KEYSIGHT Technologies Malaysia has once again proved to be a staunch supporter of the Penang E-Learning Computer Programme when it donated a cheque for RM150,000 to Penang Science Cluster (PSC) while its employees contributed over 70 units of used personal computers, tablets and PC peripheral for underprivileged students to continue learning from home.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow lauded Keysight Technologies for its latest contribution, noting that this was just one of the many that Keysight had made to the state of Penang over the years.
“Keysight, for example, is one of the primary drivers and sponsors of the Penang Science Cluster, collaborating with the state government to drive PSC initiatives to inspire our young students in science, technology and innovation.
“With the latest donation from Keysight Technologies, more students will benefit from the state’s E-Learning Computer Programme.
“As an update, 800 students from low-income families have already benefited from the laptop loans and another 794 students have received free computers as a result of this programme,” Chow told a press conference in Komtar today.
He added that PSC is a shining example of P-P-P (public private partnership), which it is initiated by the state government but is led by industry and supported by volunteers from Penang to help educate our young students in science and technology.
“It’s a commendable partnership,” said Chow, adding that he hoped that more companies in the corporate sector as well as the public would donate their used computers to the PSC to be loaned, or to Swisspac for repairs prior to distribution to students in need.
State executive councillor Chong Eng, who oversees the programme, also thanked Keysight Technologies for their firm support.
She said Penang is now working with the Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association to get 1,500 computers for the students this year.
“We still have a lot of students needing computers or other learning devices. Even though schools have reopened, I think e-learning has become an essential part of the learning from now and the future.
“We hope more companies will continue to support us,” she said.
Keysight Technologies senior vice-president Datuk Gooi Soon Chai, who was also present at the cheque and computer handover ceremony, said it was a privilege for Keysight to help students in Penang.
“It’s critical now. How the world is changing and that virtualisation has become something that we have to look forward.
“We’re also very proud that our employees are very supportive of the programme,” said Gooi.
He added that over the years, Keysight Technologies has also supported Penang Science Cluster and the Penang Digital Library in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programmes.
In addition to contributing the computers, he said the company had recently launched hydroponic farming involving a few homes.
The participants are provided nutrients and seeds for them to grow cabbage and other vegetables in a pilot programme that focuses on science and sustainability.
Another programme he said Keysight Technologies would launch soon is the After School Virtualisation programme in collaboration with PSC. So far, 253 students have signed for the programme.
Others present at the ceremony were PSC director Datuk Yoon Chon Leong, PSC chief executive officer Ooi Peng Ee, Penang E-Learning Computer Programme vice-chairman Dr Ngoo Seong Boon and committee member Ryan Lim (who is also Swisspac Resources Sdn Bhd general manager), Keysight Technologies Electronic Industrial Solution Group president Ee Huei Sin, Human Resources vice-president Angela Cheong and Communications Department programme manager Chan Su Ling.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad