MORE than 400 students from 76 schools enthusiastically took part in the Discovering ‘Great English & Math Stars’ (GEMS) 2024 competition and workshop at the Penang Math Platform (PMP) at Jalan Kaki Bukit, Gelugor, today.
Organised by PMP, one of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centres under the Penang government, GEMS is part of the STEM centres’ ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering students’ interest in STEM education.
PMP general manager Johnny Ong said when discussing STEM, people often think of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. However, he said very seldom do people think of mathematics, the last letter in STEM, which plays a pivotal role.
Quoting renowned scientist and mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, Ong said the German referred to mathematics as “Queen of the Sciences.”
“Mathematics is important in all aspects of science. Though it may seem a bit boring, at PMP, we turn it into a fun learning experience. Over five years since PMP’s establishment, about 50,000 students have attended our programmes.
“We did not slow down even during the Covid times. We went online and the participation rate was very good,” Johnny said.
He said all these are possible because of the unwavering support from the state government, and the close collaboration with its various partners, including private sectors, educational institutions, volunteers and his staff members. He expressed special gratitude to Flextronics Technology, especially Flex (A1), for stepping forward to be the exclusive sponsor for the GEMS 2024 programme.
Johnny added that they have programmes for adults too, like coding classes where they can take part alongside their children. Emphasisng the importance of family involvement, he said this family-based approach aligns with the Penang2030 vision of a ‘Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.’
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to launch the opening ceremony of the GEMS 2024, said the event was not merely a competition or a showcase of academic prowess, but rather a testament to the transformative power of STEM education in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
“In a world characterised by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, the need for a strong foundation in STEM disciplines has never been more pressing.
“Penang stands distinguished as the sole state in Malaysia boasting a dedicated state-level STEM organisation. Our STEM centres offer a dynamic platform complementing formal education, spanning primary to secondary schools and beyond.
“Through the various workshops, programmes, competitions, and exhibitions, these centres ignite curiosity and passion for STEM learning among Penang’s youth, paving the way for future careers in diverse industrial sectors to propel Penang further as the economic powerful house of our country.
“Penang is an industrialised state. We have a lot of industries and with that, we have a lot of employment opportunities in this technology sector. We need human resources and talents to take up all these positions in the manufacturing sector for instance,” Chow said in his speech.
He said he was proud of the STEM centres’ achievements of the past year by organising a series of events, including the STEM Showcase at UoW Batu Kawan, the STEM Showcase at Han Chiang High School, and the Penang International Science Fair at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
These events witnessed robust participation from the private sector, and state and federal agencies like MOSTI and attracted thousands of students, teachers, and parents.
To the young participants, Chow encouraged them to cherish the spirit of participation, for it is through perseverance and engagement that true growth unfolds. He reminded them that their endeavours today will lay the foundation for future confidence and success.
Moving forward, Chow said the state government and the industry will continue to promote STEM education to ensure the development of talents for the local industry.
Penang, he said, has done reasonably well for the past few years in terms of foreign direct investment, resulting in the creation of numerous job opportunities.
Chow concluded his speech by expressing his sincere appreciation to Flex for their exclusive sponsorship of this GEMS event and also welcomed other industrial players to continue to support the various STEM programmes.
“The industry players are playing a very important role in collaborating with the state to move ahead in this area,” he said.
Among those present at the ceremony were Connie Tan, assemblyman of Seri Delima; Phee Syn Tze, assemblyman of Sungai Puyu; Richard Chung, the general manager of Penang STEM; CK Chan, the general manager of Flextronics Technology (Penang); Khoo Boo Wooi, chief executive officer of Tech Dome Penang; Prof Dr Vikneswaran Nair from Disted College; Jaylee Ong Hui Kim, chief executive officer of Aimsity Sdn Bhd; and Dr Jeyaletchumi Muthiah, specialist (mathematic education) of SEAMEO RECSAM.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud