THE Penang government, led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, underscores the importance of education.
Chow emphasises the crucial role education plays in lifting individuals out of poverty, especially in a multinational country like Malaysia.
“In Malaysia, we place a strong emphasis on education as a means for individuals to excel in their lives.
“In fact, we (state) have been consistently providing assistance to the schools in Penang, on top of the funds channelled by the Federal Government yearly.
“We hope our initiative will reduce the schools’ burden and address their welfare needs,” Chow said.
Chow expressed these views during a courtesy visit by the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau delegation, led by its deputy director-general Gu Zhongpeng, at Komtar today.
Accompaning the Chinese guests were Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) (Penang branch campus) president Dr Lee Sze Wei, deputy head (Penang branch) Lim Thean Peng and Department of Science course leader Lee Xiang June.
Looking forward to collaboration with Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, Chow mentioned the significant number of Chinese students in the country.
Hence, he anticipates fruitful partnership with China for further educational enhancement in Penang.
“In Penang, a lot of institutions have collaborated with China’s institutions to enhance education,” he said.
Gu Zhongpeng expressed satisfaction with the discussions and the hope to establish partnerships with Penang in higher and vocational education.
Dr Lee shared the aspirations to facilitate more student exchanges, particularly with China, as part of an ongoing programme to strengthen educational ties between institutions.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian