THE Penang government has expressed its appreciation to Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd for contributing 90 laptops and 10 desktops without disc drivers to the ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said so far under this programme, a total of 456 computers have been received. Out of the total, 233 units had been repaired, 135 units are still being repaired while 88 units had been disposed off because they could not be recycled.
“We hope that these contributions will benefit the needy students so that they will not be left out of this new normal of online teaching and learning.
“E-learning will definitely be the current trend in education. Thus, the companies are doing the students a lot of favour by contributing computers to those with difficulties in accessing online learning,” Chow said during a press conference in Komtar today.
The programme’s task force, which was previously announced by Chow on May 21, is made up of personnel from government agencies, private corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and dedicated individuals.
Chow also said Penang is a state that will not compromise on education and therefore, has encouraged more parties to participate in this initiative by the state government.
“We want to ensure students of all ages are given the equal share of absorbing education in the new normal.
“Together with the strong support from various parties, we will surely be able to successfully develop the education sector and continue to guide and nurture our young talents,” Chow added.
State executive councillor Chong Eng, who oversees the programme, called upon schools in the state to adopt an initiative that was recently undertaken by SJK(C) Chung Hwa 2 former pupils.
Now in lower secondary, the former Chung Hwa 2 boys helped refurbish electronic gadgets before they are given out to eligible students.
“This effort by the students will evoke sentiment as well as help to fasten the process of making sure more students receive these devices.
“I would like to encourage more schools in the state to adopt this initiative by SJK(C) Chung Hwa 2,” Chong Eng, who is in charge of the state Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other Than Islam, said during her speech.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar and Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Tan Hui Jing.
On a separate matter, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (Samenta) has come forward to donate 12,000 face masks (3ply) to the Penang state government.
Chow, on behalf of the state government, received the face masks from Samenta president Koay Chiew Guan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting