PENANG'S tech museum, called the Tech Dome, celebrated its 10th anniversary recently with the unveiling of a space gallery following a collaboration with Shanghai Astronomical Museum - the biggest in the world.
The Tech Dome, which operates out of Komtar and is regarded as an educational tourism effort, worked with the Chinese museum to develop the space gallery, which is equipped with virtual reality (VR) equipment.
Tech Dome's chief executive officer, Khoo Boo Wooi, said that the VR allowed patrons to experience the Shanghai planetarium without having to go there in person.
"We will continue working with them in ensuring that the students in Penang can get first-hand access to the world of space and our galaxy," said Khoo after the gallery was opened by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee.
Chow said that developing a strong pipeline of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent is critical to sustaining Penang’s position as a leader in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Chow said that from STEM, Penang can also master the digital economy.
"Efforts to promote STEM education must go beyond participation figures and focus on delivering measurable long-term outcomes for students and the state’s workforce. The Federal Government and Penang have both introduced STEM blueprints and invested significantly in STEM. That commitment must be matched with accountability," said Chow.
Chow said the state government established Tech Dome in 2016 to nurture interest in STEM from a young age, strengthen science education, and develop future talent for Penang’s economy.
Over the past decade, Tech Dome has welcomed more than 1.45 million visitors, organised over 4,800 STEM programmes and directly engaged more than 680,000 students, teachers and participants. - July 20, 2026.
