Chow (seated centre) with his deputy II Jagdeep Singh Deo (on his right), state leaders, committee members and representatives of mission schools during the cheque presentation ceremony. — Courtesy photo
SOME RM420,000 of the RM860,000 allocated by the Penang government to 15 mission schools in the state, has been approved for school infrastructure repairs and upgrades.
These include repairing roofs, ceilings and drains, rewiring outdated and hazardous electrical cables, and upgrading school canteens to ensure a more comfortable environment for students.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the funds were distributed based on the schools’ needs and applications.
The state had additionally allocated RM235,000 for the installation of smartboards and the development of MakerLabs at mission schools, according to Buletin Mutiara.
Chow said that after 15 years of helping the schools with infrastructure repairs, the state also decided to buy computers or set up MakerLab, which he said was crucial for fostering creativity and technical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
“The remaining funds are allocated for various purposes, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems to enhance school security, as well as upgrades to sports infrastructure,” Chow said in his speech.
He presented the cheques to the schools’ representatives at Komtar.
The 15 mission schools are SK Convent Bukit Mertajam, SK Convent 1 Butterworth, SK Convent Green Lane, SK Perempuan Methodist, SK St Mark Butterworth, SK St Xavier (Jalan La Salle), SK St Xavier Cawangan, SMK (L) Methodist, SMK (P) Methodist, SMK Convent Bukit Mertajam, SMK Convent Butterworth, SMK Convent Green Lane, SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal, SMK St Mark Butterworth and SMK St Xavier (Lebuh Farquhar).
Chow said the funds were part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every child in Penang would have access to quality education, regardless of their background.
“Education is the key to individual and national development, and it is a long-term investment that benefits not only the individual but also society and the nation as a whole.
“A well-rounded human capital should not only excel academically but also possess leadership qualities, critical and analytical thinking skills, an appreciation for diversity and, most importantly, strong moral values,” he added.
Chow hoped that with the allocation, the mission schools would continue to strengthen the quality of education for Penang’s children, enabling them to maximise their academic achievements and talents for a brighter future for Malaysia.
