KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) recently hosted ‘AI Made Simple: Practical Skills for Older Adults’, a groundbreaking training and engagement session that brought together 76 older adult participants from nine organisations with youth cyber ambassadors for hands-on artificial intelligence training.
The workshop, held on 27 September 2025 under the national award-winning Digital Technologies Seniors Program (DTSP), was co-organised by Swinburne Sarawak and Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder, marking a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide through intergenerational learning.
The initiative welcomed participants from Pesara RTM, Sarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Society, Social Welfare Council of Sarawak, the Lions Club of Kuching City, Lions Club of Kuching Ixora, Lions Club of Kota Samarahan, Lions Club of Kuching Unity, and Lions Club of Kuching Hornbill. Youth facilitators from Swinburne Sarawak and Leo Club of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School served as co-facilitators and cyber ambassadors.
The full-day workshop equipped seniors with practical experience using simple AI tools while providing essential strategies for online safety, directly addressing the growing risk of AI-driven scams targeting older adults.
Participants engaged in the workshop session.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer the future – it is already woven into everyday life, from healthcare and finance to communication. Yet, many older adults risk being excluded from its benefits or falling victim to sophisticated AI-driven scams,” said Chai Ching Yi, Head of Department at Swinburne Sarawak and co-founder of DTSP.
“This workshop wasn’t just about teaching AI – it was about restoring confidence, promoting dignity, and building bridges between generations. When older adults have a happy and empowering first experience with technology, they’re more likely to continue learning and even lead their own workshops in the future.”
What distinguishes this training from conventional digital literacy programs is its ongoing support structure. Participants are invited to join a dedicated WhatsApp group where they can continue engaging with youth cyber ambassadors, ask questions, and verify suspicious messages in a safe, trusted environment.
This continuous support system transforms DTSP into a frontline defence against digital fraud while strengthening seniors’ confidence in navigating the online world.
A facilitator assists a participant.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development’s mandate of ‘sustaining community wellbeing for a dignified existence for all’. The unique intergenerational exchange allows youth participants to guide seniors in real-time while seniors share their life wisdom and mentorship.
The event received generous sponsorship from Jerald’s Cookies and Desserts, and D’Care Pharmacy, whose contributions helped create a welcoming environment for all attendees, reflecting growing community commitment to digital inclusion and healthy aging.
As part of the DTSP, this initiative focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment rather than simply digital skills transfer. By embracing AI confidently and safely, seniors gain not just independence but also a renewed sense of belonging in today’s rapidly evolving digital society. The program represents a necessary step toward building more inclusive, resilient communities that harness the strengths of all generations.
The Digital Technologies Seniors Program (DTSP) is a national award-winning initiative focused on empowering older adults through digital literacy and intergenerational learning. The program emphasises practical skills development, online safety, and sustainable community support systems to ensure dignified aging in the digital era.
A facilitator assists a participant.
Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. Its Sarawak campus in Kuching is the only international, full-fledged branch campus of the university. It is known for providing quality Australian education and conducting research that creates social and economic impact, aligned with the needs of the community and industry.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn page (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu page (@SwinburneSwk).