Work on RM50mil ‘education city’ to start next year

An artist’s impression of the proposed development for Han Chiang University College of Communication.

A RM50mil development plan for an integrated education institution will be submitted to Penang Island City Council next month.

Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association board of directors chairman Datuk Seri Ooi Soo Hing said the plan would include a four-storey building with upgrades to two existing blocks and parking facilities.

He said works were expected to start next year, adding that it would take about 18 months to complete.

“The new building will house the main administrative department, lecture halls and dormitories.

“Upon completion, the student population is expected to increase to between 6,000 and 7,000 from the present 4,000 at Han Chiang Primary School, Han Chiang High School and Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC).

“Our plan is to provide a complete and integrated education institution for students in the northern region and possibly throughout Malaysia,” he said, adding that once all development was complete, it would be known as Han Chiang Education City.

Ooi said the board already had RM32mil for the project, and it hoped to raise the balance through the HCUC alumni and public donations.He urged those who are keen to donate to contact HCUC (04-283 1088) for more information.

Ooi was speaking at a recent press conference after launching the project with HCUC Construction Development Committee chairman Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping and architect Mei Chee Seong at the site in Jalan Lim Lean Teng.

Also present was HCUC Construction Development head Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah.

Mei, of aLM Architects, said he planned an open space concept to connect all three schools, and the new building would have an architectural style with media elements.

HCUC, a not-for-profit institution of higher learning in Penang, is renowned for its affordable yet holistic education.