CMI plans to enhance Penang Digital Library 2

THE Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) has plans to enhance the popular Penang Digital Library 2 that is located in Jalan Masjid Negeri.

CMI deputy general manager S. Bharathi said they would like to further improve the building for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities with the collaboration of industry players.

“The activities are related to artificial intelligence, virtual reality and apps development,” Bharathi said when Beu Tan Architect (BETA) team, led by principal architect Ar Tan Bee Eu and senior architect Teh Weng Jen, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the latter’s office in Komtar today.

BETA designed the award-winning Penang Digital Library 2 (Library in the Park), receiving the gold award from Malaysian Architect Association (PAM) in Alteration and Addition Category this year.

The Penang Digital Library 2, which is run by CMI, is very popular with Penangites, especially the young ones.

Tan also formally presented the client’s certificate from PAM to Chow, who is also the CMI chairman, and the builder’s certificate from PAM to Jayamas Property Construction director Kenny Ooi.

Tan said the PAM jury appraised their design of the Penang Digital Library 2 as “an unpretentious modern extension to a colonial villa, a unique brief of library without books”.

PAM Awards 2019 is Malaysia’s highest recognition for architectural excellence and the most recognised honour for architects, clients and builders.

The annual PAM Awards recognise design excellence and impactful architecture designed by architects and are appraised by a panel of international architects and leading Malaysian architects. ”

Out of the total 13 categories of awards, only seven successfully won gold this year.

Tan thanked CMI for the bold initiative of establishing a library without books and its continuous support to producing buildings with quality design.

Chow congratulated BETA team and Jayamas for the successful completion and teamwork.

He commended the positive impact brought by Penang Digital Library Phase 2, for being a conducive and inspiring environment, enjoyed by the people of Penang.

“You have made the Penang Digital Library 2 comfortable, attractive and functional,” Chow said.

Also present were Jayamas manager Leow Woo Taid, Jayamas project manager Edwin Kiung and CMI assistant manager S. Yuweneswaran.

Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting