PETRONAS sponsors RM320mil in education sponsorships, empowering future leaders to excel in various disciplines and contribute to national growth. — Photos by RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PETRONAS has recently announced the sponsorship of RM320mil to 600 top-performing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 students across Malaysia through its Powering Knowledge initiative.
Selected from almost 6,000 applicants, the 600 students showcased not only academic excellence but also leadership potential and active participation in co-curricular activities.
These recipients will pursue their education at prestigious institutions both locally and abroad, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea and Japan.
Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the awards were presented by PETRONAS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh and PETRONAS vice president and group chief human resources officer Ruslan Islahudin.
The event was attended by over 1,000 guests, including students, stakeholders and representatives from leading universities and colleges.
In his speech, Mohd Bakke stated, “For the past 50 years, PETRONAS has been deeply committed to fostering knowledge and human capital development.
“The Powering Knowledge initiative is a testament to our commitment in nurturing academic pursuits, ensuring both students and educators are equipped to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.
“We are dedicated to helping them make meaningful contributions to society.”
Empowering future leaders
Ruslan highlighted the breadth of disciplines covered by the sponsorships, covering subjects related to the industry and beyond.
This shift aims to create a diverse talent pool that will contribute to the nation’s broader societal and economic growth.
“The wide range of engineering, digital and business disciplines offered under the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship – from chemical engineering and petroleum engineering to computer science, economics, and law – equips our scholars to meet the evolving needs of the industry and society.
“We are confident that these future-ready talents will not only drive excellence within the energy sector but also contribute to the nation’s overall growth and progress.”
PETRONAS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh (centre) and PETRONAS vice president and group chief human resources officer Ruslan Islahudin (sixth from right) and senior vice president Malaysia petroleum management Datuk Bacho Pilong (sixth from left) together with sponsorship recipients of Powering Knowledge initiative, which benefited 600 outstanding students.
From students to aspiring leaders
Sofea Aleisha See Muhammad Daniel See shared how PETRONAS helped her through a challenging application process.
“I had trouble uploading a required document, but PETRONAS was very accommodating. They even responded to my emails late at night,” she recounted.
Sofea, aspiring to be a chemical engineer, highlighted the comprehensive support system the PETRONAS sponsorship programme offers, from job opportunities and pathways for professional development.
“I look forward to contributing to PETRONAS’ goal of net zero carbon by 2050,” she added.
Sofea finds her greatest inspiration in her mother, who has battled through pain and sickness, yet has remained steadfast in supporting her.
“My mother has always been there for me, driving me to school, which is 45 minutes away, every single day despite her own hardships,” Sofea shared.
The resilience she observed in her mother drives Sofea’s determination to excel, both academically and personally.
Akif Ibrahim expressed his gratitude for the resources and community the sponsorship programme provides.
(From left) Ton Hafiz Ton Mohd Shaikhasani, Sofea Aleisha See Muhammad Daniel See and Akif Ibrahim are among this year’s cohort of top achievers sponsored by PETRONAS.
“The best aspect is the guidance and support from the PETRONAS’ community,” he noted.
Like Sofea, Akif faced challenges in balancing his academic workload with other responsibilities.
“It was quite challenging to juggle between my academics, Islamic studies, and co-curricular activities.
“However, time management and the ability to work under stress are key skills,” he mentioned. He aspires to be a mechanical engineer.
Akif is determined to be a role model and contribute to his community.
“I want to be able to give talks at schools and inspire the next generation.”
Ton Hafiz Ton Mohd Shaikhasani, undergoing his foundation at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), shares a similar passion for mechanical engineering.
“PETRONAS’ support has enhanced my opportunity to study mechanical engineering at my dream university,” he said.
As the secretary for his high school photography club, he has a passion for taking pictures, focusing on fashion and finding inspiration in architect Zaha Hadid.
This showcases his well-rounded interests, balancing technical pursuits with creative expression.
Powering knowledge for all
Aligning with PETRONAS’ Sustainability Agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the Powering Knowledge initiative aims to develop leaders who create positive social change.
By supporting students across various fields of study, PETRONAS ensures that the next generation is well prepared to uphold the company’s legacy of innovation and societal impact.
Since 1975, PETRONAS has invested RM3.81bil in education sponsorship benefiting more than 39,000 students nationwide.
This commitment reflects the company’s dedication to empowering young talent, aligning with its theme of Continuing the Legacy of Excellence, as PETRONAS looks to the future of innovation and leadership, 50 years and beyond.
