LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS HANDOVER BY SONY
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS HANDOVER BY SONY
07 SEPTEMBER 2020
YB Puan Chong Eng
Penang State Exco for Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions other than Islam
Chairperson of Penang E-learning Computer Programme
Mr. Koichi akamura
Managing Director of Sony EMCS Malaysia
Mr. Soo Kok Wooi
Head of IT Division, Sony Malaysia
Ms. Megumi Kojima
Assistant Manager, Corporate Workplace Solution Division, Sony Malaysia
Mr. Ooi Peng Ee
CEO of Penang Science Cluster
Mr. Ngoo Seong Boon
Vice Chairperson of Penang E-learning Computer Programme
Mr. Ryan Lim
General Manager of Swisspac Resources Sdn Bhd
Committee of Penang E-learning Computer Programme
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Penang Science Cluster for successfully implementing the numerous excellent programmes during this Covid-19 period. As Mr. Ooi rightly pointed out, this would not have been possible without the strong support from the industry. Indeed, since the establishment of the Penang Science Cluster back in 2009, one of our objectives has been to strengthen the 4P partnership, particularly between the Government and the industry. This is so that we can develop our young students together and build a healthy pipeline of talents for the future. As such, standing here today, I am pleased welcome and thank Sony Malaysia for joining us in our efforts.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a state that has always made human capital growth our priority, we realised that many educational activities need to be implemented online to adapt to the new normal post Covid-19. However, there are many challenges to overcome especially for students from B40 community. In fact, research conducted by the Education Ministry showed that only 21% of students in Malaysia have access to computers or tablets and shockingly, almost 40% of students nationwide do not possess any electronic devices.
Hence, on May 21st, the Penang Government announced the formation of an ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’ Task Force dedicated to the development of the education sector in the new normal to ensure that the education of students in the State is not compromised as learning moves online. The various initiatives under the E-Learning Computer Program Task Force include:
1. Laptop loan scheme.
2. Used computer grant scheme.
3. Technical support and maintenance.
4. Computer literacy training programmes.
5. Empowerment of communities through e-dialogue and e-forums.
6. Purchase of computer devices at discounted prices and interest-free instalment scheme.
For the first two initiatives mentioned, the Task Force has equipped a total of 466 students with a computer to date and, in some cases, routers to connect to internet. Today, the 134 computers and 55 smartphones that Sony is donating to the State will certainly enable the State to impact even more students and help bridge the digital divide.
I understand that besides the donation of these computer devices, Sony Malaysia has been participating in the Penang International Science Fair for many years now. I hope that Sony which has have such a rich legacy of innovation, will continue to expand its collaboration with the Penang Science Cluster and the Penang State Government in other programmes as well.
Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage even more companies in both the corporate and public sectors to extend their support and collaborate with the State Government for the betterment of our people. Companies who are interested in the ‘E-Learning Computer Programme’ can donate their used computers to the Penang Science Cluster to be loaned, or to Swisspac for repairs before distribution to students in need.
Thank you and once again, Arigato gozaimas to Nakamura-San and Sony Malaysia!