THEY have picked up from where they left off last year, and 10 new schools are set to benefit from digital libraries equipped with state-of-the-art facilities here in Penang this year.
Sponsored through the 2026 Greatech Digital Library Programme, Greatech Technology Berhad has pledged RM2 million to help 10 new schools establish digital libraries for the benefit of the students.
The 10 schools for this year are SJKC Chung Hwa Confucian A, SJKC Jit Sin A, SJKC Kampung Jawi, SJKC Sin Kang, SJKC True Light, SK Permatang Pasir, SK Permatang Pauh, SK Stowell, SMJK Jit Sin II, and SMK Valdor.
These 10 schools are on top of the 13 schools Greatech has helped set up digital libraries since 2022, bringing the total number of schools sponsored at 23.
Greatech Human Resources and Admin director Jenise Loo Khai Tien said the company’s corporate mission of investing in young, future leaders, has resulted positively over the years, witnessing certain schools performing well in educational programmes.
She specifically mentioned SJKC Beng Teik Cawangan and SJKC Chung Hwa 3, two schools that benefitted from the digital library programme.
“SJKC Beng Teik Cawangan, the very first school under the pioneer CSR library project in 2013, was selected by the state Education Department to represent Malaysia in the ‘World’s Best School Prizes – Best School Collaboration Category’.
“As for SJKC Chung Hwa 3, they were praised as a role model for digital learning integration, inspiring other schools across Penang, to reimagine what their libraries and become.
“Our mission through this programme stretches far beyond than just building libraries, it is about building dreams and giving the students an opportunity to stay relevant and to be future-ready for a highly competitive environment,” Loo said in her speech during the official launch of the SJKC Li Hwa digital library on the mainland.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was present to official the opening of the digital library.
SJKC Li Hwa was one of the schools selected for the year 2025.
Chow, in his speech, commended Greatech for their steadfast commitment to improving the accessibility of students to the ever-growing and evolving education landscape in the country.
He noted that since the inception of the digital library programme, some 10,000 students have benefitted from it, enabling another 6,500 more students to gain access to enhanced digital learning facilities this year alone.
“Today, access to technology must be accompanied by access to knowledge, digital literacy, and critical thinking.
“As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to transform the workplace, our students must be prepared not only to consume technology, but also create, innovate and lead.
“This is why programmes such as the Greatech Digital Library are important. Modern libraries are no longer simply places to read books, they are learning hubs that encourage exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning,” Chow said in his speech.
Meanwhile, following feedback by relevant authorities, Loo said Greatech has vowed to enhance and optimise the library designs for the schools chosen from this year onwards.
The improvement will prioritise student comfort, safety, and functionality, namely by installing optimised charging solutions, ergonomic and accessible layouts, and enhanced safety first features.
As for the optimised charging solutions, Loo said the company had realised that individual charging ports on tables are no longer necessary; instead, they have streamlined the space by introducing a dedicated tablet charging station fully integrated into the book rack.
“Under ergonomic and accessible layouts, the kiosk desktop has been repositioned to the front for easier teacher access, and we have adjusted the keyboard-to-screen distance to ensure maximum ergonomic comfort for the students.
“Lastly, the enhanced safety first features. To protect our young learners, we have replaced all sharp edges on fixtures and furniture with beautifully curved, child-friendly edges,” Loo added.
Earlier, Chow was taken on a brief tour of the newly-set up digital library, closely monitoring the area while the students explore the facilities.
Also present earlier were Greatech Group of Companies chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tan Eng Kee, SJKC Li Hwa board of management chairman, Datuk Tan Peng An, the school’s Parent-Teacher Association chairman, Sunny Tan Swee Sun, and school principal, Tneh Bee Geik.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis