THE state-level ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’ received a further shot in the arm when Federation Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang-OCBC Bank, and Prominent Sound Sdn Bhd stepped forward to donate new and used computers.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow thanked both parties for taking part in the programme which is aimed at providing needy students with electronic devices so that they can access online studies during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since we launched the ‘E-Learning Computer Programme Task Force’ in May this year, the feedback we received has been very encouraging,” Chow said during the press conference at Komtar today.
“This initiative is one of the efforts to support and address the challenges of online teaching and learning faced by teachers, students and parents during this Covid-19 pandemic.”
Through their recent FMM-OCBC Charity Event 2020, FMM and OCBC donated 100 new laptops equipped with Window 10 worth RM196,000. The devices would be lent to secondary school students for three months for e-learning.
OCBC Bank was represented by its Penang Branch senior manager Chea Hak Tee, while FMM Penang was represented by its chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong, vice-chairman Datuk S.N. Lee, member S.K. Chong and adviser Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock.
“These laptops are designed and equipped with the power to meet the needs of high school students. They are mid-range to high end computers to help the students to do their schoolwork and attend all the online classes and also search for valuable information on the internet,” said Dr Ooi.
“In addition, they came with 24×7 support and on-site services should the computer malfunction.
“We, FMM-OCBC hope the students can make full use of them, achieve good grades in their examinations and most importantly contribute back to society when they graduate in the future.”
Also, through the charity event, both FMM-OCBC will channel RM100,000 to the Penang Future Foundation to provide scholarships to deserving students in the state. The aid is for students who will take up studies in science, technology, engineering and accountancy in higher institutes of learning in the country.
Prominent Sound Sdn Bhd has pledged to donate 20 used laptops worth RM22,000 which would be given free of charge to students and underprivileged families, who do not own a computer, to continue learning online.
The company was represented by general manager Khaw Lay Ne, legal adviser Lim Choo Hooi and operations manager Lim Phey See.
The programme has six schemes.
Under the used computer distribution scheme, a total of 824 computers have been received from various agencies and organisations while under the computer device loan scheme, 430 students have benefited to date.
Out of the 824 computers received, only 449 computers can be repaired while the rest have been disposed of.
Also present at the press conference were Chong Eng, the state executive councillor for Social Development and non-Islamic Religious Affairs (who oversees the programme), and Yeoh Soon Hin, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Alvie Cheng