompting, while also engaging with the children and sharing many joyful and meaningful moments together.”
4. Leticia Guterres Amaral: “Participating in the programme was a valuable experience, as it allowed me to develop a better understanding of how to use AI effectively, while also giving me the opportunity to engage with the children, who were highly curious, intelligent, and eager to explore new knowledge.”
    

Building a Foundation for Inclusive Digital learning

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Ms Cynthia shared that it demonstrated how experiential learning can meaningfully enhance children’s engagement with emerging technologies.

She highlighted that when guided with care and appropriate tools, children are able to express their ideas creatively and confidently, turning learning into an interactive and meaningful experience.

Building on this perspective, Ms Fadzilah expressed her appreciation for the programme, noting the importance of providing encouragement, exposure, and opportunities for children to grow.

She shared that the children’s confidence and creativity throughout the programme reflected their strong potential when given the right support and learning environment.

She concluded by emphasising that continuous efforts in such initiatives are essential in nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and building a more inclusive digital future for the next generation.