A TOTAL of 88 schools in Penang are expected to benefit from the Penang 5G School Digital Library Programme that was launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today.
The programme is a collective effort by Penang 88 Captains, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, SNS Network Technology Bhd, Intel Malaysia, Penang Science Cluster and OCBC Bank Malaysia.
Chow said 5G mobile internet connectivity is an important piece of infrastructure that helps improve our lives, while also contributing greatly to making Penang an even more attractive location for investment and accelerating towards a digital economy.
“Moreover, 5G connectivity will also facilitate the implementation of many key initiatives underpinning the state’s Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“By introducing 5G technology in our schools, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age.
“This programme will revolutionise e-learning for approximately 100,000 students from all types of schools (SMK, SK, SRJK, and religious schools).
“From coding to robotics, 5G will empower our young minds to become the creators, inventors, and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” Chow said in his speech before launching the programme at Penang Science Cluster in George Town today.
It is learnt that each school is expected to be provided with a 5G modem, a Content Access Server, which can store up to several thousands of e-books, and three new laptops.
He thanked all the parties that have successfully collaborated with the state to make this programme a success.
“I must say it is truly encouraging to witness the coming together of so many entities to realise this shared programme for the benefit of the 88 schools in Penang.
“It is through your unwavering commitment, expertise, and collaboration that we stand here today, on the cusp of a transformative era in education.
“Your dedication to the betterment of our society is truly commendable, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards a brighter future for our students and our state,” Chow added.
In a related development, Chow said that according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) statistics for the fourth quarter of 2022, Penang has achieved a fixed broadband penetration rate of 110 per cent per 100 residents in the state, surpassing the national rate of 85.82 per cent.
“In addition, Penang boasts a mobile download speed of 122.61Mbps, surpassing the national target of 116.03Mbps, and in terms of 4G coverage, Penang has attained a remarkable 99.85 per cent compared to the national target of 96.92 per cent,” he added.
Meanwhile, Penang 88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock said for a start, eight schools have been selected to participate in a pilot project for this programme.
The schools are SMK Abdullah Munshi, SMK (P) St George, SMJK(C) Chung Ling, SMJK(C) Union, SMK Jelutong, SMK Agama (P) Al Mashoor, SK Francis Light and SJK(T) Subramaniya Barathee.
“We will then expand this project to include the other schools throughout the state, and we hope to achieve completion of the 5G rollout within one year of launching,” Ooi said.
Also present during the event were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Penang Science Cluster chief executive officer Datuk Ooi Peng Ee.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat