THE 10th annual Penang International Science Fair (PISF) 2022 kicked off at the Butterworth Arena on the mainland today.
This is the first of six venues. The other five venues are SMK Permai Indah, SMJK Sacred Heart, Arus Academy, ViTrox Academy, and the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) on the final day (Dec 10).
The fair started at 9am and would end at 4pm today. It will still be held at the Butterworth Arena tomorrow (Dec 4).
This programme is a collaboration between the Penang government, the Penang Science Cluster, and key industry players.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow applauded PSC’s mission of inspiring innovation.
“The mission focusses on sparking interest of students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and cultivating innovative mindsets in young minds through unique and stimulating hands-on activities.
“The PISF is being held at the newly-opened Butterworth Arena in Seberang Perai for the first time.
“It is also taking place at six different venues, both on the island and mainland for the first time.
“I would like to congratulate PSC for successfully organising the PISF for the 10th time since its inception in 2011,” Chow said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the PISF 2022 at the Butterworth Arena today.
This year’s PISF will see the participation of 35 company exhibitors and 10 Maker Lab schools.
There are 10,000 workshop slots, 32 different experiments, 23 career talks, virtual factory tours and three major competitions. The competitions include the Coolest Projects Malaysia, where 600 projects were submitted from various states and countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
Chow thanked the industry players for their commitment, dedication and time.
“You have actively played a key role in ensuring PISF’s success year in, and year out.
“The presence of industrial companies is without a doubt the most appealing aspect of PISF.
“I would like to thank the pillar companies of PSC, as well as other supporting companies for being the backbone of this annual fair,” he added.
Meanwhile, PSC chief executive officer Ooi Peng Ee said it was important for students to be equipped with critical technology skills to stay relevant in this highly competitive era.
“One good example of a critical technology is coding. We are currently working on initiatives to facilitate critical technology learning among the students.
“This will help prepare the students for the competitive future ahead while equipping them with skill sets which are very important in this digitalisation era,” Ooi said in his speech.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian