GEORGE TOWN: A total of 15 students from various secondary schools in Penang have been selected for an education trip to Japan under the Innovative Hybrid Education & International Experience Programme (HΕΙΕΡ) 2024 by USAINS Group and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
The group from underprivileged B40 families would be spending a week at various places in Japan, mainly in schools and universities, where they learn about the cultures and participate in educational programmes related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
This initiative aims to transform middle and high school education by combining hybrid learning with immersive international experiences, according to a statement by USM.
"Through HEIEP 2024, students will engage in a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, providing critical opportunities for academic and personal development.
"This week-long programme is packed with educational activities, social interactions, cultural experiences, and the exchange of ideas with Japanese counterparts.
"A key feature of the programme is the partnership with Japan's Setsunan University and Keiko High School, giving students from Malaysia's B40 community their first-ever overseas travel experience," said the statement on Monday (Oct 14).
USAINS managing director Farid Wajidi Mat Yusoff said the programme embodies unwavering commitment to democratising access to quality education.
"By focusing on underrepresented communities, we aim to ignite a passion for learning and innovation in the next generation of leaders.
"Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to ensure the programme's success, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our industry partners for their invaluable support in bringing this transformative initiative to life," he said.
He added that HEIEP 2024 is designed to bridge the educational gap by providing underprivileged students with opportunities for academic growth, exposure to global advancements, and a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
The students departed from the Penang International Airport and will return on Oct 20.
