GEORGE TOWN – US ambassador Brian McFeeters has called on American tech firms operating in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone to engage local communities here by underscoring the importance of mastering science and technology.
Stressing on the imperativeness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), McFeeters said that the embassy is keen to partner with any party that wants to share expertise on the subjects with the community, particularly the young.
Speaking during his day-long visit to Penang, the diplomat, who is well versed in Bahasa Malaysia, said that he is keen to learn more about the public-private partnerships in Penang in areas such as promoting STEM subjects to the young.
To demonstrate the embassy’s commitment, McFeeters oversaw the launching of three initiatives with a special focus on STEM education today.
The first was the launch of the Virus Hunter Exhibit, also officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy.
It is a campaign to educate the young on infectious diseases, the development of vaccines and STEM career pathways.
It is aimed at building a formidable cadre of youth passionate about STEM who can help prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics.
The exhibit will also be brought to states with high rural demographics such as Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak.
McFeeters also launched the Education USA advising centre, which is based at the Penang Science Cluster building, to help provide the young with access to resources on higher education in the US.
Despite the ringgit’s weakness against the US dollar over the past decade, there are now an estimated 5,000 Malaysians studying in the US.
McFeeters also launched the American Tech Corner on Wheels programme with Penang island mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
He also paid a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negri of Penang, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Razak.
This is McFeeters’ second visit to the state, which is important to the US, owing to the high number of American tech firms that have invested in the electrical and electronics sector here – The Vibes, February 28, 2022
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