Maxis Collaborates With Google To Teach eKelas Students On How To ‘Be Internet Awesome’

Maxis has collaborated with Google to conduct a training session using Google’s ‘Be Internet Awesome’ digital literacy programme for a pool of more than 150 participants on Internet safety. This training aligns with Klik Dengan Bijak, Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) well-established initiative advocating positive and responsible Internet usage.

The recently held training session was aimed at equipping them with the right digital tools to create secure passwords, stay safe from scams, respond to cyberbullying and more. Those who were trained are made up of Pusat Internet Managers and Assistant Managers nationwide and Maxis volunteers. The MCMC-owned Pusat Internet serves as digital hub for communities in the underserved area.

The trained participants will help to guide Maxis eKelas students on the fundamentals of online safety and how to become confident Internet users. eKelas, Maxis flagship community programme, is an after-school digital learning initiative that aims to improve the academic performance of students in rural communities. Its focus is on three subjects - Science, Mathematics and English - for Form 1, 2 and 3 students. eKelas offers a combination of live tutorials, group learning and interactive digital content which is in line with the Malaysian School Syllabus. It is delivered at 55 Pusat Internet located across 10 states.

“I welcome this collaboration by Maxis and Google, as it complements very well with our important Klik Dengan Bijak programme which educates on security, alertness and responsibility, with emphasis on self-regulation in curbing Internet abuse. It also demonstrates our ongoing drive towards creating a mature and responsible mindset in this Internet era. We are pleased to see a shared goal in helping the future generation use the Internet wisely and as best as possible,” said YBhg Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, Chief Officer, Communications and Digital Ecosystem Sector, MCMC.

"Digital safety is one of the most significant issues we all face as a society as a new generation grows up with the Internet at their disposal 24/7. It’s important that we help our students and youth develop into responsible digital citizens. It's fantastic to be part of what Maxis is doing and I have no doubt that these educational and entertaining eKelas sessions will foster meaningful conversations on digital safety and respect at home, school and other places," said Su Ann Lim, Industry Head, Google Malaysia.

“One of our ambitions for eKelas is to bring digital learning closer to the community, with the Internet as a vital platform to provide students with resources and content for their learning needs. So it is timely for us to equip these Pusat Internet Managers and Assistant Managers to help eKelas students who engage with us through our flagship community outreach programme to have a safe and secure digital experience,” said Robert Nason, Maxis’ Chief Executive Officer.

The ‘Be Internet Awesome’ training is based on modules provided by Google, which covers five key areas:

• Share with Care (Be Internet Smart)
• Don’t Fall for Fake (Be Internet Alert)
• Secure Your Secrets (Be Internet Strong)
• It’s Cool to Be Kind (Be Internet Kind)
• When in Doubt, Talk It Out (Be Internet Brave)

In addition to the training session, Maxis’ collaboration with Google includes incorporating digital literacy content – in both English and Bahasa Malaysia – into the eKelas portal and live tutorials.

About eKelas
Maxis eKelas is an after-school digital learning initiative that aims to improve the academic performance of students in rural and urban communities. Its focus is on three subjects - Science, Mathematics and English - for Form 1, 2 and 3 students. eKelas offers a combination of live tutorials, group learning and interactive digital content which is in line with the Malaysian School Syllabus. The programme is delivered at Pusat Internet, which are MCMC-run Internet Centres that serve as digital hubs for communities in underserved areas. Since its launch, eKelas currently has more than 4,000 students in terms of class population as well as those interacting within the eKelas portal.