AN assemblyman at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today has proposed that the Penang government restructure part of the i-Sejahtera welfare allocation to create a special education-focused component, the i-Sejahtera Education Fund.
While debating the motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib’s address, Gooi Hsiao-Leung (PH–Bukit Tengah) suggested that with a modest annual allocation, such as RM5 million, the state could offer targeted support such as tuition subsidies, digital learning kits, or mentoring programmes for at-risk students.
“If we are truly committed to transforming our education system, we must expand the reach of these initiatives and ensure that no student in Penang is left behind.
“Just as i-Sejahtera has provided vital support for senior citizens and single mothers, it can now be reoriented to uplift the next generation.
“This marks a shift from short-term aid to long-term investment in education —aligning with the Penang2030 vision of becoming an inclusive and future-ready state,” he said.
According to Gooi, although Penang has made commendable strides in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, more needs to be done.
He further mentioned that initiatives such as Penang STEM, the 42 Penang Campus, and digital libraries have opened doors for students to explore fields like programming, robotics, and design-based activities.
“These efforts are a testament to our commitment to nurturing a tech-literate generation.
“However, we must be honest in acknowledging that these programmes have yet to reach all schools, all students, and all teachers.
“Rural students and those from low-income families continue to face limited access to future-oriented skills. Teachers, too, require additional training to effectively deliver 21st-century learning content with confidence.
“Thus, this is why I propose the i-Sejahtera Education Fund,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal