THE Penang Science Cluster (PSC) has officially opened its latest centre in Seberang Perai.
Known as the PSC@Bagan, it is located at Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth.
It is the first PSC centre on the mainland. This also marks PSC’s third centre in Penang, with two on the island.
PSC chief executive officer Datuk Ooi Peng Ee said the main objective is to generate interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning among the students on the mainland.
“We are on a mission to build a healthy pipeline of talent in Penang by sparking interest in STEM and creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among our young in the state.
“With our first centre in Seberang Perai, it will allow primary and secondary school students easier access to quality science and technology programmes without having to travel to our main centre at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee on the island.
“In addition, highly skilled technical students in Seberang Perai who need advanced equipment or specialised knowledge can come to PSC@Bagan as well,” Ooi said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the centre today.
Also present were state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen and Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze.
According to Ooi, PSC@Bagan will also be PSC’s centre of operations for the entire Seberang Perai and northern region.
“This will be where many of our on-wheels programmes will journey from, for schools in Seberang Perai with programmes such as ‘Code on Wheels’, ‘Robotics on Wheels’, ‘Tech on Wheels’ and ‘Lab on Wheels’.
“After all, PSC’s mission is to prepare our students for the future and create a pipeline of engineering and technical talent for Penang,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said PSC@Bagan represents a pivotal moment for STEM education in Penang.
“This state-of-the-art facility will not only reduce the travel time for students in Seberang Perai attending Penang Science Cluster’s full-day workshops but also provide advanced equipment at their disposal in PSC@Bagan’s MakerLab.
“This resource-rich environment will enable our young talents to explore, innovate, and experiment, paving the way for a brighter future,” he said.
According to Chow, PSC@Bagan is just one piece of the puzzle.
“The state government has made substantial investments in fixed infrastructure projects to promote STEM learning in various schools in Penang.
“Among the initiatives, such as establishing 123 MakerLabs in schools and implementing 5G digital libraries with high-speed internet access in 88 schools, demonstrate our commitment to nurturing our students’ potential,” he said.
Chow added that the state government has also supported mobile infrastructure programmes led by the PSC, including Labs on Wheels and Coding For All.
“These programmes deliver hands-on technology workshops directly to our students in schools to enrich their learning experiences.
“All of these investments aim to empower our students to realise their full potential, becoming the technical talent that Penang needs to drive its economy forward.
“At the same time, we must also acknowledge the invaluable support from the industry.
“This is because many companies in the state have collaborated with PSC on various programmes, inspiring the next generation in science, technology, and innovation, ultimately encouraging them to pursue careers in these fields,” said Chow.
Before ending his speech, Chow said the inauguration of PSC@Bagan is more than just the opening of a new facility.
“It symbolises a beacon of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the power of collaboration.
“Let us continue to stand united in our mission to cultivate the next generation of innovators, engineers, scientists, and technology leaders.
“Together, we will propel Penang into a future driven by knowledge, creativity, and relentless determination, in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“May PSC@Bagan be a symbol of our commitment to the advancement of STEM education both in Penang and Malaysia,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi