Kuala lumpur: The Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences (FPSS) of the University of Cyberjaya (UOC) brought learning beyond the classroom through the Strings of Joy Carnival 2026, held in collaboration with the Ukubear Ukulele Festival. The carnival attracted more than 300 children, parents, families, community members and industry partners for a day of hands-on learning, live performances and family-friendly activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, FPSS Acting Dean Associate Professor Dr Crendy Tan Yen Teng stated that the carnival exemplified the faculty's approach to experiential and practice-based education. "We create this meaningful opportunity where education, community engagement, and industry collaboration come together to benefit both the students and the public," she said. Partnering with the Ukubear Ukulele Festival, combined with interactive family activities designed by students, aimed to promote joyful learning and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Dr Crendy mentioned that the carnival featured over 10 interactive booths led by students from the Early Childhood Education and Psychology programs. These booths allowed students to translate classroom learning into meaningful, hands-on experiences. She highlighted that more than 100 students participated in the event, gaining practical experience in their field of study.
The Strings of Joy Carnival served as a resource for UOC students to prepare for the workforce. Dr Crendy emphasized that such platforms offer students opportunities to interact with community members in real-life settings, preparing them for their future careers.
FPSS student M. Ashwini, who aspires to teach Montessori, shared her experience, saying the carnival provided valuable real-world exposure. She noted the importance of understanding child development and expressed that the carnival allowed her to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations by observing children's reactions.
UOC Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr David Whitford remarked that the carnival reflected the university's commitment to developing graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills. He emphasized that education should extend beyond lecture halls, allowing students to engage meaningfully with the community.
The Strings of Joy Carnival was part of a broader collaboration between FPSS and Ukubear, combining experiential education with music, creativity, and community engagement. It featured 13 experiential learning booths and activities grounded in child development, psychology, and education principles. The carnival included various themed zones, promoting diverse learning experiences.
The Strings of Joy Carnival 2026 is part of FPSS's ongoing efforts to integrate experiential education with community engagement, providing students with the platform to make meaningful contributions while learning.