CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow today launched a tuition-free computer science school, called 42 Penang, to further boost the state’s position as a leading digital hub at Wisma UAB in George Town.
The initiative is a collaboration between the state government, Digital Penang, Sunway Education Group and Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
The school aims to nurture innovative minds by harnessing the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of students.
Defying the ordinary ordeals of a classroom, 42 Penang also aims to provide all walks of life the opportunity to learn essential information technology skills through its peer-to-peer learning environment.
“To ensure the success of 42 Penang, the Penang government will be allocating RM3.25 million over the next three years.
“Since I had visited 42 Paris, I have been profoundly impressed by what I have witnessed.
“42, an innovative approach to education, is the new frontier.
“This establishment will not only serve as an educational platform but a catalyst for social mobility and economic opportunity.
“To date, the technology industry is growing rampantly, and this has led to the shortages of skilled labourers, therefore, 42 Penang graduates can take advantage of this and build successful careers.
“This transformative path is very much woven with the fabric of Penang2030, with visions to transform Penang into a city that is sustainable, equitable, and livable,” Chow said.
Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming also stated that this initiative will enable the youth of Penang to not only thrive in the digital creative economy but to be its leaders.
Ng added that 42 Penang’s strategic location in the Creative Digital District (CD2) will allow students to access knowledge and opportunities from industry players through technology and industry-related events.
Meanwhile, Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Elizabeth Lee said that 42 Penang is set to become one of the beacons for digital transformations in the northern region.
“This is crucial as technology is more than ever and it intertwines with our daily lives,” Lee said.
Later, Digital Penang, represented by Ng, and Sunway Education Group, represented by Lee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Also present during the launch were State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Khazanah Nasional Berhad executive director and head of Dana Impak Bryan Lim Tsin Lin and Khazanah Nasional director (investments) Kayse Foo Shiou Voon.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis