SMK Heng Ee 2 today received a generous donation of RM700,000 from Lee Foundation for its new school building located in Bayan Baru, Penang.
Heng Ee school board chairman Tan Sri Alex Ooi Kee Liang received a mock cheque for the amount from Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, who represented Lee Foundation, in the presence of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the latter’s office in Komtar.
Also present were state executive councillors Chong Eng and Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, assemblymen Teh Lai Heng, Heng Lee Lee, Goh Choon Aik and H’ng Mooi Lye, SJK (C) Nan Yik board chairman Datuk Max Lee and Klang Charity Society adviser Soo Teck Lee.
Chow said SMK Heng Ee had submitted an application to Lee Foundation last year seeking aid and finally through Lim, the foundation decided to contribute RM700,000 to the building fund.
“At present, the school still lacks RM4.24 million to complete its building and furnishing of the school facilities.
“Besides the private sector, I would like to appeal to the Federal Government to help the school complete its building,” Chow told a press conference.
The construction of SMK Heng Ee 2, which comes in four phases of development, involves a huge sum of money.
Up until today, Chow said the school has received RM660,000 aid from the state government and his office for its building project.
He added that in 2013, Koperasi Tunas Muda Sungai Ara Berhad donated a 12-acre piece of land to the state government for the school building project.
Of the 12 acres, eight are set for the school building and its facilities while the remaining four are for the future building of SRJK (C) Heng Ee if needed.
SMK Heng Ee 2 started its operation in 2017 upon receiving the approval from the Education Ministry.
Ooi expressed his gratitude to Lee Foundation, which was founded by the late philanthropist Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian, for their financial support.
“Their generosity will enable a smoother progress in completing the new school for more students to benefit,” said Ooi, who is also the executive chairman of Ideal Property Group.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan