Dusun Tua Hulu Langat, May 27, 2023 – The Uprise Digital Media Programme, a one-day event that took place at Dewan Batu 16, Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat, Selangor, was a huge success, according to the local community. It was a life-changing experience for Dusun Tua’s school children who participated in the program. A group of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students led by Yin Wai Lam and Nurul Sharnizah binti Momang, both second-year students from Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics (RFTI) and Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) respectively, constructed a comprehensive 
The program’s primary objective was to expose the community to digital media skills such as photography and the Canva platform. To achieve this goal, UTM students provided participants with equipment such as cameras and computers, and they also educated the participants about the theories and practical application of digital media knowledge and tools. This second objective covered fundamental computing abilities, photographic techniques, sophisticated editing techniques, and Canva platform knowledge. By nurturing Dusun Tua’s proficient younger generation in digital media, it is hoped that the program enables them to seamlessly incorporate technology into their everyday lives while upholding a strong online ethical awareness. The third objective revolves around raising awareness regarding the profound impact of acquiring digital media-related skills. To attain this objective, UTM students used various social media platforms and websites to showcase the remarkable results achieved by participants throughout the photography and Canva activities. In the end, the activities helped to illustrate the significant positive influence that can be realized through the mastery of digital media.
The impact of the photography activity on the Dusun Tua community of primary and secondary students was significant and multifaceted. Firstly, it cultivated a sense of observation and attention to detail as participants learned to capture and document the world around them. Through this process, they developed a deeper appreciation for their environment and local surrounding while noticing its beauty, diversity, and unique features. Photography also encourages creativity and self-expression, empowering students to communicate their perspectives and stories visually. By showcasing their work to the community, whether through exhibitions, online platforms, or local publications, participants contribute to a sense of pride and connectedness among community members.
Moreover, photography promotes social interaction and collaboration as participants become more engaged with their peers, teachers, and local organizations during field trips, workshops, and group projects. This way, photography fosters teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, these experiences enhance the participants’ personal development and foster a stronger bond with the local community in Dusun Tua, promoting a shared sense of identity and encouraging active participation in community life.
In conclusion, the Uprise Digital Media Programme successfully achieved its goals of empowering the local community with digital media literacy and providing them with skills that will enable them to incorporate technology into their everyday lives seamlessly. The program has contributed to Dusun Tua’s community development and encouraged active engagement.
Prepared by: Dr. Sya Azmeela Shariff (Senior Lecturer) and Ts Dr. Sahnius Usman (Senior Lecturer) at Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, UTM.