ALL the buzz is now about artificial intelligence (AI) or ChatGPT.
However, the foundation of AI is still software, powered by an immense amount of data, says Penang Science Cluster (PSC) chief executive officer Datuk Ooi Peng Ee.
“Visualise this – Airbnb is the world’s biggest hotel chain that does not own hotels; Netflix is the world’s biggest movie rental company that does not have a shopfront; and Uber is the world’s biggest taxi company that does not own a single taxi.
“High-tech companies in Penang are leveraging on software to create new solutions and services. All these will translate into huge demands for software talents.
“This is one of the reasons why the computer science core skills (CS2) programme, commonly known as the CS Squared programme, was conceived. Penang needs to create a pipeline of software talents starting with students in secondary schools,” he said in his speech recently during the CS Squared launch at PSC@Heritage, Wisma Yeap Chor Ee, in China Street Ghaut.
PSC, in collaboration with National Instruments (NI) Malaysia (now part of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business), Penang Education Department, and the School of Computer Sciences in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is implementing the CS2 programme for some 30 teachers, as well as Form Four and Form Five students from 26 schools in Penang.
According to the fact sheet, a cohort of 30 teachers will undergo a five-day training in problem-solving with computational thinking; introduction to systems analysis and design; introduction to databases and SQL; and web development.
As for student engagement, 475 Form Four students will take part in a two-day boot camp which will cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and problem-solving skills. These students will develop projects under the guidance of industry professionals and present their work at the Penang International Science Fair 2024 in November.
Meanwhile, 417 Form Five students will learn about computer science careers through talks and industry visits. The first industry visit can career talk, hosted by NI Malaysia (now part of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business), is scheduled to take place on May 14. The initiative is aimed at including a mini-internship opportunity for students to gain firsthand workplace experience after the school year.
Ooi said the CS2 initiative was designed to enhance the capabilities of teachers in delivering computer science education.
“The programme also seeks to enhance students’ learning journeys by providing industry mentorship that seamlessly integrates with the current curriculum. This mentorship not only enriches their educational experience but also forges robust links between classroom theories and real-world industry practices,” he said.
He extended his deepest gratitude to NI Malaysia (now part of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business), for sponsoring the CS2 programme over the next five years.
Ooi also welcomed volunteers from corporations in the industry to become facilitators.
NI Malaysia (now part of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business) vice president of APAC manufacturing and managing director Selvam Chinappan said the company was proud to fund and pioneer the initiative with PSC.
He also extended an invitation for industry leaders to contribute and foster a collaborative ecosystem.
“The CS2 programme is to ensure students acquire programming competencies that resonate with the SPM syllabus, giving them the added knowledge to be prepared for tertiary education,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo stressed the importance of technical talents in driving the country’s economy.
“Talent is critical to attracting new foreign direct investments (FDIs) into Penang, and highly skilled talents enable existing companies in the state to move up the value chain.
“I strongly encourage companies in the industry to come and support this programme which will help develop software talents in Penang,” Jagdeep said.
He lauded NI Malaysia (now part of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business) for sponsoring the CS2 programme over the next five years.
Also present were PSC director Datuk Yoon Chon Leong, and other key industry captains.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of PSC