THE LAUNCHING OF THE PENANG 5G DIGITAL LIBRARY PROGRAMME
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG,
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE PENANG 5G
DIGITAL LIBRARY PROGRAMME
23 MAY 2023 (4.30PM)
PENANG SCIENCE CLUSTER, WISMA YEAP CHOR EE
YB Profesor Dr. Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy
Deputy Chief Minister (II) of Penang
YB Phee Boon Poh
Exco for Environment and Welfare
YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Hussain
Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Dr. Ooi Eng Hock
Chairman, 88 Captains
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ooi Peng Ee
Chief Executive Officer, Penang Science Cluster
Yang Berusaha Tuan Abdul Said bin Hussain
Deputy Director of the School Management Sector of the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP)
Yang Berusaha Tuan Chea Hak Tee
Managing Director, OCBC Bank
Yang Berusaha Tuan Ko Yun Hung
Managing Director, SNS Network
Yang Berusaha Tuan Yacob Yeoh
Deputy Chief Executive Office, YTL Communications
Yang Berusaha Dr Ngoo Seong Boon
Senior Director, Intel Malaysia
Yang Berusaha Puan Irene Cheong
Branch Manager, SNS Network
Representatives from Education Institutions
Committee members of the 88 Captains
School Principals
Teachers and fellow students
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
A very good evening to all.
We are deeply honoured by your presence on this delightful evening as we gather to commemorate a momentous occasion in Penang's journey towards a brighter future.
It feels like just yesterday, in September of last year, when I stood here to inaugurate YTL Communications' Yes Commercial 5G Wireless Service in Penang, making Penangites and Penang-based companies among the first in our nation to experience world-class 5G connectivity.
I vividly recall that a decade ago, during my tenure in the telecommunications portfolio, there were numerous fundamental aspects that needed improvement to ensure that Penang would not lag behind in the provision of telecommunications infrastructure.
Among the initiatives implemented at that time was to expedite the approval of telecommunications permits through the exemption of planning permission and the cancellation of the One Stop Agency (OSA) status of PDC Telecommunications for the construction of communication structures.
Guidelines were also devised to help the industry accelerate the improvement of telecommunications coverage, which includes the 'Clip on Solution Guidelines' and the 'Smart Street Pole Guidelines'.
I must say, we are certainly proud to see that Penang has now established itself as a "champion" in facilitating the growth and upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure in Malaysia, thanks to the various initiatives and hard work.
The results are clearly visible in the rapid development of new telecommunication infrastructure within a short span of time, effectively addressing the coverage issues in problematic areas compared to a decade ago.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) statistics for the fourth quarter of 2022, Penang has achieved a fixed broadband penetration rate of 110 percent per 100 residents in the state, surpassing the national rate of 85.82 percent.
In addition, Penang boasts a mobile download speed of 122.61Mbps, surpassing the national target of 116.03Mbps, and in terms of 4G coverage, Penang has attained a remarkable 99.85 percent compared to the national target of 96.92 percent.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would also like to highlight that in 2020, Penang became the first state in the country to recognize telecommunications as the third utility after electricity and water. This acknowledgment signifies the State Government's understanding of the crucial role of telecommunications in our daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed further underscored the criticality of communication for all sectors, be it in the realms of economy, healthcare, or education.
Hence, it is vital for us to comprehend that high speed 5G mobile internet connectivity is an important piece of infrastructure that will improve our lives, make Penang an even more attractive location for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and accelerate our transformation to a digital economy. Moreover, 5G connectivity will facilitate implementation of the many key initiatives underpinning the State’s Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
Accordingly, it gives me great pleasure to be here today to launch the Penang 5G Digital Library Programme, where we will bring the Penang Digital Library and 5G high speed internet connectivity to 88 schools in Penang. Bringing high speed 5G internet connectivity to schools is a first in the country, and true to our Penang2030 vision that will inspire the nation to follow suit.
By introducing 5G technology in our schools, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age, just as mentioned by YB Ramasamy in his speech. This programme will revolutionise e-learning for approximately 100,000 students from all types of schools (SMK, SK, SRJK, and religious schools). From coding to robotics, 5G will empower our young minds to become the creators, inventors, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
As such, I would like to acknowledge and thank the many parties collaborating with the Penang State Government for making all this possible. I must say, it is truly encouraging to witness the coming together of diverse entities to realize this shared programme for the benefit of the 88 schools in Penang.
It is through your unwavering commitment, expertise, and collaboration that we stand here today, on the cusp of a transformative era in education. Your dedication to the betterment of our society is truly commendable, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards a brighter future for our students and our state.
Before I end my speech, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a special welcome to state-centric NGOs such as 88 Captains and encourage them to step forward with more innovative programmes to help us transform our students of today into the talents of the future.
With that said, it is my great pleasure to officially launch the Penang 5G Digital Library Programme, and I truly wish the programme every success.
Thank you.