On 2 April 2025, Dr. Tan Yun Yi, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate & Collaboration at the Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA), was recently featured on majoriti.com.my for her impactful work in equipping senior citizens with essential digital skills and safeguarding them against cyber threats.
With online scams increasingly preying on the elderly, Dr. Yun Yi identified a critical need for action. Drawing on her PhD in Educational Technology from The University of Hong Kong, she founded Bengkel Teknologi Senior (BTS) in 2019—an initiative spearheaded in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Multimedia University (MMU), and Amanz Media. The program is dedicated to fostering digital inclusion among retirees and older adults in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
Designed for individuals aged 55 and above, BTS has expanded its reach across Selangor, Johor, Kelantan, Kedah, and Penang. The program offers 30 digital learning modules across five key areas: Information and Data Literacy, Digital Communication and Collaboration, Content Creation, Cybersecurity Awareness, and Problem-Solving. Participants gain hands-on experience in using e-hailing services, online shopping platforms, food delivery apps, and GPS navigation, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.
Beyond teaching technical skills, BTS fosters intergenerational learning, where university students serve as mentors to senior participants. This approach not only enhances digital literacy but also cultivates empathy, communication, and leadership skills among younger generations.
While some seniors initially struggled with technology, Dr. Yun Yi’s innovative, research-driven teaching methods helped many overcome their apprehension. A defining moment was when a participant successfully placed their first-ever food delivery order online—an act that symbolised newfound independence and self-sufficiency.
Dr. Yun Yi envisions a future where the elderly are not just digitally proficient but also connected, confident, and thriving in an increasingly digital society. Her work proves that technology has no age limit, and that lifelong learning is a powerful tool for empowerment. Click here to read the article.
