MOTOROLA Solutions Foundation, which is based in Chicago, has awarded a grant of US$75,000 or RM307,162 to the Penang Science Cluster to inspire students to be innovators in science and technology.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the significant contribution would benefit the students in Penang.
“It is a continuous show of commitment by Motorola Solutions Foundation which has contributed a total of RM1.5 million to the Penang Science Cluster over the last five years.
“Not many would have known that Motorola Solutions Malaysia has been in Penang for the past 46 years. During the period, Motorola Solutions has proven itself to be an invaluable asset in helping to drive our economy forward.
“The employees of Motorola Solutions have also volunteered in many programmes as part of its corporate social responsibility to help the community.
“The company has also collaborated with Penang Science Cluster to inspire the students’ interest in science and technology.
“I have been informed that the grant will be used by Penang Science Cluster for its Project Ignite,” Chow told a press conference in Komtar today.
He said that Project Ignite is a one-day programme for primary school pupils and a two-day programme for secondary school students that aimed at inspiring them to be innovators in science and technology.
“Each year, about 4,000 students and 400 teachers benefit from Project Ignite,” Chow added.
He said that it is also crucial to equip the children with the access to technology platforms and tools.
“This is where the Penang Science Cluster’s MakersLab programme steps in.
“The students will have the chance to use equipment in their school’s MakersLab to continue learning and innovating.
“The Penang government has allocated RM3.24 million this year to establish 87 MakersLab in some of the schools in the state,” Chow said.
Penang Science Cluster chief executive officer Ooi Peng Ee thanked Motorola Solutions Foundation and Motorola Solutions Malaysia for their support towards Penang Science Cluster.
“Penang Science Cluster has done a lot in its 10 years of operation and we are grateful to the three pillars that have contributed to its success – the state government, the industry and the community.
Motorola Solutions Malaysia Penang managing director Solomon Lorthu was happy to award Penang Science Cluster for the 2020 Motorola Solutions Foundation Award for the Project Ignite.
“The programme, in its fourth year running, aims to instil programming and design thinking skills in primary and secondary school students.
“Motorola Solutions Foundation is also proud to include Penang Science Cluster in our network of partners as we continue to support innovative, public safety and technology, and engineering education programmes across the globe.
“Motorola Solutions Malaysia has always been a close industry partner of Penang Science Cluster – partnering and collaborating in various initiatives and programmes since 2014.
“I look forward to the continuous and strategic partnership with Penang Science Cluster.
“Motorola Solutions Malaysia is committed to provide the platform, to nurture the next generation, to cultivate creativity and innovation, as well as to build our future talent pipeline,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and Penang Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting