The Discover PETRONAS @Schools Reach Out programme is catered to lower secondary school students, encouraging them to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
PETRONAS’ outreach programme sparks hope among Orang Asli youth
KUALA ROMPIN: The 120 teenagers seemed to be torn - as their attention darted between the science kits arranged on the tables at the sides of the hall and the speaker in front of them, almost a celebrity in their community.
The kits and the star speaker Suhaina Pandak at the Pusat Intelek Pelajar Orang Asli (Pipoa) here in early September both carry a common theme – immerse yourself in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and success is yours for life.
This was a Discover PETRONAS @Schools Reach Out programme catered to lower secondary Orang Asli students to bring the success stories of Orang Asli who have made it in their STEM careers in the big world out there.
During the half-day programme, Suhaina, 43, a PETRONAS human resource manager, spoke of how she had stayed in school and went on to university, overcoming the challenges to be where she is today.
When she asked if the teenagers believed they, too, could succeed like her, “Yes! Yes!” they chanted.
Suhaina, who has been with PETRONAS for 17 years now, is a graduate who hails from Kampar, Perak, and is from the Semai tribe.
“It is a myth that Orang Asli prefers to be aloof - they are merely shy and are not used to mixing with others.
“There must be more awareness among Orang Asli of their capabilities and the first thing that we should do is to encourage them to stay in school.
“The ages of 13 to 15 years are a critical period as there is a tendency among the Orang Asli to drop out of school during Form One to Three,” said Suhaina.
She pointed out that entering Form One is akin to entering a whole new world for Orang Asli teenagers, who may feel isolated when they realise that they are a minority group in the schools.
“The Orang Asli Welfare Department (Jakoa) has done well by bringing these teenagers out of their kampungs and making them comfortable with the outside world,” said Suhaina.
The students of the programme getting acquainted with the AI-powered Robodog. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
“My role is to make Orang Asli believe that they are no lesser in their intelligence than any other community – that they are as good or better than others – should they work to succeed and stay in school.”
“There are many Orang Asli now who have reached into their full potential to become professionals such as doctors and teachers.
“This is why it is important for us to inspire these teenagers by sharing with them the criteria needed to succeed in education so that they can equip themselves with the necessary skills,” said Suhaina.
According to Jakoa, sharing the success stories of Orang Asli inspires teenagers to stay committed to their education and continue attending school.
In the second half of the programme, science kits were handed out to groups of students to gauge the teenagers’ cognitive abilities as well as their understanding of STEM in completing tasks.
A group of girls said that they preferred to use their own methods and thoughts to solve scientific problems.
Having easily put together a DIY windmill kit without any manual, they however struggled with the directions on the manual given to put together a hydraulic RoboArm.
The 14-year-olds said that they preferred science to mathematics as the former subject was more exciting with hands-on experiments.
Asqaresya Aswadi, 14, from Kampung Kerpal in Rompin said that despite wanting to be a lawyer when she grows up, she enjoys learning more about science.
“Mathematics give me a headache, but I do like the Science subject. When studying Science, I get excited as I am trying out new things.
“Programme like these will encourage Orang Asli like me to do better in our studies. Listening to success stories like Suhaina has inspired me to excel like her,” said Asqaresya.
For Nurshazilah Mohd Syawal from Buluh Nipis in Bandar Muadzam Shah, she said she aims to be a medical doctor.
The Orang Asli school students working hard to complete the task given to them.
“My father works at Alam Flora while my mother is a housewife.
“They have always encouraged me to continue my schooling as it will help me in my future. My ambition is to be a medical doctor.
“As for the subjects in school, I like the subject Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi (Design and Technology) best,” said Nurshazilah, who wished there were more programme on STEM to motivate her to do better in these subjects in school.
A group of 15-year-old boys were busy with the DIY windmill kit given to them, as they questioned each other while trying to assemble it.
One of them, Zamirul Saiful,15, said that he enjoys STEM activities as they sharpen his problem-solving skills.
“I want to be a policeman when I grow up as I have always been interested in the police force.
“STEM activities at these programme compel us to solve problems. Meeting new friends is also one of the reasons why I like to attend these programme.
“I do not think of myself as Orang Asli, but more as a Malaysian. It is the same when I make friends - I do not necessarily make friends only with Orang Asli,” said Zamirul.
For the head of Pipoa, Umi Nurain Saad, Orang Asli teenagers are no different from others.
Pipoa is a hostel-cum-tuition centre set up by Jakoa for the Orang Asli children between the ages of 13 to 15 from all over the Peninsula.
The students from Pipoa attend various schools around Rompin during the day.
“The current residents are taken in after their exam results are screened.
“I cater to their personal needs and their tuition as well as being their full-time counsellor. We are like a big family here and they are encouraged to join those from other villages.
“We try to instil in them the need to stay on in school and not drop out. Those in Form One tend to struggle with the new school system and STEM subjects.
“However, after tuition and encouragement, by the time they reach Form Three, they are usually at the top in their schools,” said Umi Nurain, who is fondly known as “Mama” to the Orang Asli teenagers residing at the hostel.
Broadening horizons
Discover PETRONAS @Schools is an inspiring programme to broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to explore diverse careers paths across the oil, gas and energy sectors.
The engagement also presents opportunities for students residing in remote areas to experience interactive career forums and experimental learning conducted by PETRONAS volunteers.
Overall, the programme is a holistic educational initiative that seeks to arouse curiosity, foster innovation, and nurture talent among school students in Malaysia.
As PETRONAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, this milestone not only commemorates past achievements but also reaffirms their commitment to empowering the future leaders of tomorrow, no matter their background or location, ultimately contributing to the country’s development and progress in science and technology.
