AI initiative for local schools

Association plans to revolutionise teaching using new technology

PENANG will have an Artificial Intelligence for Schools programme (AI4S), specifically for talent development in the near future.

The programme under the “Penang 5G Digital Library” initiative by Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang (88 Captains) would be able to revolutionise teaching through the use of AI-powered tools and methods, according to the plan.

88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock said with AI4S, teachers and educators could personalise learning, improve students’ outcomes and better prepare children in the digital age.

“AI should supplement their efforts, not be a substitute for them.

“In addition, to resonate with the recent launch of AI for Rakyat by the Prime Minister, 88 Captains would like to kick off a new programme called AI for Schools to provide infrastructure and guidance by professionals for schools as an extension of our 5G School Digital Library programme,” he said in his speech at the 88 Captains Chinese New Year lunch.

Ooi said 88 Captains was on the verge of achieving its target to implement the Penang 5G School Digital Library programme in 88 schools in Penang.

The programme had been implemented in 72 schools in the state, Ooi said.

He added that the association received an overwhelming response from the schools, based on the request from Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo who wanted 88 Captains to consider expanding the programme beyond 88 schools.

Ooi said AI should supplement students’ efforts.

“We will also support the construction of new schools in Penang, namely SJK (C) Kwang Aik, SJK (T) Ladang Juru and the building of ViTrox College,” he said.

During the lunch event, 16 donors presented mock cheques of RM150,000 each to the 88 Captains Education Fund (2024-2025), totalling RM2.4mil.

Also present were Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, several state executive councillors and state assemblymen among other dignitaries.

Chow, in his speech, praised 88 Captains for their efforts in helping improve talent development among youths in Penang.

He said he could remember that the 88 Captains was established on April 7, 2022, and since then, it has been growing from strength to strength with a mere 58 members.

“In almost two years, I would say that you have experienced remarkable growth and attained many achievements that are beneficial to Penang and especially to our next generation,” he said.

Chow added that in November last year, he was at the same location to witness the inaugural scholarship distribution ceremony by 88 Captains with a total allocation of RM500,000.

He said 10 of the brightest minds from Universiti Sains Malaysia, UOW KDU Penang University College, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology and AIMST University were the recipients and beneficiaries of the scholarship.

He described it as not only an investment of some of Penang’s brightest minds but was optimistic that the money was well spent to secure the future of the younger generation.

He also acknowledged private entities, that were part of the programme, for providing equipment and expertise to realise the Penang 5G School Digital Library programme.

The 88 Captains then presented a mock cheque of RM100,000 to Yayasan Amal TYT Pulau Pinang executive officer Suhaimi Chee.