AN array of interesting events and activities have been lined up for the inaugural two-day STEM Showcase ’22 at the Han Chiang High School on Sept 2 and 3.
State Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy congratulated Penang STEM, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Math Platform for partnering with Han Chiang High School to hold the event, and other STEM centres, like Penang Skills Development Centre and Penang Science Cluster, for supporting it.
“I strongly believe that this STEM Showcase ’22 will be an ideal platform to introduce and prepare our next generation to meet the tremendous challenges, but vast opportunities that lie ahead under IR4.0 and the digital transformation.
“The continued influx of local and foreign direct investment into Penang reflects the confidence of investors. Whilst this is heartening, the state government has to take cognizance of the need to continue nurturing talent to meet the needs of the industries.
“We cannot do it without the support from partners.
“Let us all work together to make this event a great success and help to ensure Penang’s image as the prime mover for STEM excellence in our generation,” Ramasamy said in his speech.
He added that he was pleased to share that the state Education Department has given its endorsement for the event and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) has also endorsed and extended a grant to fund free workshops for students.
Ramasamy also thanked all the sponsors, strategic partners and stakeholders for their support.
Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung Chok Yin said the proposal to organise the STEM Showcase was mooted after Han Chiang High School successfully organised a Makers Fair in 2019.
“Plans, however, were disrupted and put on the back burner during the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With the recent reopening of schools, discussions were revived to bring the event to fruition,” Chung said.
He said Day 1 of the STEM Showcase ’22 on Sept 2 would feature more workshops, activities and competitions for secondary students, while Day 2 (Sept 3) would see more family-focused programmes and activities for all ages, including primary pupils.
Students and parents who want to attend the free workshops are encouraged to register early through the following link: https://ss22.penangstem.com/.
Parents can also check out the various talk sessions on Day 2, offering insights into what are the STEM academic and career options.
Panel speakers from academic institutions and human resource professionals from the industry will be invited for the education and career talks.
Over the two days, Chung said the key highlights would be:
- Inspiring students towards STEM excellence (through Grand STEM Challenge for lower secondary)
- Enhancing students’ innovativeness (through STEM Innovation Showcase for upper secondary)
- Showcasing technologies from Penang’s FIZs (through Corporate Technology Showcase)
- Sparking interests in STEM (through STEM Experiences)
- Inspiring interests in STEM-learning (through more than 20 different STEM Workshop sessions)
- Guiding students on the right academic STEM courses to pursue based on their interest and acumen (through Education Talks: Exploring STEM Academic Pathways)
- Instilling awareness amongst students and parents about career opportunities in the industry (through Career Talks: STEM Future-proofing)
- Wonders of the Metaverse (a peek into the most exciting landscape in the new world of web3).
Among those present at the launch were Tech Dome Penang senior marketing and communications manager Oun Sui Leng, Penang Math Platform senior event officer Jecilyn Loke, Han Chiang High School principal Kung Bee Lee, Penang Science Cluster programme executive Ahmad Shafawi Mustaqim and state Education Department (assistant director of the student development sector) Mohamed Rusdan Maidin.
Others who were present included Intel Technology senior director Dr Ngoo Seong Boon, Flextronics Technology general manager Tang Eng Chok, Plexus Manufacturing human resources manager Nik Saifudean, Boston Scientific quality director Saravan, Bentley Education senior programs manager Naraindrran Loganathan and Equator College principal Dr Michael Yap.
Also at the launch were Bernard Lim (Institution of Engineers, chairman of Penang Branch), Poo Teng Soo (Technological Association of Malaysia, chairman of Penang Branch), Lee Zhe Wei (Institution of Engineering & Technology, member) and Lai Menn Tatt (Institution of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, vice-chair of Penang Joint Chapter).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting