THE upcoming SJKC Kuang Yu is poised to embrace the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) concept upon the completion of its construction.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who is also the school’s executive adviser, said the two-storey building would be designed with an IR4.0 concept, as the school operates within an Industry 4.0 ecosystem in Batu Kawan.
“The school is anticipated to attract many residing in the vicinity of the Penang Science Park and the Bukit Minyak Industrial Park.
“The facilities may differ from traditional schools, focusing on science, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), adopting a smart school setup,” he told reporters after attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the school in Batu Kawan today.
Choon Aik said the establishment of this SJKC is essential.
“This is because, in this area, we already have SK Batu Kawan, SJKT Batu Kawan, SMK Batu Kawan, and two universities – UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College and The Ship Campus.
“There is a gap in having an SJKC here. The relocation of SJKC Kuang Yu is timely,” he added.
The relocation of the 89-year-old SJKC Kuang Yu from Kuala Muda to Batu Kawan has been challenging.
Choon Aik said the cost to build the new school was RM22 million.
“A total of about RM15 million has been raised so far.
“SJKC Kuang Yu will continue its effort to raise funds for the establishment of the school.
“We look forward to the school being ready for classes by early 2027,” Choon Aik said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the SJKC Kuang Yu, now located in Penaga, has only 27 pupils.
“Therefore a decision was made a few years back to relocate the school.
“The Penang government and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) offered a six-acre land, designated for education purposes, for the relocation of the school from Penaga to Batu Kawan.
“The school committee is raising funds to construct the new school in Batu Kawan and it is expected to take two years to complete the building. This marks the beginning of a new ecosystem to continue the school’s role,” Chow said.
Choon Aik stated that upon the successful relocation of the school to Batu Kawan, both the land and the school building in Penaga would be returned to the Penang government.
On student enrollment, Choon Aik said that Batu Kawan, when fully developed by PDC, would have approximately 30,000 housing units.
“If we estimate that 10% of residents choose to enrol their children in SJKC Kuang Yu, we could potentially accommodate around 3,000 pupils,” he said.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Eco Horizon Sdn Bhd also contributed RM500,000 in support of the development of SJKC Kuang Yu in Batu Kawan.
EcoWorld (northern region) general manager Datuk Chan Soo How presented a mock cheque to the school’s Board of Directors chairman Datuk Goh Kim Heong after the event.
The presentation was witnessed by Chow and Choon Aik.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi