Ibrahim Ismail and Sopiah Husaini during the interviews.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: With the rising cases of online fraud and the spread of unverified information, particularly affecting the elderly and retirees, the Global Awareness and Impact Alliance (GAIA) conducted a ‘Wise Elders Digital Media Literacy Workshop at a hotel in Kampong Kiulap.
The workshop – the first of its kind organised by the non-profit organisation targeting senior citizens – aimed to equip participants with a better understanding of the digital media landscape and help them navigate the online world safely.
GAIA Assistant Project Manager Nor Amirah Aziyah Hasdy highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“Organising this workshop on digital media literacy helps raise awareness and provides knowledge to groups often targeted by online fraud,” she said.
“With this workshop, it teaches them (the elderly and retirees) how to distinguish and identify fake information, news and fraudulent texts.”
Among the participants was Ibrahim Ismail, who expressed appreciation for the workshop’s relevance.
“With the rapid development of technology, it is necessary and important to learn and gain knowledge in this digital media,” he said.
Driven by his interest in technology, he shared that many elderly individuals fall victim to financial scams, adding, “This workshop is very important and useful to help avoid getting caught up in online fraud.”
Similarly, Sopiah Husaini shared how the session enhanced her ability to differentiate between authentic and fake news.
She emphasised the need for greater support for senior citizens in navigating digital platforms, noting that they are often targeted by online fraud.
Recalling her own experience of being scammed while purchasing goods online, she underlined the value of such workshops in raising awareness and ensuring that the elderly remain vigilant.
“Despite my age, it is necessary to keep up and not miss out on gaining knowledge about modern developments,” she added. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
