Penang is a state located north of Peninsular Malaysia, that is divided into the mainland half and the island – where the most coveted properties are located. Founded in 1786, Penang has retained much of its history and historical sites which earned it its status as Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008.
Although it bears a long history and retains much of its relics, Penang is nevertheless a fully modernised state. Located within Georgetown – its’ capital – are many institutions of education catering to all ages. The education system in the state was established early, creating a well developed schooling system.
The oldest school which still exists to this day is the Penang Free School, founded in 1816, which is located on Green Lane, and is the first English-medium school as well as the oldest school in the country. There is also the St. Xavier’s Institution, a boy’s school, which was established in 1852 and also claims to be the oldest school in the country as well. Convent Light Street is another girl’s school located next to St. Xavier’s Institution, and these 3 schools form the basis of Penang’s education system.
The first kindergartens for toddler education came later in approximately 1969, in form of the Heng Ee Kindergarten, which the Heng Ee Primary school was established in 1952 and Heng Ee High School in 1957.
Due to the high number of Chinese nationals living in Penang, Chinese schools were also always common in the state. These schools which were originally set up with donations from philanthropists historically attracted many students from Chinese communities in Thailand and Indonesia where Chinese education was banned.
Founded in 1940 however was the Chung Hwa Confucian School, one of the oldest Chinese schools in Malaysia – and also the first school to use Mandarin to educate its students instead of the various Chinese dialects.
Moving forward, education in Penang has only improved over time. To this day, there are colleges, universities and several esteemed international schools situated on the island. Only naming a few are the Dalat International School, St. Christopher’s International Primary School, The Prince of Wales Island International School, Tenby International School and Uplands International School of Penang.
Ensuring an all rounded education for citizens of the island state, residents can complete their education in Penang if they wish to. From specialised institutions of higher education such as the Equator Academy of Art, Lam Wah Ee Nursing College and Penang Medical College to the more general colleges such as SEGI College, INTI International College Penang and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Penang has it all.
Catering to students from out of state are also 2 boarding schools in Penang which cater to students from out of the state. These highly esteemed schools are Sekolah Menengah Sains Tun Syed Sheh Shahabudin and Sekolah Menengah Sains Kepala Batas.
Penang’s education system still strives to continue bettering itself up to today, with the government carrying out various programs to increase education levels among the locals.