Chow (second from right) receiving the latest contribution from Chan (third from left) and Tang (right). With them are Ramasamy (third from right) and representatives of the STEM centres. — KT GOH/The Star
TECH company Flex Penang has handed over its latest allocation of RM93,000 for the state’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes this year.
This brings Flex Penang’s total contribution to STEM programmes to RM260,000 for 2023.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that the firm’s sponsorship would benefit about 14,830 students, teachers and working adults.
“Flex is one of two companies to have adopted schools under the StepUP programme.
“The company also participates in talks and seminars organised by Penang STEM,” he said in a press conference at Komtar.
The state government, he said, was committed to attracting and retaining investors by creating and enabling an eco-system powered by relevant technologies and a skilled workforce.
However, he said demand for skilled workers was currently outpacing supply, making it difficult for industries to retain highly skilled workers and hire new talents.
Chow said one reason for this was students’ declining interest in science and technology.
“To address the issue, the state government through its mission of ‘Creating Future Talent’ has been actively promoting STEM education,” he said.
Tech Dome Penang, Penang Science Cluster, Penang Math Platform, Penang Career Assistance and Talent Centre, Penang Digital Library and Penang Skills Development Centre are some of the STEM centres within the Penang STEM eco-system that are offering technical and academic learning opportunities for students, school leavers and adults.
A total of 117,298 primary and secondary school students were trained in various STEM topics last year.
Chow said the six centres combined held 1,586 STEM-related sessions last year that were well-received.
“To continue this effort in 2023, the state government has allocated RM2.18mil to the various STEM centres in the Penang 2023 budget,” he said.
Chow said the state government was grateful to have support from industry players, especially Flex Penang.
Present during the press conference were Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, Flex Penang general managers Tang Eng Chok and Chan Chee Khang, Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung and Penang Math Platform general manager Johnny Ong.
The Flex sponsorship in 2023 will enable innovative programmes such as Excel @ School, 3D Design @ School, Graphic Design+@School and Olympiad memory bootcamp.
All the above programmes will be run by Penang Math Platform under the Penang STEM initiative.
Besides sponsoring the programmes, Flex will also facilitate students’ industrial visits as well as participation in talks and seminars organised by Penang STEM.
