GEORGE TOWN – Penang has made great strides in the collection of second-hand laptops to aid poor students in online learning with a total of 927 collected since last year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 730 students have since received the laptops, which were distributed on a complimentary basis by the state government.
Out of the 927, a total of 97 laptops were distributed to six schools.
In a statement today, Chow said 438 students as well as six teachers were enrolled in a computer loan scheme initiated by the state as Penang gears up for the digitalisation drive which has become urgent in view of the pandemic that has caused all students to be home-schooled.
“We have also distributed 224 smartphones and 60 routers to poor families.”
Chow said this after Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd donated 100 used computers (25 laptops and 75 desktops) to the state’s e-learning task force here.
Based on the state’s survey, Chow said that around 200 students in Penang have yet to obtain the necessary digital devices to aid their online learning.
The state intends to distribute it soon to them.
He also urged well-wishers particularly from the electronics sector to donate by equipping students with the right devices so that they can effectively learn from home.
“The fact that all children can have such devices is a step towards realising our aim to make Penang an intelligent city soon in line with Vision 2030, as well as a state which places a strong emphasis on greenery and the acquisition of knowledge,” said Chow – The Vibes, February 21, 2021.
