4 November, PENANG – Leading property developer, Mah Sing Group (Mah Sing) recently supported the opening of Penang’s Digital Library (PDL) in Southbay Plaza, Batu Maung as one of the main sponsors in efforts to achieve the state government’s aim to transform Batu Maung into the next attraction hub, which is the second phase of the Tourism, Technology, Transportation, and Tranquillity (4Ts) plan.
The second phase of 4Ts plan is a continuation from the previous success of the first Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematic (S.T.E.A.M) programme at Trends Southbay – launched in December 2018. S.T.E.AM’s feat was on the back of the collaborative sponsorship from the State Government, Mah Sing and Southbay Plaza’s Joint Management Body (JMB), which garnered overwhelming response from the Southbay and Batu Maung community.
The opening of the PDL was graced with the presence of Chief Minister of Penang, Yang Amat Berhormat, Chow Kon Yeow and Batu Maung assembly member, Yang Berhormat, Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain. Also present during the event were Mah Sing’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ho Hon Sang and Mah Sing’s Chief Operating Officer, Everlyn Khaw along with other key sponsors of the PDL.
Chief Minister of Penang, Yang Amat Berhormat, Chow Kon Yeow said, “The Penang State Government wants to provide more S.T.E.AM platform for the people and enable the young entrepreneur to create more innovative ideas. The state is also planning more digital libraries in the era of the digital world and industrial 4.0. However, it cannot be done by State alone and we need more private enterprise companies to help. We have been getting support in the past from other companies and today I am thrived to see more private sec-tors are willing to help for the benefits of the state people especially.”
“Inspired by a similar initiative developed by state government, Penang Digital Library @ Batu Maung is the next phase in the evolution of digital libraries for the Barat Daya district likely the PDL Phase 1 & 2 which was developed for the Timur Laut district. PDL @ Batu Maung will be a formal centre for S.T.E.A.M education. This is another initiative under state government, which was done using the 4P concept (Public, Private, Professional & Partnership),” he added.
Aimed at transforming the concept of a traditional library, the PDL is the next phase of the evolution of libraries in the digital age. It is tailored specifically for students to leverage on the free high-speed internet to study in a conducive environment, which will greatly benefit nearby surrounding schools i.e. SJK C Wen Khai, SK Batu Maung, and SK Permatang Damar Laut. The Digital Library also serves as a place for interaction and team building that is suitable for parents and the public.
Mah Sing’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ho Hon Sang said, “We are extremely honoured to be part of this initiative as it is in line with our tagline, ‘Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.’ The opening of the Digital Library marks another exciting moment for Penang, ushering us into a future whereby we can make a library as an attractive place for youths and adults to acquire and share knowledge. As one of the main sponsors, Mah Sing is leveraging on our expertise as an experienced property developer for the Digital Library’s renovation works, which include interior designing provisions as well as the supply of furniture.”
Datuk Ho elaborated, “Mah Sing is investing back into the Southbay City that we have created. Our kiosks will be utilised for the Digital library, which will be extremely beneficial for the local communities and residents. With the opening of the Digital Library, we intend to inject more excitement in Southbay Plaza as we are positive that it would bring in more footfall given that it is strategically located amongst the schools, free trade zone, and the second Penang bridge.”
The PDL, which is designed with the concept of modern contemporary consists of 3 main areas i.e. registration (634sqft), digital library (790sqft), and lounge area (1,922sqft) which makes up a total area of approximately 3,346sqft. Open daily from 10am – 10pm, the PDL will be able to house approximately 60pax at one time. It is well equipped with public Wifi connection, laptops & tablets, as well as a few smart televisions for displaying e-books and other relevant information for knowledge sharing – suitable for kids, families, co-working individuals and the local community.