THE Penang government will strengthen its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes next year, with the possibility of doubling the number of initiatives currently being carried out.
State Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who oversees human capital development, science and technology, said this followed a meeting with several key stakeholders at Tech Dome Penang today.
“We held 110 programmes this year, involving 236,000 students, and we will continue to nurture our future talent.
“We want to inculcate an interest in science and technology from a young age. This is our future, and we need a pool of highly skilled talent,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Jagdeep added that expanding the number of programmes and activities would entail higher costs, and as such, the state would seek additional support from the Federal Government, particularly the Education Ministry.
Those present at the meeting included Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, who is also a board member of Tech Dome Penang; Datuk Solomon Lorthu, vice-president and managing director of Motorola Solutions Penang and chairman of the PSDC Management Council; Datuk Chuah Choon Bin, executive director and chairman of Pentamaster International; Datuk Richard Chung, general manager and chief executive officer of Penang STEM; and Johnny Ong, general manager of the Penang Math Platform.
Jagdeep also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved for their contributions, noting that Penang is among the most industrialised states in the country and the region.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Lee Jia Ying