THE Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) will continue to play an active and progressive role in advancing education, culture and community welfare across the state.
Its chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai reaffirmed that PCTH remains firmly guided by its long-standing principle of serving society regardless of background.
“In this era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), education must evolve in similar wavelengths.
“Recognising this, PCTH places strong emphasis on digital education,” he said in his speech at the PCTH annual Chinese New Year Open House today.
Dr Tan revealed that in 2025 alone, PCTH contributed 105 interactive smartboards worth RM1.6 million to schools throughout the state.
He explained that the initiative, carried out in collaboration with Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang (Yayasan Amal TYT), benefited schools from various education streams.
“As we move into 2026, PCTH will remain committed to strengthening smart classrooms and expanding digital learning to nurture a technologically literate generation.
“We will also continue to work closely with the Penang government and all segments of society to preserve social harmony, safeguard cultural heritage and build a brighter future together,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also present, praised PCTH for its meaningful contributions to educational development.
“On this auspicious occasion, I wish to express my appreciation for PCTH’s role not only in uniting the Chinese community, but also as a pillar of educational empowerment, cultural preservation and welfare for our multiracial society.
“In line with the ‘whole-of-society’ approach, the Penang government has contributed RM100,000 to support PCTH’s ongoing programmes.
“This close collaboration is deeply valued and should continue to be strengthened for the benefit of all Penangites.
“Indeed, Penang’s success today is built on the unity and dedication of its people.
“As we step into the new year, let us embody the spirit of the Year of the Horse by moving forward with confidence, determination and a shared commitment to building a more progressive, harmonious and prosperous Penang,” he said.
PCTH’s annual Chinese New Year Open House today was graced by the presence of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort, Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Datuk Seri Utama Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Also present were Chinese consul-general in Penang, Zhou Youbin, Consul General of Japan in Penang, Shinya Machida, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan