THE Academic Mentor Program (AMeP), officially launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Keow at the Penang2030 Centre in Lebuh Macallum in George Town today, will be extended to the Southwest district this year.
Chow said AMeP, which provides quality education for needy children free of charge, received favourable feedback from parents and students themselves since it started in the Tanjong constituency last year.
The programme provides opportunities for poor students to participate in workshops, outdoor learning sessions and study skills presentations, conducted by passionate educators and volunteers.
“This year, we will be extending this programme to the South-West district of Penang, with a focus on the Teluk Kumbar fishermen villages. With the support of The Learning Kingdom Education as one of our kind sponsors, this programme will benefit the students of more than eight primary and secondary schools located in that area.
“Education is not just about textbooks and exams; it is about unlocking the potential within each one of us, especially for our younger generation.
“It is about nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, and empowering individuals to become the architects of their future and our leaders of tomorrow,” Chow said in his speech before he launched the ceremony as well as officiated the closing of the ‘Water is Life’ colouring competition organised by Penang SEED.
Chow expressed his belief that these programmes would help students bridge the academic disparities they face and empower them to pursue their dreams.
Optimistic about AMeP’s programmes, he envisions the programme playing a pivotal role in shaping future leaders, innovators and problem solvers. He also anticipates it contributing significantly to uplifting the livelihood of many people and their families in Penang.
Chow said the AMeP blends in well with the objectives of the state government which is to boost its human capital development.
He expressed hopes that more organisations would come forward and participate in AMeP by giving their support to Penang SEED.
Penang SEED, a non-government organisation formed about seven months ago, provides quality and equal opportunities for underprivileged children.
On Oct 1 last year, Penang SEED organised a successful ‘Light in George Town’ Mid-Autumn Charity Lantern Walk, together with MPKK Pkyett/Northam Road and The Learning Kingdom Education.
Penang SEED president Inna Lee Yin Nah said last year, they initiated AMeP at Kedah Road to assist low-income families’ children in their studies.
“We also teach students, mainly from the B40 group, soft skills apart from helping them with their homework,” Lee said.
Chow later gave away prizes to the winners of the ‘Water is Life’ colouring competition.
He thanked the Tanjong Parliamentary Service Centre, MPKK Pykett Avenue/Northam Road, MPKK Lebuh Macallum, Penang State Library, Universiti Sains Malaysia Volunteer Secretariat, Maypap Sdn Bhd, Alpro Pharmacy and Sunquick Malaysia for making the colouring contest a success.
Also present at the ceremony were Chief Minister’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, MPKK Pykett Avenue/Northam Road president Johnny Chee Chong Chew, MPKK Lebuh Macallum president Ch’ng Chin Keat, The Learning Kingdom Education CEO cum Penang SEED executive adviser Dr Lee Eng Wah, Penang state library representative Mohamad Shamir Izad Ismail and Alpro Pharmacy representative Lim Sin Wei.
The colouring contest, attracting 94 participants, was divided into three categories, and the winners were as follows: (Age 4-6) 1. Chiew Yan Loke, 2. Adam Chong Zhi Jun, 3. Beh Ke En; (Age 7-9) 1. Alyssa Ang Wei San, 2. Stan Pei Xuen, 3. You Wen Shuen; (Age 10-12) 1. Siah Pei Zhen, 2. Tan Ying Xi, 3. Seah Ru Anne.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi