Penang Science Cluster

Entrance to Penang Science Cluster (15 May 2016)


Penang Science Cluster (GPS: 5.41513, 100.3424) is a science centre in George Town, Penang. It occupies the ground floor of Wisma Yeap Chor Ee, on China Street Ghaut. It was created to interst students in science and technology.

The Penang Science Cluster offers experiential and hands-on learning activities, especially among children and students. Originally known as the Penang Science Council, it was set up by the Penang Chief Minister in 2009. The Penang Science Cluster hopes to cultivate an interest in science among the young, for the future benefit of Penang.

I paid a visit to the Penang Science Cluster on 15 May, 2016. Upon entering, I saw a library section with book shelves on various subjects. There is a table with a number of play things - toys to help children get interested in science, I suppose. I saw Candy Crush Saga on display on a screen. Although it provides something familiar to young visitors, I am not sure how Candy Crush will inculcate an interest in science.

Candy Crush Saga on a screen at Penang Science Cluster (15 May 2016)


In the main hall (the "Exhibition" and "Makerspace") are various items related to science and technology. There is a display of objects created by Fuse Deposition Modelling, in other words, created by a 3D Printer. Also exhibited here is a model of the Komtar Tower and the Penang Bridge.

Facsimiles from a 3D printer (15 May 2016)


The centrepiece of the Exhibition hall is a Cessna 172 Sky Hawk II light aircraft. Visitors are allowed to climb on board the craft, though there are signages advising proper behaviour when climbing on board.

A Cessna Sky Hawk II aircraft at Penang Science Cluster (15 May 2016)


Cockpit of the Cessna Sky Hawk II (15 May 2016)


I notice that all signages at the Penang Science Cluster is in English. While I do encourage the learning of English, I would recommend that signages here be in three languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin. Even if the main language for the signages is English, it would be nice to have the other two languages appearing alongside, so that children who are still not that steady in English will feel more at ease. If they are intimidated by their poor command of English, then the mission to create future scientists in them is defeated.

Outside the Exhibition hall is the Penang Science Café, created to be a watering hole for science enthusiasts. There were a number of tables taken. Whether the people go there to talk science, that I do not know. As far as I can see, it's just another café to me.

On the whole, and in all honesty, I found the Penang Science Cluster to be a terrific bore. It is far from the science centres I have visited in developed countries. Having said this, I wish all the best to those who have been roped in to spearhead this project. It is no easy task to instil an interest in science among the young, and those people involved certainly have their work cut out for them. I look forward to revisiting the Penang Science Cluster on a future date, and having an improved opinion of it.

Library and play area at Penang Science Cluster (15 May 2016)

Penang Science Cluster on Google Street View

Getting there

You can take the bus to the Weld Quay Bus Terminal and walk a short distance from there.

Penang Science Cluster is on the Map of Gat Lebuh China, Penang

Here I am with the Cessna airplane at the Penang Science Cluster (15 May 2016)