[Right] Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PKNPk Chief Executive, alongside [left] Encik Afzairudy Bin Mustafa Afandi, Penolong Kanan Pentadbiran of SK St. Michael during the StratCom Jr. Programme at SK St. Michael, Ipoh, as students gain exposure to digital literacy, critical thinking and modern communication and media skills.

IPOH, 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 — In an increasingly digital world, young people are growing up surrounded by technology and social media, making digital literacy an essential skill beyond simply knowing how to use digital devices. Understanding information, evaluating content critically and using technology wisely and responsibly are equally important in preparing students for the future.

Recognising the importance of these skills, the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) continues to strengthen its collaboration with Sekolah Kebangsaan St. Michael (SKSMI), Ipoh, through the StratCom Jr. Programme, an initiative aimed at exposing students and teachers to digital literacy, critical thinking, modern communication and media skills.

The collaboration, which began in 2024, is being implemented through a phased approach that includes professional guidance and advisory support. The initiative is designed to help students develop stronger capabilities in digital communication management while encouraging them to produce content that is more structured, creative and effective.

[Fifth from left] Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PKNPk Chief Executive with [fifth from right] Encik Afzairudy Bin Mustafa Afandi, Penolong Kanan Pentadbiran of SK St. Michael and [fourth from left] Nur Saidah Md Said, Chief of Staff cum Director of Corporate Communications alongside teachers of SK St. Michael and PKNPk Corporate Communications team. The collaboration supports efforts to equip students with the knowledge, skills and digital capabilities needed to navigate technology and media wisely and responsibly, in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 aspiration, particularly under the Digital Economy flagship.

The programme focuses on two key areas, namely strengthening the skills of teachers and school clubs in preparing, managing and producing media content, as well as developing students’ ability to receive, assess, filter and communicate information across various digital platforms.

According to a spokesperson for SKSMI, PKNPk’s support has enabled the school to make more effective use of its media facilities. The school’s Green Studio has added value to the teaching and learning process by providing a versatile space that can be utilised across different subjects. It also gives students opportunities to edit content, conduct research and present information in a more interactive and engaging environment.

[Centre] Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PKNPk Chief Executive, alongside [second from left] Encik Afzairudy Bin Mustafa Afandi, Penolong Kanan Pentadbiran of SK St. Michael, with teachers from SK St. Michael at the school’s Green Studio, where technology and media are integrated into the teaching and learning process across various subjects, giving students opportunities to edit content, conduct research and present information in a more interactive and engaging environment.

The initiative was further marked by a signing ceremony held at the Green Studio, led by PKNPk Chief Executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak. The ceremony also served to symbolise PKNPk’s continued support for SKSMI’s efforts while officially inaugurating the Green Studio.

Datuk Redza Rafiq said that exposure to media and communication skills should begin at an early age to establish a strong foundation in media literacy, encourage critical thinking and strengthen young Malaysians’ ability to communicate responsibly.

He said the StratCom Jr. Programme aims to help the younger generation understand that technology is more than a tool for accessing information or entertainment, but can also be used thoughtfully and responsibly to create, communicate and learn.

[Right] Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PKNPk Chief Executive, alongside [left] Encik Afzairudy Bin Mustafa Afandi, Penolong Kanan Pentadbiran of SK St. Michael, and [centre] SK St. Michael Head Prefect Mohamed Irfhan, during the StratCom Jr. Programme, which encourages students to build their ability to understand, assess, filter and communicate information through various digital platforms.

“We want the new generation to see technology as more than just a medium for accessing information or entertainment. They also need to know how to use it wisely, think critically and communicate responsibly. That is what we are seeking to develop through the StratCom Jr. programme. It starts with simple skills, but the foundations being built are important in preparing them for future demands,” he said.

He added that the experience developed together with SKSMI could serve as an example for other schools in Perak to incorporate technology and media more meaningfully into the learning process.

[Right] Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, PKNPk Chief Executive, with a student from SK St. Michael during the StratCom Jr. Programme, which provides exposure to digital literacy, critical thinking and modern communication and media skills.

“We hope the experience developed together with SKSMI will serve as an example for more schools in Perak to leverage on technology and media as part of the learning process. More importantly, exposure such as this can help students build a strong foundation in media and communication skills, while understanding the importance of using technology wisely and responsibly,” he added.

To help students put their newly acquired skills into practice, PKNPk also contributed an iPhone 15 and a set of media accessories to SKSMI. The equipment will support the school’s Media Team in producing higher-quality digital content and documenting various school activities.

For PKNPk, its role in state development extends beyond industrial development, investment attraction and economic opportunities. The corporation also places emphasis on talent development and people-centric initiatives that contribute to the long-term wellbeing and capabilities of the community.

In support of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 aspiration, particularly its Digital Economy flagship, initiatives such as the StratCom Jr. Programme reflect efforts to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and digital capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly technology-driven future. By strengthening digital literacy and responsible media use from an early age, the programme contributes towards developing a more digitally capable and future-ready generation in Perak.