12,000 students receive devices, internet access from Yayasan Petronas

A total of 12,000 students nationwide received devices and data connectivity provided by Yayasan Petronas to enable them to have better access to online learning as the education landscape in Malaysia shifts to one of hybrid teaching and learning.

Yayasan Petronas in a statement today said the RM30 million worth of digital devices are being supplied to 81 schools in 69 districts, from May 17 until mid-June as part of the foundation’s commitment to Cerdik.

Yayasan Petronas chief executive officer Nelly Francis Shariah said through Cerdik, the foundation aims to provide equitable access to quality education for students as it is the first step to close the digital gap towards enriching their educational experiences and lives.

“With these devices and internet service, we hope more students – especially those from underprivileged and rural communities – can better participate in online lessons.

“During these difficult times, we must help ensure that no one gets left behind in the pursuit of education,” she said, while recognising that many families are facing financial pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

According to a survey of 900,000 students conducted by the Education Ministry (MOE) last year, 37 percent indicated that they did not have appropriate devices at home to participate in online lessons.

The devices provided through Cerdik are designed to support the students’ learning requirements for three academic years, and are fitted with data services, maintenance, warranty and technical support.

Announced in Budget 2021, Cerdik is a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), which is aimed at supporting lower-income families to better adjust to the new normal of online lessons, e-learning and other forms of remote teaching.

Working in partnership with the MOE, the Finance Ministry and Yayasan Hasanah (the secretariat), as well as other GLC and GLIC partners, Yayasan Petronas prioritised schools with a majority of students from B40 households.

- Bernama