THE first-ever Penang Go Digital Carnival (PGDC) 2024, aimed at promoting a digitally engaged society, is set to take place at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth on Nov 10.
Announcing this inaugural event, state Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the carnival, scheduled from 9am to 5pm, seeks to enhance Penangites’ digital literacy.
“Our aim is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy as part of the digitalisation process. This year alone, Digital Penang has organised over 600 digital classes, reaching more than 13,000 community members,” Zairil said during a press conference at Komtar today.
“Our initiative has also supported the growth of over 200 local startups in the technology sector. Additionally, more than 1,530 small-medium enterprises (SMEs) have been empowered with the latest digital tools and marketing strategies to meet their needs.”
“We expect thousands of participants from the local community as well as industry players to join in the event next month.”
The carnival will feature a series of activities, including workshops, e-sports competitions, digital treasure hunts, lucky draws, and exhibitions. Up to 40 booths will be set up during the event.
Zairil praised Digital Penang for its commitment and efforts in fostering digital literacy, particularly with the introduction of a virtual reality (VR) exhibition to give the public a hands-on digital experience.
He also acknowledged the support of various sponsors and partners, including PICCA Convention Centre, Grand Orient Hotel and Laguna Water Park, MZI Engineering, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, Zoho, Hong Leong Bank, U Mobile, Info-Tech, VKA Wealth Planners, Alliance Bank, Signing Cloud, Vintana Labs, Authentic Venture, UiTM Pulau Pinang, and the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC).
Digital Penang chief executive officer, Ng Kwang Ming, emphasised the importance of raising awareness about digitalisation through the carnival.
“It’s open to everyone, and there will be a session explaining how digitalisation works and the benefits it brings to the people,” he explained.
For more details, visit https://digitalpenang.my and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DigitalPenangMY.
Registration can also be made in advance via https://bit.ly/2024PGDC.
Also present during the press conference was Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian