PENANG is set to welcome 42 Penang, an educational institution that will open its doors, in George Town this month.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced its establishment while officiating the closing ceremony of the Apex Bootcamp at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang branch in Tanjung Bungah today.
“42 Penang does not require academic qualifications for admission, but students must complete Form Five to comply with the Education Act,” Chow said.
The tuition-free computer science school was initially launched by Chow in March 2023 at Wisma UAB, George Town, as part of efforts to strengthen Penang’s position as a leading digital hub.
The initiative is a collaboration between the state government, Digital Penang, Sunway Education Group and Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
Following the model of 42 Paris and 42 KL, the school seeks to nurture innovative minds by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
42 Penang challenges conventional classroom learning by providing a peer-to-peer learning environment, offering individuals from all walks of life the opportunity to acquire essential information technology skills.
Chow also shared insights from his discussion with the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) this morning on the future of higher education. He was particularly struck by a perspective from an honorary professor, who suggested that university courses may become “unbundled” in the future, potentially making traditional public universities (IPTA) unnecessary.
“Certification is no longer the only pathway to university. A student may not necessarily need to pursue a formal university education. Many can leapfrog into the industry through TVET-type programmes, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately after Form Five. It’s a thought-provoking shift – university may no longer be the sole gateway into the professional or technical world,” Chow said.
He also highlighted another profound remark from their discussion: “There is no talent shortage in Penang. The real challenge lies in identifying talent and aligning them with programmes that meet industry needs.”
Chow also mentioned a recent report on ‘DeepSeek’ AI, which has caused a major stir in both the AI development sector and the stock market.
“Many AI developers alike were stunned by how a Chinese hedge fund managed to create an AI that is far cheaper and as efficient as ChatGPT, which I’m sure most of you here have used before!
“So, the question right now everyone is asking is how come they were able to pull this off? My answer? Simple, Four words: Investment in Human Capital. In this case STEM education,” Chow told the attendees, made up mostly of young participants.”
He said the Apex Bootcamp truly demonstrated a clear “Public-Private-People (3P’s)” partnership and collaboration in promoting STEM education in Penang.
“Through Penang STEM, we are nurturing a generation that is equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Chow said.
He highlighted that Penang STEM has been instrumental in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, aligning with the Penang2030 vision. Initiatives such as coding boot camps, robotics workshops, and computer science and engineering programmes have ignited a passion for learning among thousands of students.
Chow said the state government has worked tirelessly to make STEM education accessible to all.
“From setting up dedicated STEM makers labs in schools to providing scholarships for underprivileged students, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities,” he said.
He acknowledged that none of these achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, educators and industry partners, thanking them for their invaluable contributions whether through funding, expertise, or mentorship.
Turning to the students, Chow advised: “You are catalysing agents of our Penang2030 vision. The knowledge and skills you acquire today will shape the destiny of our state and nation. Take full advantage of the resources and opportunities provided to you. Dream big, work hard, and remember that the future belongs to those who dare to innovate.”
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo remarked that Penang is already recognised globally as Malaysia’s hub for technology and innovation, with education at the core of its development.
“For example, today’s event on technology and mathematics education is a crucial step towards the future.
“When we discuss technology in schools, the key issue is efficiency. Technology evolves rapidly, and what is cutting-edge today may become obsolete tomorrow. This is something I’ve deeply realised during my overseas study tours in the past few weeks.”
He emphasised that Penang has already gained recognition on the world stage and must ensure that future generations can compete in the global arena.
Other attendees included Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Richard Chung, Penang Math Platform general manager Johnny Ong, TAR UMT Penang Branch head Prof Dr Janice Toh Guat Guan, Pentamaster Corporation executive chairman Datuk Chuah Choon Bin, Shan Poornam Metals managing director Datuk Seri S. Selvakumar Chetty, Micron Memory Malaysia director of talent acquisition Komathi Thannimalay, Plexus Manufacturing vice-president Chuah Cheng Leong, Globetronics HR manager Jane Melissa Raj and Bentley System Incorporated partner enablement manager (Ecosystem & Ventures) Naraindrran Loganathan.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat