Three-part workshop series builds in-demand capabilities in AI-powered design, digital content creation, and data analysis and visualisation
The School of Digital Technology (DiGiT) at Wawasan Open University (WOU) marked its fifth anniversary with a series of hands-on workshops held from June to September 2026, training a total of 90 participants in AI-assisted social media content creation, digital storytelling, and data analytics for business decision-making.
Organised in collaboration with the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), the initiative extended DiGiT’s academic expertise to Penang’s youth and the wider community, with active participation from Penang Youth Volunteers.
Kicking off the series on 6 June, the Canva AI workshop explored how the platform could support visual communication, content planning, and digital promotion. Participants used its AI tools to generate captions and promotional messages, create posters and social media graphics, and develop a one-week content plan. The workshop also introduced short-form video production using CapCut.
The YouTube content creation workshop on 5 July focused on applying AI throughout the creative process. Participants learnt to generate video ideas, develop scripts, and optimise titles and descriptions. They also explored how content could be repurposed across different platforms to extend its reach and strengthen engagement.
Bringing the series to a close on 5 September, the Power BI workshop shifted the focus to data analysis and visualisation. Participants learnt to import and clean data from multiple sources, build interactive dashboards, and produce visual reports that transformed complex information into clear, actionable insights for better decision-making.
Dean of DiGiT, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Tan Kian Lam (Andrew), said the workshop series reflected the School’s commitment to extending its academic expertise beyond the classroom and helping the wider community build practical digital and AI capabilities.
“As Malaysia accelerates its journey towards becoming an AI-driven nation, there is a growing need to go beyond awareness of AI and help people understand how these technologies can be applied in practice.
“Our role at DiGiT is to provide the academic expertise and practical learning approaches behind these initiatives, while the WOU AI Centre helps extend this expertise to the wider community and industry. We want participants to learn by doing, applying digital and AI tools to real-world cases, solving problems, improving productivity, and creating outcomes that are relevant to their work, businesses, and everyday lives.
“Through collaborations such as this with PYDC, we hope to complement broader national efforts in AI literacy by creating more hands-on learning opportunities that build confidence, strengthen employability, and enable the community to put technology into practice,” he said.
The initiative was supported by the wider DiGiT team, including Deputy Dean Dr. Racheal Poh, Dr. Jayaeswari Sangaralingam, Dr. Yeoh Shwu Chyi, Mohd Hafiz Bin Mohamad Zahari, Muhammad Zunnasri Bin Haji Md Isa, Nor Athira Binti Azlan, and Farah Wahidah Binti Kamarudin, who contributed to its planning, coordination, and delivery.
In its media statement, PYDC said the workshops enabled Penang Youth Volunteers to extend their development beyond voluntary service.
“By engaging in skills training, volunteers not only enhance their capabilities but also build confidence in trying and using new technologies, while discovering development pathways aligned with their interests and needs.
“Mastering digital skills not only improves young people’s task-handling and problem-solving abilities but also opens up more educational, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities,” it added.
Five years since its establishment, DiGiT continues to advance WOU’s role in applied digital education through academic programmes, industry engagement, and community initiatives. Practical learning remains central to its approach, ensuring that learners gain knowledge and tools they can apply to real needs and opportunities.
Supported by the WOU AI Centre as a platform for AI-related training and engagement, DiGiT welcomes further collaboration with industry, government agencies, and community partners to extend relevant digital capabilities to more learners across Penang and beyond.