Kuching, 16 June 2025 – In a bold step toward bridging the digital divide, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through its Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) SULAM programme, has successfully empowered a group of B40 women entrepreneurs in Sarawak with essential digital skills.
The “Bengkel Kemahiran Literasi Digital,” held from 13–15 May 2025 at Institut Koperasi Malaysia (IKMa), Kuching, brought together 20 Malay Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) practitioners eager to transform their businesses using digital tools.
Jointly organised with Koperasi Mamacare Sarawak Berhad, the three-day workshop was spearheaded by 42 final-year students guided by four dedicated supervisors: Dr Suhaila Saee, Associate Professor Dr Nooralam Shah Bolhassan, Ts Abdul Rahman Mat, and Mdm Rosita Mohamed Othman.
Their mission is to bridge the gap between rich traditional healing knowledge and the digital competencies required for Ministry of Health certification and sustainable entrepreneurship.
“Many of these women are highly skilled in traditional therapies but have never had the opportunity to document or promote their work formally,” said one of the facilitators.
“Now, they can design reports, create digital posters, and even produce promotional videos – all essential skills in today’s marketplace.”
The workshop was structured around two practical modules – Professional Document Preparation & Reporting and Digital Marketing Content Creation.
Each participant left the workshop with a fully prepared professional report, a polished presentation slide deck, a custom marketing poster, and a self-made promotional video.
Pre-workshop surveys revealed that 28.6% of participants had no experience with Microsoft Word, and two-thirds had never used Canva.
By the end, most participants rated their skills as average or better, with newfound confidence.
“I never imagined I could design a professional poster or record a video myself,” said Norazimah Harun from Sibu. “Now I feel ready to market my massage therapy services online.”
But the learning didn’t stop with the entrepreneurs.
The student facilitators gained real-world experience in teaching, community engagement, and instructional design.
“Adapting our lessons to adult learners taught us a lot about empathy and creativity,” one student shared.
The success of this initiative has inspired Koperasi Mamacare Sarawak Berhad to develop a “Digital Starter Kit” based on the workshop materials, aimed at TCM practitioners nationwide.
The move supports Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goal 8: promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
Encouraged by the results, UNIMAS and its partners are now setting their sights on another underserved group: informal caregivers in rural Sarawak, with plans for another digital literacy training later this year.
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