Equipped with DuckiePi learning devices, created by Taylorians, to benefit the surrounding PPR Lembah Subang 1 and 2 communities, the DuckiePi Computer Lab, currently located in ChilHub operated by Persatuan Integrasi Usahawan Selangor, is used by Me.reka Belia to conduct digital literacy programmes to equip teenagers and budding B40 entrepreneurs with web and digital skills.

“It's important that education is accessible for everyone, especially for these children who are behind in their studies due to the pandemic situation. These devices empower the children and provides them with opportunities to attain knowledge and to ensure the learning never stops,” said Maria Chin Abdullah, MP of Petaling Jaya.

DuckiePi, together with components such as a screen, keyboard, mouse and mic, enable B40 children to attend online classes

Developed by students as a part of a Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace (TMM) project, the DuckiePi is powered by the Raspberry Pi, a single board computer the size of a credit card and has applications like Zoom and Google Suites, with mic and camera functions.

Built with a cost of RM500 each, Taylor’s has raised over RM70,000 to donate 158 DuckiePi across the country thus far.

The DuckiePi devices were developed by Taylor’s students and alumni, Bernard Yap Kah Huan, Ong Wea Hung, Ang Jia Hui (Jasper), and Norman Heng Chon Sheng, from mechanical engineering, IT, and computer science faculties.

Associate Professor Dr Anthony Ho Siong Hock, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) of Taylor’s University, said that this project was borne out of the Taylor’sphere, a learning ecosystem and community that nurtures students’ intellectual, mental, and emotional growth to future-proof students with the right skills and setting themselves up for success in today’s world.

“As the pandemic continues to disrupt learning for five million Malaysian students, our students from Taylor’s Makers Club, Robotics Club, and Agents of Tech have joined forces to develop Taylor’s DuckiePi. Mentored by Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace, a collaborative learning hub that is part of the Taylor’sphere ecosystem, our students applied what they’ve learnt in their degrees to make an impact on the communities around them,” said Assoc Prof Dr Ho.

Anis Kamalia Binti Kamarulzaman, who started a food business that operates via online platforms, attended the digital literacy courses provided at the DuckiePi Computer Lab upon realising the importance of upskilling.

“I found the modules very useful especially regarding operating online businesses, developing content and Google keywords,” said Anis Kamalia. “The DuckiePi Computer Lab really helps the community here because many of us only have phones – hence the lab is a useful resource for schoolwork or even for our own business ventures.”

In addition to the DuckiePi Computer Lab, devices have been donated to families in PPR Lembah Subang, school children and teachers in the rural school of SK Long Sukang in Lawas, Sarawak, as well as families across Malaysia through various NGOs.

Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace is also encouraging Malaysians to play a part in making education accessible for everyone. The DuckiePi is currently retailing at RM500 each, with profits going towards building more devices for the community.

The DuckiePi Computer Lab, which is currently located in ChilHub operated by Persatuan Integrasi Usahawan Selangor, is used by Me.reka Belia to conduct digital literacy programmes to equip teenagers and budding B40 entrepreneurs with web and digital skills