A TOTAL of 500 students in Permatang Pauh received smartphones and free data under the ‘Learn From Home’ programme by YTL Foundation.
The programme was initiated to equip B40 students with the necessary devices needed for their online learning during the pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for initiating the collaboration with YTL Foundation (YTL Corporation Berhad).
“The collaboration lightens the burden of the students and their family members.
“I understand that Nurul Izzah also came up with other initiatives, such as the ‘Kita Belajar’ programme since the implementation of movement control order (MCO), to help the Permatang Pauh students with their studies.
“The ‘Kita Belajar’ programme comprised free homework printing service, online ‘Tuisyen Rakyat’ for Year Four, Five and Six, Internet Top-Up, and ‘One Student, One Device’ programme.
“Kudos for the effort. Please continue the good work and care for the wellbeing of the rakyat,’’ Chow said during the smartphone and free data handover ceremony at the Ng Yam Huat Hall in Bukit Mertajam today.
Chow said that the pandemic has shifted the educational landscape.
“Teachers and students are required to adapt to the changes, which include online learning, and making sure that learning proceeds uninterrupted by the pandemic.
“Penang is among the earliest states to set up the ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’ task force to assist the education sector in adapting to the new normal.
“The task force, which was formed in May last year, has distributed 1,742 computers and 279 smartphones to deserving students.
“We are blessed to have overwhelming support from our industry partners, such as YTL Foundation, to provide a conducive learning environment for our children,” Chow said.
He added that the state, under the Penang Connectivity Master Plan, was working towards upgrading digital infrastructure in the state.
“This is in line with the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP),” he said.
Meanwhile, YTL Corporation Berhad executive director Syed Abdullah Syed Abd Kadir said that the smartphones which were contributed would be equipped with a free 10GB data (monthly) for a period of 12 months.
“Through this collaboration with YES (a subsidiary of the YTL Foundation), we are giving out smartphones and free data to help needy students have a better online learning experience.
“The ‘Learn from Home programme also features the ‘Frogplay’ App, which provides learning materials for students,’’ Syed Abdullah said.
Nurul Izzah, who was also present, hoped that more telco companies would come forward and enhance the internet connectivity in the state, especially in rural areas.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Chan Kok Kuan