STUDENTS in Butterworth had the opportunity to attend an education fair in their own turf instead of having to come over to Penang island when the ‘We Care You Education Fair 2022’ was held at the Dewan Persatuan Ang Si Chong Soo today.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said a total of 20 colleges, universities and agencies took part in the education fair for the first time in Butterworth’s residential/commercial area.
“Education fairs are usually held in Penang island. For students living in Butterworth, the journey is long. So, the exhibition in Butterworth today helps to facilitate access to education for them.
“We Care You Education Fair 2022 provides opportunities for students who want to get important information before continuing their studies at college or university.
“The students have the opportunity to consult directly with the exhibitors’ representatives, who can advise them on the programmes offered, minimum qualifications, admission requirements and the course fees.
“In addition, students can get information about scholarships sponsored by each university.
“In order to ease the burden of students from the B40 families, the state government has collaboraed with colleges and universities to provide scholarships to students who are facing financial problems,” Soon said in his speech at the opening ceremony.
He also stressed that getting a degree is important for a graduate to land a job as most job advertisements require the applicants to possess it.
“There is a market value for degree holders. So, this education exhibition is the starting point to get the degree the students are interested in.
“Besides, this exhibition is for everyone. This is because we do not focus only on students who can achieve high grades.
“We also provide opportunities for students who want to continue their studies in different fields, for example in the technical area.
“We have collaborated with colleges and universities to provide opportunities for training and also employment opportunities for the future,” Soon added.
He also thanked all the participating colleges and universities, as well as the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) and Penang Youth Committee for working hard to make the programme a success.
Also present at the ceremony were Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who is also the Air Putih assemblyman, and PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling.
The participating colleges, universities and agencies were Invest Penang, Manipal International University, Multimedia University (MMU), Sense Perfect International College (SPIC), Blue Pillar Academy, Wawasan Open University, Penang Skill Development Centre (PSDC), Ri-Yaz College, PTPTN, Han Chiang University College of Communication, Tymba College, IPK College, Peninsula College, Sentral College Penang, Penang International Dental College, Cosmopoint College, Lam Wah Ee Nursing College, UNIMY, Forward School and Verbatoria Penang.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of YB Soon’s office