THE Penang International Science Fair (PISF) is back this year with its first virtual edition which was officially launched today by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow via a Zoom meeting.
Chow congratulated Penang Science Cluster (PSC), the official event partner with the state government as well as the industries, for successfully launching the fair for the ninth time since it was first held in 2011.
“The PISF is a collaboration between the Penang state government and the industries that form the backbone of the Penang Science Cluster (PSC).
“It is organised as part of the PSC’s mission of ‘Inspiring Innovation’, with a focus on stirring interest in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and at the same creating innovative mindsets in our young students through unique and stimulating hands-on activities,” Chow said in his speech during the launch.
Chow said this year’s PISF, which commenced today, would be held for 16 days (Nov 20 till Dec 5) instead of the usual physical event lasting over a weekend due to the Covid-19 restriction.
“This year’s special edition will be held over 16 days on a virtual platform with students participating either in schools or at their homes.
“I am happy to note that these enriching hands-on activities are continued in this year’s event through the innovative deployment of learning kits which were delivered to students and schools.
“In addition to these learning kits, there are other interesting events such as virtual factory tours, career talks by engineers in the industry and competitions held virtually,” he added.
Chow also affirmed that one of the vital roles that should be played by any government is to prepare our youngsters for what lies ahead, especially in this era of rapid technological advancement.
“The state government is exactly doing that by promoting Penang as a centre of excellence for STEM education and creating the talent pool to meet the needs of Industry 4.0 and to fulfil the Penang2030 vision.
“This is the reason why the Penang government had initiated the Penang Science Council with the industries back in 2009.
“We have also significantly supported the STEM education.
“For instance, through PSC, a total of 100 MakerLabs were established in schools, which is far higher than the total number of school makerspaces in all the states in Malaysia.
“This MakerLab initiative will allow our students in schools to learn 21st century digital skills which is critical to their success in the future.
“I am glad to note that some of the schools will showcase the interesting projects that their MakerLabs have created for this year’s science fair,” Chow said.
Apart from that, Chow also thanked the pillar companies of the PSC, namely B. Braun, Intel, Keysight, Motorola, Agilent, HPMM, NI, DreamCatcher, Exabytes, Jabil, ViTrox, Bosch, Boston Scientific, ElectroRent, First Solar, Frencken, Inari Amertron, QDOS, Osram for making PISF a resounding success every year.
“I also would like to welcome industry players such as Greatech, Lam Research, Smith & Nephew as first-time exhibitors to the Penang International Science Fair.
“Along with the many other institutions, organisations and schools, all of you have again put on a great show to educate our next generation and to build a pipeline of world-class talents needed for the continued growth of Penang. Thank you for that,” he said.
Meanwhile, PSC chief executive officer Ooi Peng Ee, who was also present during the virtual launch, thanked all the sponsors for making the event a success.
Last year, the PISF was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among those who were present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, PSC director Datuk Yoon Chon Leong and Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai.
For more information on the event, please log onto to https://pisf.pscpen.com/.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar