EVERY child is unique, special and full of potential, says Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) president Tan Lean Kee.
Tan, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, shared this during her visit to Pusat Jagaan Suria (PJS) today with PWMPP members, bringing Chinese New Year (CNY) festive cheer to the students and staff.
It is learned that PJS is a school and training centre for children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) managed by ‘Persatuan Kebajikan Untuk Kanak-Kanak Neurodiversiti Pulau Pinang’.
“We are here today, coming together as a community to celebrate the upcoming CNY, and to bring early joy and cheers to the children and staff.
“I hope through this simple celebration, the children have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and tradition we are blessed with in our multiethnic country.
“To all the precious children here, I want you to know that each of you is unique, special, full of potential and cherished.
“Your smiles, your laughter, and your perseverance inspire all of us to do better and care more for each other,” Tan said.
Tan further motivated the students, noting that each step they take brings them closer to a brighter future, and said she believes that with love, support, and guidance, they would flourish and continue to shine.
Apart from that, Tan also highlighted the school’s vital role in supporting neurodivergent children through care, education, and holistic development.
“I express my appreciation to the teachers, staff, volunteers, and members of the School Board, led by Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, for their dedication and continuous support for the children and their families.
“The school works closely with parents, believes in every child’s potential, and creates a nurturing environment that enables children with special needs to grow and thrive,” she added.
Tan also called on members of the media to encourage public support and donations to PJS, ensuring the centre can continue serving the special needs community and equip its children with skills and opportunities for a brighter future.
“I thank the generous donors who are present, as well as those who contributed online, for their compassion and kind support.
“Their contributions play an important role in sustaining the school’s programmes and services,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, president of Persatuan Kebajikan Untuk Kanak-Kanak Neurodiversiti Pulau Pinang, thanked Tan for her generous support in raising funds for the association.
According to Wong, PJS currently has 30 students and six teaching staff. He noted that the school can accommodate up to 100 students and provides a conducive learning environment.
“We invite companies to the school to run workshops, providing our students with hands-on experience and helping them build the skills they will need for the future,” he said.
During the visit, a mock cheque handover ceremony was also held. Tan, on behalf of the (PWMPP), presented a RM5,000 mock cheque to PJS, followed by a RM28,550 mock cheque from various donors, handed over by Datuk Annie Chin, a member of PWMPP.
In addition, Silcotech Industry Sdn. Bhd. contributed RM10,000, represented by its managing director, Yeoh Lik Jin
PJS senior assistant D. Jayah guided Tan and the other dignitaries on a tour of the school, introducing its programmes and facilities.
PJS is located at No.3,Lilitan Sungai Ara,11900 Bayan Lepas. The centre can be contacted at 016-728007/ 04-6116881 or via email ; [email protected].
Pictures taken during the programme at PJS today:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian