IN today’s fast-paced world, education plays a pivotal role in achieving success in life.
It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills and perspectives necessary to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who also serves as the state Human Capital Development, Science and Technology Committee chairman, highlighted the importance of education and the state government’s commitment to prioritising education initiatives.
“Education is extremely important, and without it, you get nowhere. The only way to reach greater heights is through education.
“To all the teachers, thank you, and continue to nurture our future generation,” Jagdeep said during his speech at the 8th annual Women in Zcience (WiZ) programme today at Tech Dome Penang.
The programme saw the participation of 250 students from six schools, namely SMK Bukit Gambir, SMK Bukit Jambul, SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat, SMJK Perempuan China, SMK Perempuan St George and SMJK Tinggi BM. Each school was sponsored by the respective companies such as Intel, Analog Devices, Flex, Jabil, Mi Equipment, and ViTrox.
Jagdeep also acknowledged women’s contribution to the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and credited women for men’s success.
“Women have all it takes to achieve great success in any field,” Jagdeep, who is also the Datok Keramat assemblyman, said.
Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said Tech Dome Penang not only aims to nurture scientific minds among students but also develop all-rounded individuals.
“This theme for this year’s WiZ is ‘Women Catalysing STEM Excellence’. This is because we believe in the power of healthy competition as a catalyst for excellence.
“It spurs curiosity, encourages independent research, and fosters teamwork.
“These crucial skills not only equip students to handle future challenges but also set a foundation for lifelong success,” Khoo said.
According to Khoo, the curriculum for WIZ covers essential topics, such as chemistry, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and 3D technologies.
“Participants will engage in hands-on projects such as making perfumes and lip balms, exploring simple block coding, learning 3D drawing, slicing, and printing techniques.
“The programme also includes an exclusive factory visit. This would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors,” Khoo added.
Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng shared a short inspiring video clip of Bertha Benz.
She was a German automotive pioneer and inventor whose name was not included in the patent rights as she was a married woman.
In those days, the law did not allow married women to be named as inventors on the patent. Bertha Benz was also the business partner and wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz.
WiZ is an initiative by Tech Dome Penang and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) with the support of the IEM Women Engineers Section.
The purpose of the programme is to instil a passion for STEM education among female students.
It is learned that all activities will take place from March to December.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat