Sixteen Orang Asli teenagers from Kampung Orang Asli Serendah arrived at BAC Education’s Flagship Campus on 5th July with something many young people already possess today: curiosity and a growing familiarity with the digital world.

Six days later, they left with something far more valuable.

The KOA Serendah Project, organised by UPLIFT and led by IACT College under the BAC Education Group — gave sixteen Orang Asli youths a week of hands-on training in photography, videography, storytelling, social media, AI and career readiness, helping them navigate the modern digital media landscape and turn skills they already had into practical tools for future education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Turning Creativity into Opportunity

The Kampung Orang Asli (KOA) Serendah Project introduced them to think beyond content consumption. Many of them were already comfortable using platforms such as TikTok through their own exploration.

They were showed how creativity, when paired with professional guidance, can become a pathway to meaningful careers and sustainable opportunities.

Throughout the week, IACT’s lecturers, all practising industry professionals, guided the students through every stage of the creative process, from developing ideas to presenting finished work with confidence.

Learning Like Industry Professionals

The programme taught students the creative workflow used across today’s media industries.

In social media content creation sessions led by Lecturer & Programme Coordinator, Mr Aidan, the Serendah students learned how to identify niche audiences, build personal brands and strengthen their Canva skills while exploring how freelancing and digital entrepreneurship can create opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Storytelling took centre stage in Lecturer of Film Production, Mr Amin’s scriptwriting and videography classes, where students experimented with genres ranging from comedy to psychological horror while learning three-act story structures and AI-assisted ideation. They also toured IACT’s facilities, including its post-production suites, broadcasting rooms and film studios, giving them a firsthand look at the production pipeline behind the content they consume every day.

Photography sessions with Lecturer in Visual & Media, Ms Ain brought students into the Lumix Photography Studio, where they explored lighting, composition, camera lenses and visual storytelling within a professional studio environment.

“The best part for me was going into the studio and learning how to take photos there,” Safira shared. “I got better at visual storytelling.”

The programme also introduced students to the growing role of artificial intelligence in creative work. Under the guidance of Programme Coordinator, School of Digital Media Production, Mr Radhi, they learned that effective AI isn’t simply about generating content, but directing it. Students explored storyboarding, planning and prompt refinement while learning how to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs. As Farah reflected :

“I learned how to use AI properly and how to correct what’s wrong so that the AI can produce something complete and well-ordered.”

Building Skills Beyond the Creative Process

Technical ability was only one part of the experience.

Career readiness sessions led by IACT Lecturer, Mr Irwan helped students prepare for life beyond the classroom by guiding them through writing their very first creative industry CVs and resumes, while also developing interview and communication skills.

Meanwhile, public presentation sessions conducted by Head of HRD Academy and Certified Trainer, Mr Kumar and Head of the Student Counselling Unit, Ms Lara encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones through interactive activities, discussions and presentations that strengthened both their confidence and their ability to communicate ideas effectively.

By the end of the week, growth was evident. Students confidently presented the creative projects they had developed throughout the programme, showcasing the photographs, videos and digital content they had produced during their time at IACT.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The experience extended well beyond lectures and workshops.

Students explored Kuala Lumpur through visits to Jaya Shopping Centre, KLCC and Dataran Merdeka, while also enjoying a screening of Moana. Along the way, many naturally began applying the photography and storytelling

techniques they had learned, documenting the city through fresh creative perspectives.

“The best part was that we all went out!” echoed by many of the Serendah students.

For many, the programme also became an opportunity to build lasting friendships and discover new confidence.

“Over the five days I stayed here, what I learned was about daring to try new things,” said Lidia. “And what made me happiest was getting to know my friends more deeply.”

A Week That Lasts Beyond Six Days

The programme concluded with a certificate presentation, but the certificates represented only a small part of what the students had achieved.

Over six days, they developed practical skills in photography, videography, content creation, AI-assisted production, personal branding, and career preparation. More importantly, they discovered that the creative tools they already carried in their pockets could become instruments for storytelling, entrepreneurship and personal growth, possibly even being able to help the businesses currently operating within their community and families reach a wider digital audience.

Reflecting on the programme, Mr Kumar shared,

“Thanks to all the other team members for coming together to make this work for the kids. They were really sad to leave.”

Ms Lara added,

“It was a pleasure hearing the children’s thoughts and ideas. I can’t wait to bring my Peer Supporters to visit the kampung.”

Dr Selvamalar, Chief Growth Officer, summed up the impact best:

“Lovely memories for the kids. A big thank you to the IACT teachers and team, and the BAC team who helped facilitate this KOA Serendah Project.”

Sixteen students arrived from Serendah with real creative instincts. They left with the craft to back them up.

They returned home with the confidence, knowledge and inspiration to use those same tools to create something bigger—for themselves, their communities and their future.