SJKC Pei Yuan pupils taking part in a game akin to Monopoly.
A programme on financial literacy has taken 105 pupils from SJKC Pei Yuan in Kampar, Perak, on an eye-opening and educational journey.
The programme saw Years 5 and 6 pupils getting involved in various games that translated classroom learning into real-world applications.
The pupils were required to solve challenges through teamwork and creativity.
Among the games they played were a Monopoly-style board game that reinforced money management skills, a quest to launch balloon “rockets” using limited budget, memory games and a race that required geography and general knowledge with practical financial scenarios.
The programme was organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Soft Skills Competency Department, which involved about 40 Bachelor of Communications, Public Relations undergraduates as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative.
Programme leader Chin Yi Tung said the initiative showed how hands-on learning could be beneficial to undergraduates and primary school pupils.
“Seeing how focused and motivated the pupils were in each challenge showed us how hands-on learning could make a real difference.
“It’s a reminder that education could and should go beyond textbooks.
A balloon activity focusing on budget (far right) during the financial literacy programme organised by UTAR.
“The programme also promotes sustainability, as activity kits and props were made from recycled materials,” said Chin.
She said the initiative aligned with UTAR’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The programme, she said, received overwhelmingly positive feedback with over 85% of pupils rating the activities as both fun and challenging.
“The interactive format encouraged active participation and helped students connect lessons with real-life situations,” Chin added.
UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science dean Dr Lee Lai Meng said the programme not only benefitted the primary school pupils but also the undergraduates.
“It helps them to grow as socially responsible communicators and allows them to immerse themselves in the kind of problem-solving, planning and collaboration that they will need in their future careers.
“It builds both confidence and character.
“The project is also a strong reflection of the university’s goal to nurture essential soft skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork among UTAR students,” said Lee.
