NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO) Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society in Penang received a total of 20 laptops and personal computers (PCs) from the state government via ‘Penang E-Learning Computer Programme’ to assist students from the lower income group with their online studies.
State executive councillor for Non- Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng, who heads the programme, presented the laptops and PCs to the representatives from Tzu Chi Penang during a handover ceremony held at Harmony Centre today.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the good work done by the Tzu Chi Penang. They are actually sharing the social responsibility together with the state government to empower the community.
“What Tzu Chi is doing is not merely a community work, but the organisation is actually helping the students from the needy families to climb up the socioeconomic ladder to attain success in life,’’ said Chong Eng.
According to Chong Eng, under the programme till June 30, a total of 2,497 computers and laptops, 297 smart phones and 350 4G routers were given out free and 797 computers were given out on loan to the students from the B40 group.
“This year a total of 28 companies from the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) have donated over RM2 million worth of computers to the Penang E-Learning Computer Programme’ that has benefited 1,562 students.
“The state government desires to contribute more as it is something essential for the students to have a smooth online learning experience,” added Chong Eng, who is also the Padang Lalang assemblyperson.
Meanwhile, Ryan Lim from Tzu Chi Penang said that a special taskforce called ‘Community Social Care E-Learning from Home Programme’ was set up to help equip students from lower income group with online learning devices such as laptops and PCs.
“There are four main mechanisms involved in this programme, namely collection, refurbishment, assessment and delivery.
“We collect the contribution of old and new computers or even cash. Then, those old computers will be refurbished. Later our assessment team will get to the ground and visit the applicants’ homes prior to delivering the devices.
“After sending the devices, the assessment team will also monitor and educate the recipients to use the computers wisely and responsibly,’’ said Lim.
Other Tzu Chi Penang members who were present were Datuk Seri Ong Koe Sun, Datuk Loh Eng Wee, Siow Eik Kwang and Ng Lay Hwan.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan