The Penang government, through the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), and Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam have inked a partnership to establish the very first Penang Digital Library (PDL) in Bukit Mertajam and the central Seberang Perai district.

The upcoming digital library or better known as the Bukit Mertajam Digital Library will be located at the three-storey building of the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam.

It is understood that the renovation works will start next year and are expected to be fully completed in 2024.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present during the brief signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties, said the upcoming digital library would surely benefit Penangites, particularly the residents of Bukit Mertajam.

“The upcoming digital library will provide a community-accessible platform for information, creativity, knowledge, and technologies, as well as, a space for connection and interaction.

“It is also an excellent example of community engagement by Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam.

“I would like to note that Jit Sin School Union initiated the establishment of this digital library on its own initiative.

“The organisation approached the state government with the intention to corporate and collaborate with CMI, to set up the first digital library in Bukit Mertajam for the benefit of the people in the vicinity.

“As a result, here we are today, marking an important chapter in the Penang Digital Library journey. This is truly a fine example of strong collaboration between the state government and the non-governmental organisation (NGO),” Chow said during his speech at the MoU signing ceremony at Jit Sin School Union building, Jalan Sri Bukit in Bukit Mertajam.

The CMI was represented by its deputy general manager Bharathi Suppiah and Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam was represented by its Bukit Mertajam Digital Library committee chairman Datuk Ng Wah Sim during the MoU signing.

According to Bharathi, today’s MoU was executed pursuant to the mutual understanding and consensus between CMI and Jit Sin School Union in establishing, organising and managing the Bukit Mertajam Digital Library.

“In this agreement, CMI will provide technical assistance and support including copyrights, license, grant, access, loyalty fees on software, e-books, database and e-card installed in this digital library.

“CMI will also continuously provide advice, information and assistance relating to the operation and management of the digital library,” she said.

Ng said Jit Sin School Union, on the other hand, was committed to the partnership and would provide the premises, infrastructure and necessary utilities for the digital library.

“Since the Bukit Mertajam Digital Library will be operated in our premises in Jalan Sri Bukit in Bukit Mertajam, we will need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to upgrade and refurbish the existing premises.

“We are committed to establishing the digital library based on the guidelines given by CMI and continue to fund the maintenance of the building and hardware infrastructure,” he said.

Chow said that the Penang government has allocated a special grant of RM300,000 to be given to the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam to help them set up the digital library.

He said the upcoming digital library in Bukit Mertajam would be the sixth digital library in the state.

“And we hope it will continue to carry out the state government’s initiatives to promote and develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teaching and learning to position Penang as one of the leading centres of excellence in this field.

“After this MoU signing ceremony, Jit Sin School Union will have many tasks to complete, hence, I would like to urge all residents of Bukit Mertajam to provide their full support, including financial assistance, so that they can succeed in their efforts.

“Just like the existing digital libraries, this facility will be fully utilised in the future by students, professionals and citizens of the central Seberang Perai district; driving forward a smart and technologically-advanced ecosystem and community,” said Chow.

Source: Buletin Mutiara