Making Penang the centre of excellence in Science and Technology
Carrying the theme, “Inspiring Innovation in Science”, as the Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang and Chairman of the Penang Science Cluster, i will be launching the Penang International Science Fair 2013 tomorrow at Straits Quay.
This year, the Penang International Science Fair is organized by Agilent Technologies, with the support of the Penang State Government and the Penang Science Cluster Pillar Leads – Intel, Motorola, B Braun and Mini-Circuits. The science fair is now in its second year, with the first held in December 2011. This year the fair is extended to two-days and will be held at Straits Quay, from 11am to 8pm on April 13th and from 9am to 6pm on April 14th.
The Penang International Science Fair aims to enhance the efforts of the Penang Science Cluster to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. This will be accomplished by introducing the children to science and engineering through a series of innovative and stimulating “hands-on” experiences, specially created for this purpose.
Ten companies are sponsoring a total of 14 interactive games for students aged between 7 to 17 years. Amongst others, students will learn about alternative energy and how to assemble their own solar-powered car. They will also discover how to change the property of a surface using nano carbon particles or use hydraulic principles to launch water rockets 150 meters into the air.
The fair is a unique collaboration between government agencies, industry and educational institutions, with 53 sponsor companies and over 1,400 volunteers pooling their resources to ensure the success of this event. There are also some 20 companies showcasing their technologies and capabilities, with special behind-the-scenes look at their products and services.
The Penang International Science Fair is the perfect platform for parents and children to interact with professionals and experts to find out what it takes to be future engineers, scientists and innovators in a fun and creative way.
List of Activities & Sponsor
Agilent After School (Agilent Technologies)
Agilent iCIPTA (Agilent Technologies)
Chumbaka Motor Challenge (DreamCatcher)
Immune System Short & Sweet (B Braun)
Lego Robotics (Motorola Solutions & National Instruments)
Magic of Science (Tech-Dome Penang)
Nanotech Program (National Program on Nanotechnology, Taiwan)
Puzzler’s Challenge (Mensa Malaysia)
Spectroscope (USM Astronomy Club)
Star Gazing (USM Astronomy Club)
Sundial (USM Astronomy Club)
Telescope (USM Astronomy Club)
Triz – Innovative Problem Solving (Intel Technologies)
Water Rockets (USM Astronomy Club)
About Penang Science Cluster
The Penang Science Cluster (PSC) is an industry-led initiative in collaboration with the Penang State Government. Chaired by the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Mr Lim Guan Eng, the PSC was established in 2010 to help create a science-based culture that inspires innovation to help Penang grow in a sustainable manner – an environment where science, technology and economic development co-exist and prosper together with the state’s historical and natural heritage.
The PSC has identified five key foundation pillars that will create the key platforms to realize this vision. The pillars are “Sustainable Education and Learning” headed by Motorola Soultions, “Cultivating Innovation and Research” headed by Intel Technologies, “Mentoring Young Scientific Entrepreneurs” headed by Mini-Circuits Technologies, “Life Sciences & Medical Health” headed by B.Braun Medical Industries and “Tech-Dome Penang”. Secretariat of the PSC is Agilent Technologies.
About Agilent Technologies in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, formerly a part of Hewlett-Packard, began operations in Penang, Malaysia, in 1972. Today, Agilent occupies a 42-acre site in Bayan Lepas, in a 1.2 million sq. ft. facility, with a workforce of about 3,000 employees, a majority of which are professionals. It is the largest integrated site for Agilent worldwide, with operations spanning business management, sales, support, marketing, manufacturing, R&D and supply chain. The operations in Penang also represent a major portion of Agilent’s business from electronic measurement to life sciences and chemical analysis. Agilent’s sales offices in Penang and Petaling Jaya serve customers with a broad range of products and solutions.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics and genomics, and electronics and communications. The company's 20,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $6.9 billion in fiscal 2012. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.
