SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF JIT SIN SCHOOL UNION BM DIGITAL LIBRARY

27 May 2023

Jit Sin Union BM, 462 Jalan Sri Bukit

YB Lim Guan Eng

MP for Bagan

YB Chong Eng

Penang State Executive Councillor for Social Development & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs

YB Steven Sim

Deputy Finance Minister

YB Heng Lee Lee

ADUN for Berapit

YB Lee Khai Loon

ADUN for Machang Bubuk

 

Dato-Dato & Datin- Datin

 

Distinguished Guests

 

Members of the Press

 

Ladies & Gentlemen

Good afternoon to all of you.

I am very pleased to be here to attend this important groundbreaking ceremony for the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library.

The idea of setting up the first digital library in Bukit Mertajam originated from the own initiative of Jit Sin School Union BM. I am happy to note that you are supportive of the state government’s plans to boost our human capital and you have done so by approaching us directly with the intention to collaborate with Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) to set up the first digital library in Seberang Perai Tengah. As a result of the discussions we have had, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam and CMI was signed in October 2022.

This is an example of a fruitful collaboration between the State Government and an NGO! This action will definitely benefit the people of Penang, in particular, residents of Bukit Mertajam by creating a platform and space for information and creative knowledge, technology as well as a place for connection and interaction that is accessible by the local community.

It is also one of the initiatives by Jit Sin School Union to help propel Penang especially Seberang Perai into “A Family-Oriented, Green and Smart State That Inspires the Nation”. Moreover, this is a very good example of community engagement put into practice by Jit Sin School Union and its worldwide Jit Sin Alumnus for the benefit of Bukit Mertajam in Seberang Perai Tengah.

Most of you here are the sponsors of this BM Digital Library. I thank you all for your kind generosity in making this happen. Your support for this project complements the State Government’s agenda to have more digital libraries in Penang. This project will be a continuation of our current Penang Digital Library (Phase 1 & 2) within the vicinity of Penang Free School, PDL@Batu Maung as well as PDL@Butterworth. In future, once this project is completed, it will help boost the State Government's efforts in promoting the teaching and learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in our aim to position Penang as one of the leading centers of excellence in these areas.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

For this BM Digital Library to come true, much work needs to be done by Jit Sin School Union. Jit Sin School Union had voluntarily provided your premises for the setting up of this Digital Library and is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to upgrade and refurnish the existing premises which includes the necessary utilities, electricity, water, internet connection and server.

I urge the people of Bukit Mertajam to provide your full support to Jit Sin School Union for the setting up of this digital library. Just like the four existing PDLs, in time to come, this facility will be fully utilized by our students and learned professionals who are the citizens of Seberang Perai Tengah. This is a fundamental step in the creation of a smart technological ecosystem and ultimately, a knowledgeable community here.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

The Penang state government strongly believe with this excellent initiative approach from Jit Sin School Union and the worldwide Jit Sin Alumnus, together with all the technical support from CMI, the dream for Jit Sin School Union BM Digital Library to become the first virtual library with a modern concept in Seberang Perai Tengah will be realized by next year.

Your efforts will contribute greatly to the success of the local communities in Seberang Perai Tengah especially in Bukit Mertajam. I look forward to having more NGOs like Jit Sin School Union who are willing to step forward to work together with the state government towards achieving the Penang2030 Vision. What you have done today will be an inspiration for others to do the same.  

Thank you.