SOME 340 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates from the lower-income group received free tablets under the empowerNCER- Academic programme.
The programme is a collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
USM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Prof Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the initiative was to bridge the social gap and provide holistic education to the B40 group.
“The programme will be implemented online.
“Participants will be guided by senior lecturers as well as final-year students of the USM School of Educational Studies (SES), who have completed their studies or undergone teachers’ training.
“SES will also liaise with 39 committee teachers for each subject in the selected schools to ensure that the modules shared are systematic and not confusing, ” he said during a presentation of the tablets at the university in Gelugor, Penang.
Empower NCER-Academic will also provide parenting programmes for the students’ parents or guardians to ensure that they gain knowledge as well.
Abdul Rahman said USM was currently working on an agreement with a local telecommunication company to provide students with Internet access.
Meanwhile, NCIA corporate services senior director Zuhairi Mohamad said NCIA had given tablets to 2,250 students from 15 districts in the northern region since December.
“It is an effort to ensure that the teaching and learning process can continue to be implemented in a more interesting and effective manner, ” he said.
One of the recipients, Mohamad Adib Faris Mohd Nasser, 17, said the tablet would improve his knowledge and help him pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. — Bernama
