(Standing from left) Penang STEM general manager Richard Chung Chok Yin, Ramasamy, Satees, PSDC chief executive officer Tan Eng Tong and Khoo at Tech Dome Penang’s sixth anniversary celebration.
IN promoting technological convergence, Tech Dome Penang has become the first science centre in Malaysia to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) application workshops to primary and secondary school students.
Its chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said the centre had worked with Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) on a programme called “Ahli Teknologi Muda AI”, benefitting students in the northern region.
“We are also working with a China company on drone technology-based module for students, which we introduced last year.
“In addition, we are going to launch three exhibits in the third quarter of the year which will include electric vehicles (EVs), drone simulators and aquaponics,” he said about Tech Dome Penang’s upcoming projects.
Khoo was speaking at the sixth anniversary celebration of the centre which is located in the geodesic dome of Komtar.
Since its launch in 2016, the centre has seen more than 500,000 visitors and held about 1,850 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workshops and activities to benefit some 360,000 students in the country.
Khoo said Tech Dome’s digital STEM content had benefitted more than 120,000 people through numerous science shows at schools and roadshows.
“With the rapid growth in the electronic and manufacturing sectors, we need more technologists and engineers.
“We need a solid STEM foundation at the early education stage that can extend into careers for youths.
“Tech Dome Penang provides a three-pronged STEM learning method, starting with our exhibits that provide a ‘wow’ factor.
Some 130 pupils from SK Kuala Perai, SJK (T) Ladang Mayfield and SJK (C) Chong Teik took part in a science workshop at the event.
“Next, we ignite interest and curiosity in STEM by providing opportunity to students at boot camps, challenges and competitions such as our annual projects Robomania, Women in Science and Grand STEM Challenge.
“Lastly, we provide a structured programme for students to continue learning.
“We have classes such as AI, robotics and digital. This will help students gain a more solid knowledge in STEM before they enter tertiary education,” he said.
Khoo advised parents to encourage their children to take up STEM education.
“Apart from our own programme ‘Path to Success — The STEM Way’, other centres under the Penang STEM umbrella such as Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Penang Math Platform (PMP) and Penang Science Cluster (PSC) are working to bring awareness of STEM education to parents,” he said.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tech Dome Penang not only moved its activities online, but also introduced more digital programmes for students.
“Last year, we started the first-ever Penang Digital Literacy Camp for primary and secondary school students involving more than 1,700 participants.
“Following this, we conducted the Mobile App Challenge and Web Development Challenge in the first half of this year.
“Next is our Game Development Challenge, which is part of the Tech Fest programme, in conjunction with World Congress On Information Technology 2022,” Khoo added.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II and Penang Tech Centre board chairman Dr P. Ramasamy said he was impressed with the new ideas generated by the centre to create interesting programmes through workshops, events and competitions.
He said that during the pandemic, Tech Dome had to make changes in marketing strategies and develop more innovative ideas.
“Our signature fundraiser event Glo-Walk, which was held virtually last year, will be back as a hybrid (physical and virtual) event this year.
“We are expecting some 3,000 participants for the event at Penang City Park on July 30,” he added.
Ramasamy appealed to corporate companies to continue supporting STEM-based education initiated by Tech Dome Penang.
The event saw the unveiling of the centre’s robot mascot, known as TD-Bot, which was designed by Teh Yong Tatt, 30.
Some 130 pupils from SK Kuala Perai, SJK (T) Ladang Mayfield and SJK (C) Chong Teik, who were sponsored by Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees, also took part in a science workshop at the event.
