(From fourth left) Fazzlijan, Sim, Khoo, Loo, Teh, Lian with other guests after the distribution of tablet computers at SJK (C) Sin Kang in Bandar Baru Air Itam. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
SJK (C) SIN Kang in Penang, which is celebrating its 118th anniversary this year, launched its cyber classroom and distributed tablet computers to Year One pupils.
This event marked a significant milestone for the school as it was a pivotal step in the school’s “education transformation” initiative.
The 46 tablets were purchased using a RM200,000 donation made by Sim Leisure Group founder and chief executive officer Datuk Sim Choo Kheng, a former pupil of the school 47 years ago.
Sim, who is also anniversary celebration committee chairman, said this initiative made SJK (C) Sin Kang the nation’s first school where all Year One pupils used tablets instead of traditional textbooks for their studies.
“I had planned to donate another 204 tablets for Year Two to Year Six pupils, but three sponsors recently came forward.
“In addition to the tablets, two new air-conditioned cyber classrooms were completed.
“The goal is to instal air conditioning in every classroom and office to create an optimal learning environment,” he said.
Sim added that in line with the school’s digitalisation efforts, a facial recognition system would be introduced for the safety of pupils entering and exiting the school.
“The committee also plans to renovate the school building, build a swimming pool, plant 200 trees and implement eco-friendly activities to prioritise green knowledge,” he said in a press conference at the school in Bandar Baru Air Itam.
A teacher with her Year One pupils who have received the new tablet computers for use in the classroom.
Sim added that he wanted to ensure all pupils learnt to swim as research had shown that 60% of adults in Malaysia did not know how to swim.
“My ultimate aim is to make the school self-dependent by organising an annual ‘Sin Kang Fair’ within the school grounds where there will be food, entertainment and fun in the form of a zipline just like the one at the Escape Theme Park in Teluk Bahang.
“The first fair will be held from Sept 14 to 22 during the school holidays and the committee hopes to collect at least RM250,000, which will be used to run the school,” he said.
Sim said these positive changes depended on the active involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, the community and the state Education Department.
“The committee’s efforts have been well received, with donations already amounting to about RM2mil, close to their RM3mil target.
“I hope the public will continue to support their efforts for the benefit of the school, which is poised to become a model of modern education, blending tradition with innovation to foster a brighter future for its pupils,” he said.
Also present at the press conference were school board of directors chairman Khoo Boo Yeang, state Education Department Technology and Communication Unit assistant director Dr Fazzlijan Mohamed Adnan Khan, headmistress Lian Poh Lai, school alumni chairman Raymond Teh and Parent-Teacher Association chairman Loo Cheng Tiong.
Sim said he was giving back to his school because it was the place where he felt the happiest during his formative years.
He credited his time there with helping to shape who he is today and wanted to contribute to the school’s future success, ensuring that current and future pupils would have opportunities as rewarding as his own.
Despite the strict discipline, he credited the headmaster for shaping his character.
Sim Leisure Group is a well-established designer, developer and operator of theme parks listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Sim has more than 30 years of experience in the theme park and attractions industry, having designed, built and managed theme parks around the world.
