MAKNA (National Cancer Council Malaysia) officially launches the MAKNA Periwinkle Digital Project at Sekolah Kebangsaan Aur Gading in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. This groundbreaking initiative aims to promote cancer education while bridging the digital gap, particularly in rural schools. The launch event is also attended by the Lipis District Education Office and the Pahang State Education Department.

The MAKNA Periwinkle Digital Project introduces “edu-gaming” approach to cancer education by incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology. By combining immersive learn-through-play strategies with current tech tools, the program engages students thus making cancer education more accessible and fun. This approach is especially effective in Sekolah Kurang Murid (SKM) – schools with smaller student populations – where access to digital resources is limited. A total of 30 SKMs across Malaysia will benefit from this project in 2024.

The organisation is providing selected schools with an interactive VR cancer education module, allowing students to explore cancer-related topics in a way that is easy and fun, which increases engagement, particularly among younger age groups. “We are focusing on the effectiveness of the messaging to this younger cohort, as higher engagement through play leads to better understanding and retention of information,” said Puan Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager of MAKNA

In conjunction with their 30th anniversary, MAKNA is proud to implement this project as one of their contributions to ensuring that health education and cancer awareness can be enjoyed by all levels of society, while also overcoming the digital divide in rural areas.

This project also seeks to make a long-term impact. “We believe that a change in behaviour requires time and consistency. The generational impact of these early education initiatives can only be observed after 10 to 20 years,” added Puan Farahida. MAKNA’s Periwinkle Digital Project exemplifies its commitment to promoting health education through digital transformation, which serves as a catalyst for more technology-based education initiatives in the future.