The Launching of Prince of Wales International School, Balik Pulau

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang

At The Launching of Prince of Wales International School, Balik Pulau

7 Oct 2017

 

Good morning. I am delighted to be here today to launch this landmark event for MTT Learning Academy. Since the ground breaking of POWIIS in 2010, I have been pleased to witness the continual growth and success that the Prince of Wales Island International School has achieved. It is certainly encouraging to see this collaboration between private corporations like MTT Learning and BSG Property helping Penang becoming an education city and nurture Penang as a talent hub.

A good education starts with a strong foundation. The establishment of a primary school with standards such as those that POWIIS Primary aspires to, will no doubt put our younger generation in good stead.

It is also very promising when the ethos adopted by private education providers such as MTT Learning are aligned with initiatives the state government have introduced. In recent years, the state government has aimed to fill the gap in science education among primary and secondary students with STEM initiatives such as the Tech Dome, Penang Skill Development Centre, Penang Science Cluster, Karpal Singh Penang Learning Centre, @CAT Penang as well as the Penang Digital Library.

With these programmes which the Sate Government has invested RM 68 million, the government hopes to not only increase interest in STEM, but to also spark creativity and innovation. This mind set of discovery, experiential learning and teaching young children to think outside the box are elements incorporated into POWIIS Primary.

A liveable city must not only be clean green safe and and healthy. It must also posses good schools and advanced education system and world-class health care. POWISS Primary will definitely add on the the number of good international primary schools coming to Penang

Penang has nine international schools on the island and mainland combined with at least three more school brands coming in. I am very pleased to see not only the growth of home grown brands, but that Penang is also attracting international brands to set up international schools on our island adding lustre to Penang's aim to be regional education hub.

POWISS Primary in Tanjung Bungah will give parents a mere choice for their kids as well as cater to the growing demand from their expatriates and locals. Once again I congratulate Dato Kenny Ong for this vision and ambition in growing the education portfolio of the MTT group of companies. I wish you and Dato Lim Kean Seng from BSG all the success in this venture and am sure that your collaboration will bring about the provision of quality primary international education.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much.