Penang Science Cluster

What Penang Science Cluster does

Penang Science Cluster (PSC) is a non-profit, tax-exempt STEM education organization founded in 2009 (predecessor Penang Science Council) and launched in its current legal form in 2012, headquartered at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. The organization operates as a talent-pipeline intermediary for Malaysia's technology sector, delivering free STEM education, maker education, and technology training to K-12 students, teachers, and underserved communities in Penang and neighboring states. PSC's core offerings include hands-on school workshops, mobile outreach programs (Lab-on-Wheels, AI-on-Wheels), 120+ MakerLab installations in schools (including Orang Asli indigenous schools), an annual Penang International Science Fair (PISF) drawing 50,000+ visitors, the Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET) program with 450+ graduates, and TechLab interactive exhibits covering robotics, VR, 3D printing, and AI demonstrations. The organization is led by CEO Dato' Ooi Peng Ee and founding member Dato' Yoon Chon Leong, with a 33-person staff supported by 8,318 mentors and volunteers.

PSC's technology platform is operational and physical rather than software-native: four Penang Science Café locations (Heritage, Krystal, Bagan, Alma), mobile laboratories, and a hardware/equipment loan program. Programs embed consumer-grade AI tools (HuskyLens machine vision, OCR, pose detection, generative AI via Machine Learning for Kids) as curriculum content rather than proprietary technology. The business model is predominantly donation- and sponsorship-funded, with 30+ corporate partners (Intel, AMD, Micron, Keysight, ViTrox, HP, Bosch, NI/Emerson, Agilent, Lam Research, Motorola Solutions, Dell, B. Braun, Infineon, etc.) anchoring recurring support, supplemented by government funding from Penang state agencies (Penang2030, MBPP, Digital Penang) and the U.S. Embassy (American Tech Corner), and modest custom workshop fees (RM 2,500 per session for 3D Printing and Design). All standard programs for public schools are free; pricing is essentially freemium with a small services revenue stream. From 2021 to 2025, PSC reports 362,067 students reached, 2,444 schools and communities engaged, 39,108 projects and competition entries, and 21,429 teachers empowered.

Name

Penang Science Cluster

Legal name

Penang Science Cluster

Website

https://pscpen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Penang Science Cluster is a Malaysian non-profit that delivers free STEM education, maker programs, and mobile technology labs to K-12 students and teachers across Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Perak, funded by 30+ corporate sponsors and government partners to build a regional STEM talent pipeline.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

STEM Education Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

akta.pro primary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB), STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC), STEM & Science Camps (Biology, Chemistry, Space, Lab Science) (EDAMALAC)

Keywords

• STEM education
• Hands-on workshops
• Maker spaces
• School outreach programs
• Youth innovation competitions

Headquarters

HQ city

George Town

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: As a non-profit organization, PSC relies on donations from companies and the community. Corporate sponsors provide funding for specific programs, equipment, and operational costs. Tax exemption receipts are available for donors.
2. Custom Workshop Fees: Some custom workshops carry a fee - for example, 3D Printing and Design Workshop at RM2,500 per session (max 40 students)
3. In-Kind Support: Companies provide equipment, volunteers, and expertise as part of corporate social responsibility initiatives

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Penang Science Cluster is a non-profit STEM education organization that delivers free hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to public schools in Penang and Malaysia. Its offerings include the Penang Science Café network of physical maker spaces, the TechLab interactive technology center, school workshops, the annual Penang International Science Fair (PISF), MakerFest competitions, Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET) program, MakerLab setups in schools, teacher training, mobile outreach labs, and equipment loans. Programs are delivered free to public schools and primarily funded through corporate donations, sponsorships, and government grants.

Product overview

Penang Science Cluster (PSC) is a non-profit STEM education organization offering a multi-faceted portfolio of programs and physical spaces. The core offerings include TechLab (interactive STEM center), School Workshops (hands-on sessions for coding, robotics, 3D printing), Competitions (FIRST Tech Challenge, Engineering Design Challenge), Outreach Programs (mobile labs, Lab-on-Wheels), MakerLab Setup (120+ makerspaces in schools), Teacher Training, and Hardware/Equipment Loans. The flagship annual event is the Penang International Science Fair (PISF) featuring MakerFest. PSC operates through a network of Penang Science Café locations (PSC@Heritage, PSC@Bagan, PSC@Krystal, PSC@Alma). Key sub-programs include Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET) for female students, Coolest Projects Malaysia competition platform, TechMentor Programs with industry mentors, AI-on-Wheels, American Tech Corner, Intel Geek Kids, and InclusiveSTEM. Custom Workshops and Experience AI modules provide specialized learning experiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Penang International Science Fair (PISF): The largest annual STEM celebration in Penang, drawing over 50,000 visitors for hands-on workshops, exhibitions, MakerFest, competitions, and interactive showcases.
• Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET)
• Coolest Projects Malaysia
• Penang Science Café
• TechLab
• MakerFest

Products and services

• TechLab Interactive STEM center at PSC@Heritage offering hands-on activities including flight simulator, VR/AR experiences, robotics with Sphero RVR, Raspberry Pi projects, AI demonstrations, and educational exhibits for visitors aged 7 and above.
• School Workshops Free 2-hour to 2-day hands-on STEM workshops for schools covering coding, robotics, 3D printing, engineering, and life sciences, designed to spark curiosity and build confidence through real-world challenges.
• STEM Competitions Year-round STEM competitions including FIRST Tech Challenge, Engineering Design Challenge, and various coding and robotics challenges that develop critical thinking and connect students with industry mentors.
• Outreach Programs (Lab-on-Wheels, AI-on-Wheels) Mobile labs and travelling workshops that bring hands-on STEM learning to underserved, rural, and Orang Asli communities, breaking barriers to access.
• Penang International Science Fair (PISF) The largest annual STEM celebration in Penang, drawing over 50,000 visitors for hands-on workshops, exhibitions, MakerFest, competitions, and interactive showcases featuring industry leaders.
• MakerLab Setup Support for schools in setting up makerspaces equipped with tools for exploration, invention, and learning. Includes training, mentoring, and student leader development. Over 120 MakerLabs established, including in Orang Asli schools.
• Teacher Training Professional development programs equipping teachers with modern STEM modules, tools, and strategies, covering curricula, coding, Maker tools, and hands-on experiments.
• Hardware and Equipment Loans Loan program providing schools and competition teams with robotics kits, electronics, and engineering tools, bridging gaps in STEM resources to ensure equitable access.
• Penang Science Café Network of physical STEM learning centers including PSC@Heritage (Wisma Yeap Chor Ee), PSC@Bagan, PSC@Krystal, and PSC@Alma, serving as community spaces for science education.
• Girls in Engineering and Technology (GET) Program A 6-month program for Form 4 female students covering programming, web development, 3D modelling, data science, embedded systems, and AI introduction. Includes mentorship from female industry professionals. Over 450 girls from 32 schools have graduated.
• GET Lite Bootcamp A condensed boot camp version of the GET program consisting of 3 modules including technical and soft skills. Full-day in-person sessions held at Penang Science Cluster for girls not in the GET Core Program.
• Coolest Projects Malaysia Competition platform showcasing student technology projects, part of a global network allowing young innovators to present their creations.
• MakerFest Advanced MakerLab showcase event featuring AI: Machine Vision competitions, Instructables Project showcases, 4x4 RC Car challenges, and maker activities. Culminates at the annual PISF.
• TechMentor Programs Industry volunteers mentoring students with equipment loan to schools, covering areas such as LEGO Robotics, Game Development, Astronomy, and AgriTech.
• Custom Workshops Tailored workshop sessions available for groups covering 3D Printing and Design, Arduino and Electronics, Soldering and Laser Engraving, LEGO Robotics, and STEM Bootcamp modules.
• American Tech Corner Programs supported by the U.S. Embassy providing technology education and outreach, including ATC-on-Wheels initiatives expanding to libraries and schools across Malaysia.
• InclusiveSTEM Program supporting students with hearing, physical, and learning disabilities including autism and ADHD in STEM education.

Quantifiable outcome

• 36,2067 students reached from 2021-2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Keysight TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Founding partner and ongoing supporter. Keysight leads the Community Outreach pillar and provides funding, volunteers, and mentorship for multiple programs including GET and Penang Science Café.
• IntelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Major sponsor of Girls in Engineering and Technology, Intel Geek Kids, and Advanced MakerLab programs. Provides volunteers and industry expertise.
• AMDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Primary sponsor of Girls in Engineering and Technology program, providing funding and volunteer mentors for engineering workshops.
• MicroncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Advanced MakerLab, FIRST Tech Challenge, and MakerLab Sekolah Orang Asli program. Funded expansion to Orang Asli schools in Perak.
• ViTroxcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Major sponsor of Penang Science Café, Advanced MakerLab, and PISF. Supports maker education and competition programs.
• HPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Girls in Engineering and Technology program and provides equipment for STEM education initiatives.
• BoschmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports GET program with volunteers and mentorship for female students in engineering and technology.
• Boston ScientificmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports GET program and participates in PISF industry exhibitions.
• ams OSRAMmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports GET program with all-female volunteers as facilitators and mentors.
• Analog DevicesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Advanced MakerLab and MakerFest programs with equipment and volunteer expertise.
• NI (part of Emerson)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports GET, FIRST Tech Challenge, Computer Science Core Skills, and Laptops for Learning programs with equipment and volunteers.
• AgilentmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports FIRST Tech Challenge and participates in PISF industry exhibitions.
• Motorola SolutionsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports FIRST Tech Challenge, Advanced MakerLab, and GET program with volunteers and mentorship.
• PlexusmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports FIRST Tech Challenge, Advanced MakerLab, and PISF industry exhibitions.
• Lam ResearchmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports FIRST Tech Challenge with funding and volunteer mentorship.
• KontronmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports GET program with volunteers from engineering teams.
• Dell TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Laptops for Learning initiative providing technology access to underserved students.
• B. BraunmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Advanced MakerLab and maker education with B. Braun Genetics Kit program.
• U.S. Embassy MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Funds American Tech Corner programs including ATC-on-Wheels, bringing technology education to libraries and schools across Malaysia.
• Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MBPP)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Government partner supporting Coding for All, MakerLabs for Schools, and PISF venue partnerships.
• Penang2030coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025State government initiative supporting AI-on-Wheels, Penang2030 Innovation Bootcamp, and Lab-on-Wheels programs.
• Digital PenangmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Government partner supporting Penang Science Café locations and digital education initiatives.
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Academic partner supporting Tinker Weekend, PISF, and student involvement in STEM programs.
• ARUS AcademymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports PISF and technology education through maker workshops and exhibitions.
• CytronmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports PISF industry exhibitions and maker education programs.
• CrealitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Engineering Design Challenge with 3D printing equipment for maker programs.
• StellantismajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Kedah Digital Festival and regional STEM education expansion.
• InfineonmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports Girls in STEM and STEM Bootcamp programs with volunteer mentorship.
• Inari AmertronmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Supports Girls in Engineering and Technology program with volunteers and mentorship.
• PixartmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Supports GET program with industry volunteers from technology sector.
• Greattech (Greatech)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Supports FIRST Tech Challenge as volunteer mentors and judges.
• JabilmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Supports Generative AI for Girls program and FIRST Tech Challenge with expertise.
• FrenckenmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024General sponsor supporting PISF and STEM education initiatives.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Code.org: Global non-profit focused on expanding K-12 computer science access via free curricula, teacher training, and equity programs. Highly comparable to PSC in mission, free-to-schools delivery model, and corporate sponsorship from large tech firms (Microsoft, Amazon, Google).
• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology): Non-profit running student STEM robotics competitions (FIRST Tech Challenge) and team-based engineering programs. Directly comparable to PSC's competition portfolio (FTC, Engineering Design Challenge, MakerFest competitions) and a current PSC program partner/integrator.
• Girls Who Code: US-headquartered non-profit closing the gender gap in technology through coding programs for girls. Strongly comparable to PSC's GET (Girls in Engineering and Technology) program in mission, target demographic, and corporate volunteer-driven delivery model.
• Science Centre Singapore: Regional science centre offering interactive STEM exhibits, school workshops, and teacher training programs for K-12 audiences. Closest regional peer to PSC in terms of programmatic breadth (labs, teacher training, mobile outreach) though it operates a physical museum-style venue.
• Raspberry Pi Foundation (CoderDojo): Global non-profit running free coding clubs (CoderDojo) and computing education programs for youth worldwide. Comparable to PSC's free, volunteer-driven STEM club model and outreach focus on underserved communities.
• Petrosains: Malaysia's flagship hands-on science discovery centre operated by Petronas, offering interactive STEM exhibits, school programs, and maker activities. Closest Malaysian peer to PSC's Science Café model, focused on similar K-12 STEM education and outreach in the same country.
• MakerEd Initiative: Non-profit focused on maker education for youth, supporting schools and educators in establishing maker spaces. Directly comparable to PSC's 120+ MakerLab setup initiative and overall maker-education mission.
• ARUS Academy: Malaysia-based non-profit delivering technology and maker education programs including PisF participation. Same-country STEM education peer competing for similar sponsors, schools, and volunteer pools.
• Technovation: Global non-profit running technology entrepreneurship programs for girls and underserved youth, including AI/tech curricula. Comparable to PSC's GET gender-focused program and inclusive outreach (Orang Asli schools, InclusiveSTEM) in mission and target audience.

Broad incumbents

• Exploratorium: San Francisco-based science museum that pioneered the modern interactive science centre model with extensive K-12 outreach and teacher training. Conceptual peer to PSC for hands-on STEM exhibit design and teacher professional development, though operates at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pscpenang
• Facebookfacebook.com/PenangScienceCluster
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/penang-science-cluster
• Instagraminstagram.com/pscpen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Penang Science Cluster