THE senior citizens in Penang will not be left out in the age of digitalisation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang government was working towards greater heights in terms of digitalisation.
“Today, we are launching the Digital Coach Scheme and the Digital Promoter Scheme, #DahDigital.
“The schemes are meant to aid and introduce digital solutions to the public.
“This is important to ensure that no one is left behind as the people build their confidence when using online transactions.
“We hope that the people can cope with the rising needs of digitalisation,” Chow said in his speech during the launching of Digital Coach Scheme and Digital Promoter Scheme at Penang Senior Digital Resource Centre in Pulau Tikus today.
He said that the state wanted to leverage the new skills in innovation.
“We want to give the community a platform to express themselves and to be heard.
“Therefore, we will have 32 coaches and 250 promoters for both the Digital Coach and the Digital Promoter schemes respectively.
“They will guide the public, especially the senior citizens, on digitalisation.
“The Digital Era is full of excitement with new and innovative technology.
“It is necessary for Penang to go digital in order to stay competitive.
“We advance and we explore what lies ahead,” he added.
The launching of this platform will provide an opportunity to those in need to pick up digital skill.
Chow also noted that many businesses had suffered losses due to the movement control order (MCO).
“However, many traders took their their businesses online.
“It is now the ‘new norm’,” Chow said.
State Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who was present, emphasised the importance of technology.
He said the ‘new norm’ had affected everyone, including himself.
“In fact, I need to use Zoom application when I have a meeting with my counterparts from outstation.
“The social media is there to assist us in our daily lives,” he added.
Rose Charities Malaysia president and Penang Senior Digital Resource Centre co-founder Datuk Lawrence Cheah felt honoured that the centre was chosen as a venue for the digitalisation purpose.
He lauded the state’s commitment to help senior citizens to understand digital technology better.
Also present were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Digital Penang Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tony Yeoh and Protem of Cooperative of Rose Charities Pulau Pinang Bhd president Vincent Yeoh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng