‘IN CONVERSATION’ with Dr Park Yuhyun – “iZ Hero: Online Initiative for Children, Parents and Schools to Teach Digital Citizenship”

Whenever Dr Park Yuhyun heard a terrifying story about cyber bullying, or a gaming addiction, or all other sorts of cyber risks, she constantly asked herself one question: How can our children be HEROes in this digital age?

HEROes who have the power to master digital media, rather than let digital media master them. Creative and free, but also responsible and smart kids who use their power not just to help themselves, but also to help others. In order to foster such digital leadership in the Asia-Pacific region for future generations, Dr Park and her team inaugurated the iZ HERO Alliance comprised of Singtel, MDA, MLC, TOUCH Cyber Wellness, UNESCO, SEAMEO and various like-minded industry and not-for-profit partners in March 2014. Through their collaborative network, they take a holistic approach to provide countries in the AP region with policy suggestions, academic research, educational resources, and pro-social campaigning strategies.

Along the line, the 2nd iZ HERO Challenge, an online initiative that was just launched on 10 February 2015 to empower children, educators and families with core digital leadership principles that promote a culture of RESPECT and help prevent cyber-bullying. In this talk, Dr Park had an open discussion on effective initiative strategies and digital issues related to the Alliance.