THE Penang government would continue to support the Japanese Math Classes (JMC) organised by Penang Math Platform (PMP) and hope that in due time, all 40 constituencies in the state would have JMCs.
State Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, who officiated the launching of eight JMCs at the Esplanade on March 9, said the state would like the programme to continue to bring the best out of the students.
The programme, which was introduced last year, offers weekly free classes to children aged six to seven years old from less affluent families. It started with four classes in 2018 and has increased to eight as four satellite classes were expanded to Batu Maung, Pengkalan Kota, Prai and Bagan Dalam.
“We’ve now 200 students. We would like to see Maths being made an interesting subject, an easy subject and a fun subject. There is always this myth of Maths as a difficult subject,” Abdul Halim said in his speech.
“We would like to have JMCs in all 40 constituencies in the state. We need to catch up on mathematics. We’re concerned about the declining enrolment of students for Science stream.
“We estimated to have 200,000 students signed up for Science stream by 2015. But as at 2017, 90,000 students only signed up for Science stream for SPM,” Abdul Halim said in his speech.
He said last August, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had announced the Penang2030 vision for a Family focused, green and smart state to inspire the nation.
Talking about a smart state, Abdul Halim said Penang needs to have its people good at maths and science so as to achieve the vision.
He said since 2009, under former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the state has started the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme which resulted in the establishment of the Penang Science Cluster, Penang Tech Dome, Penang Digital Library and Penang Math Platform.
Also present were Consul-General of Japan Shinichiro Kanoya, Penang STEM chief executive officer Ang Lye Hin, investPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, PMP general manager Richard Chung, Tech Dome chief executive officer Dr Khong Yoon Loong, JMC programme director Dr Cheah Ui Hock and USM associate professor Dr Ang Miin Huey.
Abdul Halim was later invited on stage to test some young participants on mental arithmetic abacus and they passed with flying colours.
He also thanked PMP for running the JMC and the Japanese Consul-General for supporting the programme.
Kanoya said he was grateful that Penang STEM chose Japan as a model country to follow its Math teaching method.
He said Japan is traditionally a strong country in the field of STEM, producing three Fields medal winners and 27 Nobel Prize winners, among which 23 of them are winners in physics, physiology, medicine and chemistry.
“It’s important for us adults how we introduce the children to learn new things. The Japanese Math method will help students learn the social interactive skills while they learn and solve the mathematic questions with a group of friends.
“Students are also able to learn Mathematics in a creative and fun way using props with peer students. I am certain this programme will spark the interest in Mathematics.”
Lye Hin said the JMC is a very interesting programme that gives a very good basic foundation to all the young participants, not only about maths but also about their ability to communicate, the ability to present and the ability to walk together.
“Last year, the average attendance rate was 85%. So, it shows that the kids are picking it up with a lot of interest,” he said.
There was also a demonstration by three preschoolers using pictures or drawings to tell stories as they learned mathematics in a fun way, with volunteer teacher Safiza Che Ariff guiding them on stage.
Those present were also treated to a Rubik Cube demo by three USM students, a dance performance by Kyo-san, a Chibi Maruko-Chan song and a Penang Sakura Ondo dance.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi