EXCITEMENT is building in the Pearl of the Orient as 42 Penang prepares to welcome its very first batch of students for the Piscine, taking place from Sept 8 to Oct 3, 2025.
This milestone not only marks the start of a new chapter in Penang’s educational landscape but also brings to life the promise made during its official launch in April earlier this year.
For those who may not know, the Piscine — which means “swimming pool” in French — is the gateway into the world of 42. Over an intensive one-month bootcamp, participants dive deep into coding and problem-solving, learning entirely through collaboration with peers instead of teachers or lectures.
It is a model that has changed lives across 56 campuses worldwide, and now Penangites will get to experience it for the very first time.
“Welcoming our first Piscine participants is more than just opening the doors of a school, itis about opening opportunities for Penangites of all walks of life to thrive in the digital economy,” said Jeff Sandhu, 42 Malaysia chief executive officer.
Be Part of the Movement
Seats for this first Piscine are limited, and interest has already been high. To sign up, interested individuals only need to visit www.42penang.edu.my and complete a short logical assessment before the start date.
This is a fully physical programme, and participants will get to experience the 42 model in person at our campus located right in the heart of George Town, within the Penang Creative Digital District (CD²) at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee.
During the Piscine, participants can expect an immersive, hands-on experience that challenges them to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with peers — all while building real coding skills. There are no teachers, no classes, and no fees. Instead, students learn by doing, often late into the night, supported by the energy of their peers.
The 42 Penang campus itself has been purpose-built to encourage this unique style of learning. Equipped with 150 computers and round-the-clock access with 24-hour security, students will have the freedom to learn at their own pace, whether that’s early in the morning or well past midnight. This flexibility ensures that every participant can dive into the Piscine fully, on their own terms.
Anyone aged 17 and above is encouraged to apply — no prior academic qualifications or coding experience are required. The only requirement is curiosity, resilience, and the drive to learn. More Piscines will be available soon, and readers can stay updated by following @42penang on social media.
What Penangites Can Look Forward To
With the campus now fully operational, Penangites can expect more than just the Piscine. Upcoming Discovery Piscines will offer a shorter, beginner-friendly taste of coding, perfect for those who are curious but not yet ready to commit to the full month-long programme. Regular Open Days will also invite the public to step into the campus, experience the unique peer-to-peer learning environment, and meet the growing 42 community in Penang.
These activities are designed to ensure that 42 Penang is not just a school, but a hub where people from all walks of life can come together, learn, and be inspired. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or even a parent looking to encourage your child, there will be opportunities to explore what this revolutionary education model has to offer.
The goal is simple yet powerful: to make digital skills accessible to anyone who is curious, motivated, and ready to challenge themselves.
A Nation-Building Initiative for Penang
42 Penang is more than a campus — it is part of a joint-venture nation-building initiative by Sunway Education Group and Khazanah Nasional, supported by the Penang government through Digital Penang. This effort reflects a shared commitment to nurture the next generation of digital talent in Penang and Malaysia.
Importantly, 42 Penang also forms part of the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025–2030 under the Digital Society pillar, aligning closely with the state’s vision of building a strong, future-ready digital talent pipeline.
As Penang embraces its role as a digital hub of the nation, 42 Penang stands as a symbol of that future — an open door for all Penangites to step into the world of technology, creativity, and innovation.