• The digital divide – defined as the unequal access to digital technology, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet – is a significant barrier in today’s digital age, leading to deeper global socio-economic disparities.

• Code4TheFuture, led by 42KL, aims to address this digital divide by equipping refugee students in Malaysia with digital and soft skills, aligning with 42 Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive education and empowering vulnerable communities.

In this age of rapid digital transformation, access to technology and education is vital, yet the digital divide remains a significant barrier, creating disparities in technology use and skills-building, particularly for underprivileged communities.

This widens the gap between those who benefit from technological advancements and those who do not, as challenges such as restricted access to formal education, language barriers and financial constraints will ultimately lead to issues such as poverty, inequality and limited economic mobility.

Empowerment through Education

Code4TheFuture’s second edition at 42KL campus, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL), featuring expanded collaboration with Fugee School.

Addressing these challenges is essential to achieve equal access to technology and education.

Initiatives such as Code4TheFuture, offer sustainable digital solutions that empower vulnerable communities to become digitally literate. Led by 42 Kuala Lumpur (42KL), the Code4TheFuture programme focuses on equipping refugee students in Malaysia with essential digital skills within a supportive and inclusive educational environment.

The first Code4TheFuture programme in 2023 gathered over 35 refugee students, aged 10 to 14 years old, from dedicated learning centres in Kuala Lumpur, with the goal of introducing coding and igniting a passion for digital learning. Among these learning centres was the Children’s Training Centre (CTC), a non-profit organisation providing educational opportunities to refugee students and Project R.ED, which stands for “Reimagine Education”, a safe space cultivated for refugee students to facilitate their learning.

In 2024, Code4TheFuture was hosted at the 42KL campus in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur (SCKL), marking its second edition with a collaboration alongside Fugee School for 35 refugee students aged 13 to 19 years old. Established to address the limited access to education and healthcare faced by refugees, Fugee School has grown to become an academic learning centre and transitional school. The school provides equitable access to a broad-based, quality education and a range of support services for over 200 students.

“At Fugee School, we are dedicated to providing holistic education to refugee children. Refugee children need access to practical tech skills, especially in a time of AI, to ensure they acquire critical skills for success in a rapidly evolving job market and to bridge the digital divide, empowering them with real-world preparedness and opportunities,” said Deborah Henry, founder of Fugee School.

She added that, equipping these children with digital skills not only enhances their future employment prospects but also fosters innovation and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, Code4TheFuture was led by dedicated student volunteers from 42KL, who carefully crafted lesson plans and conducted the instructional sessions. Students were guided through the basics of Python and game development with the “pygame” engine. This gave them unique insights into the concepts behind game design, game engine and graphics, as they developed their own 2D platformer game.

Beyond these technical skills and concepts of game development, Code4TheFuture aimed to foster essential soft skills such as problem-solving and creative thinking.

By exposing students to the world of coding, Code4TheFuture aims to inspire and empower the next generation of tech-savvy individuals. Through its comprehensive approach, the initiative seeks to equip students with both technical knowledge and valuable skills for the future.

“This collaboration with Fugee School is a testament to 42 Malaysia’s dedication and commitment to making tech education accessible for all, regardless of their background. We are proud that Code4TheFuture has positively impacted some 70 refugee students since its inception in 2023, and we look forward to the programme’s continued success.” said Jeff Sandhu, chief operating officer of 42 Malaysia and head of 42KL.

He emphasises that by raising awareness and imparting digital skills, particularly coding, we are opening new doors and helping young minds create a brighter future.

Building Skills for a Brighter Future

Dedicated student volunteers from 42KL leading instructional sessions with carefully crafted lesson plans in the Code4TheFuture programme.

Code4TheFuture strives to bridge the educational gap by providing a supportive and accessible learning environment for students to develop essential digital skills. The initiative highlights the importance of technology education in empowering youth and reflects 42 Malaysia’s commitment to providing educational access to all Malaysians irrespective of their backgrounds.

As Sunway continues to champion sustainable development and social responsibility, initiatives like Code4TheFuture underscore our dedication to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.