04 Jan Transforming Batu Maung
Leaning over to look at the boys using the laptop are (from right) Ngoo, Yew and Abdul Halim during the ceremony to launch
the Batu Maung STEAM learning centre at Plaza Southbay in Batu Maung.
— Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
PLANS are under way to transform Batu Maung in Penang into a catalyst for development. Besides the 4Ts (Tourism, Technology, Transport and Tranquillity) initiatives, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning centre at Plaza Southbay is now open to the public.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the centre could be the catalyst for other areas in Penang where similar facilities could be set up to enhance the knowledge of science and technology among the community, especially school children.
“The initiative that caters for the population in the southern tip of the island is to realise one of our objectives for Penang 2030.
“It is an effort to help achieve the vision of making Penang a family-focused, green and smart state,” said Yew, who represented Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the centre’s launching recently.
Speaking on 4Ts, Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said the tourism sector would be given priority in his constituency.
“There are many interesting places here, such as the Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple (Sam Poh Tong), War Museum, Batu Maung Aquarium, the traditional village of Teluk Tempoyak, Sungai Keluang and mangrove swamps.
Children looking at the demonstration of some toy exhibits at the Batu Maung STEAM learning centre.
“Tourists should come and explore these places,” said Abdul Halim, who is also state Domestic and International Trade Committee chairman. On technology, Abdul Halim said the area was in close proximity with the technological heartbeat of Penang, which is the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone.
“The transport sector will see Batu Maung heavily involved in the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), with Penang South Reclamation scheme set to take centre stage with the proposed three man-made islands.
“Lastly we plan to enhance quality of life by creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for families living in the area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yew said although Batu Maung is a small fishing village, it has the potential for water taxis to ply the route to George Town.
A child getting assistance in trying out one of the gadgets on display at the learning centre.
He said Sungai Keluang riverbank could be one of the stations for water taxis, adding that further studies were needed on its viability.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Intel Corporation sales director S.B. Ngoo and Mah Sing group Bhd (northern) senior general manager Lai Kok Soon.
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