THE Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library has recorded an encouraging start since commencing its trial operations in April, attracting strong support from students, parents, alumni and members of the wider community.
Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library Committee chairman Datuk Ng Wah Sim said the facility has been receiving between 400 and 500 visitors weekly during its test-run phase, reflecting growing public interest in digital learning and technology-driven education.
“Our data indicates that the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library is attracting a diverse range of users from both alumni and the wider community.
“The largest user group falls within the 19-to-25 age category, accounting for approximately 29.5% of total visitors. Meanwhile, non-alumni users make up 53.6% of visitors, slightly outnumbering alumni users, demonstrating the library’s growing role as a community-based digital learning hub.
“Female users also represent the majority of visitors at 57.3%. Overall, the digital library has achieved stable operational conditions and successfully met its intended testing objectives,” Ng said during a press conference held in conjunction with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s visit to the facility today.
Also present were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman and Padang Lalang assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, as well as Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.
The Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library was established through a collaboration between the Penang government, via Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), and the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam.
Ng said the library operates on the principles of “community sharing, technology empowerment and education first”, serving as a platform to enhance digital literacy and provide access to future-focused learning opportunities.
Among its key offerings are free or affordable digital learning spaces, high-speed internet access, e-learning facilities, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes, artificial intelligence (AI) and coding courses, as well as training on the practical application of AI technologies.
The facility also provides access to e-books and online learning resources, while functioning as an after-school learning and self-study centre for students.
Ng added that the Jit Sin Alumni Association has forged a strategic partnership with the Penang Science Cluster (PSC) to further strengthen STEM education in the region.
“Beginning in July, this long-term collaboration will see at least three STEM programmes conducted every week, benefiting students from 18 primary and secondary schools across Central Seberang Perai and helping to cultivate greater interest in STEM-related fields,” he said.
According to Ng, the library’s mission is to build a digitally empowered community, improve technological literacy among the public, expose students to emerging technologies and nurture a culture of innovation.
“We hope to cultivate future technology talent through collaboration among government agencies, schools, industry partners and community organisations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow commended the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam for spearheading the initiative and highlighted the digital library’s potential to advance STEM education in the region.
“I understand that the association will continue collaborating with state agencies such as the Penang Science Cluster, as well as other institutions and organisations, to further promote STEM education in Central Seberang Perai and across Seberang Perai as a whole.
“I am also informed that there are plans to work closely with PSC by bringing equipment and organising courses here, enabling students from surrounding schools to participate in STEM programmes without having to travel to the island.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in these initiatives. I am pleased to learn that the soft opening of this digital library has received such a positive response from the public,” Chow said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat