THE Broadcom Foundation has announced an expansion of its long-standing collaboration with Penang Science Cluster (PSC), reinforcing its commitment to empowering students with computational and artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the ongoing Experience AI initiative.
This announcement marks a significant deepening of the five-year partnership, which began with the Coolest Projects Malaysia.
The project was an innovation showcase designed to encourage creativity and coding among school students.
It was launched by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow back then.
Broadcom Foundation president Paula Golden said the foundation’s involvement stems from its close ties to Raspberry Pi computers, which are powered by Broadcom chips and have become an accessible tool for learning computational thinking.
“We have, for the last five years, partnered with PSC to be the sole sponsors of Coolest Projects Malaysia.
“Raspberry Pi has a Broadcom chip created by our engineers, and through our collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom, we help develop free online resources for under-resourced children,” Golden said after her courtesy visit on Chow at his office in Komtar today.
Golden said the foundation has been impressed by PSC’s effective grassroots approach in promoting STEM and AI education.
“Today, we want to share with you, dear chief minister, that we are expanding that relationship.
“We know that AI is the future for young students and teachers,” she said.
The Experience AI programme, originally piloted through PSC with support from Google DeepMind, will now receive expanded financial backing from Broadcom Foundation.
Golden added that the foundation’s commitment is not a one-off decision, but a multi-year dedication to ensuring long-term impact.
“PSC has shown vision and leadership in instilling talent in young people.
“We are also exploring how the PSC model can be shared with other science centres.
“There is potential here for a project that could grow into a national-level initiative,” she said.
Golden also lauded the Penang2030 vision, calling it “a leadership statement” and “something we celebrate.”
Meanwhile, PSC chief operating officer Aimy Lee highlighted the significance of the partnership since it began in 2020.
“We have been working with Broadcom Foundation since 2020.
“At that time, our collaboration on Coolest Projects Malaysia was already a huge achievement for Penang, as it attracted participation from across the country.
“Now, with the expansion of Experience AI, we are thrilled to bring more meaningful learning opportunities to students,” she said.
Chow then commended PSC for its progressive industry partnerships and consistent delivery of impactful STEM programmes.
“Penang Science Cluster is a fine example of a successful collaboration between industry and government.
“While the state provides around 10 to 20 percent of funding, the rest comes from the private sector, and some of the programmes are even customised to reflect sponsor priorities,” he said.
Chow noted that PSC operates with full autonomy and enjoys the state’s full support.
“We do not require PSC to submit detailed reports because we are confident in their work.
“Their contributions to STEM education are well recognised,” he said.
In a light-hearted moment, he joked, “PSC often invites me to officiate new programmes, perhaps as a way to show that the state government is always behind them.”
He also emphasised that STEM education remains a core focus under Penang2030.
“From climate-related topics to AI, PSC’s initiatives are helping schools stay relevant.
We even see participation from primary school students. This shows we started something right a long time ago,” he added.
Also present earlier were Broadcom Foundation chief financial officer Maria Wronski, Broadcom global distribution hub director Sazani Shafie and Broadcom human resources country lead and business partner Mimi Teoh.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En