WOU’s generous contribution to a local primary school in Penang has provided greater opportunities for students to enhance and apply their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge in diverse applications.
The donation of 32 desktop computers to equip Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) [SJK(C)] Hun Bin’s digital lab demonstrates WOU’s commitment to educational social responsibility, which seeks to bridge the digital divide and equip underserved communities to thrive in today’s increasingly tech-driven world. This initiative is a cornerstone of WOU’s strategic partnership with schools, aimed at inculcating students’ interest in STEM and preparing them for future STEM careers. Faculty members from WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE) are set to play a hands-on role in providing an enriching and supportive learning experience for students from SJK (C) Hun Bin.
To formalise the collaboration, a Note of Understanding (NoU) signing ceremony was held on 21 March 2024 at the school. WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan and Principal of SJK (C) Hun Bin, Madam Tan Geat Chun signed the NoU in the presence of guest of honour, Sunny Seowfuddin Bin Abdullah, Deputy District Education Officer from Penang’s North-East District Education Office and other notable guests.
Prof Chan then represented WOU in a symbolic handover of computers valued at close to RM50,000, which was received by Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, Cheng Kwong Chin and Vice Chairman of the School Board, Keong Chee Khoon.
In the school’s newly-equipped digital lab, students have begun utilising the computers to work on their creative multimedia projects using the Scratch coding application.
The collaboration also includes a flagship STEM Apprenticeship Programme targeting the school’s Standard 4 to 6 students who will be exposed to different STEM fields such as robotics, programming, computing, construction, and engineering concepts.
Under the guidance of mentors from WOU and SM Teknik Tunku Abdul Rahman, these students will receive necessary support and training as they develop their innovation projects independently. The pinnacle of the apprenticeship programme is the opportunity to participate in the upcoming International STEM Innovation Competition, scheduled to be held at WOU in June this year.
In her speech, Prof Chan stressed on the importance of instilling values of good digital citizenship in students.
“We cannot deny the Internet’s integral role in education as a fundamental learning tool, but we can empower our young learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the digital world,” she said.
She also emphasised WOU’s unwavering commitment to supporting capacity building initiatives for the school’s STEM educators.
“We encourage teachers to collaborate with our faculty on developing innovative STEM learning content and to enhance their skills through WOU’s professional development courses and training programmes.”
Expressing her gratitude to WOU, Tan envisioned the collaboration to further strengthen the school’s digital infrastructure and serve as a catalyst to integrate digital technology in the school’s learning ecosystem.
“I hope that our collaboration doesn’t end in just three years, but can be extended with the goal of empowering and producing students to be digital-ready,” she said.
In his officiating speech, Sunny Seowfuddin acknowledged that the university-school collaboration aligns well with the Ministry of Education’s National Digital Education Policy’s objective to produce digital-savvy students.
“The expertise of the university’s faculty will serve as a source of inspiration for students to deepen their STEM knowledge, eventually furthering their studies in the fields of technology and engineering,” he added.
Also present at the ceremony were WOU Associate Vice Chancellor, Prof Ts Dr Yap Eng Hwa, WOU deans and lecturers.