When Christopher Alta Francis saw the PETRONAS education sponsorship offer appear on his screen, it was more than a personal win—it was a pivotal moment for his family and his future as a Sarawakian changemaker.
The 18-year-old, now set to pursue Chemical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, represents a new wave of talent emerging from Sarawak—one shaped not just by academic excellence, but by resilience, responsibility, and the potential to power national progress.
After losing his father, Christopher’s sister took on the role of provider. She put aside her own dreams to hold the family together. Taking over the breadwinner role, she worked tirelessly as a nurse through rotating shifts while shouldering household responsibilities to relieve their mother’s struggles.
Her sacrifices inspired Christopher to push harder, and with PETRONAS’ support, he now stands at the threshold of a future that can uplift not only his household but his community.
“Her resilience and sacrifices are really my biggest motivation. This sponsorship is the perfect opportunity for me to grow academically and as a person, so I can one day give back to her and my family,” said Christopher.
Christopher, who scored straight-As in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), is not just studying to improve his own life—he’s part of a broader mission to cultivate high-impact talent in key industries, especially in developing states like Sarawak.
With the sponsorship in hand, he sees a future not just for himself, but for everyone who has stood by him. It represents a chance to honour his sister’s sacrifices and prove that their hardships were not in vain. Christopher dreams of the day he can return Jennifer’s kindness.
“Personally, I would want to bring my sister on a holiday for some fun and healing time. I truly believe that she deserves a good time.”
The Iban girl with big dreams
Ellysha Cassandra Pira from Miri echoes a similar story of determination. An Iban girl with big dreams, she is preparing to begin her A-levels at Kolej Tunku Jaafar before heading to the UK to pursue Chemical Engineering. Her journey, powered by the PETRONAS scholarship, is one of courage, cultural pride, and ambition.
At only 18, Ellysha stands out in more ways than one. As the only daughter and the youngest of five siblings, she shows a maturity beyond her years.
She values education deeply, recognising it as a privilege her parents never had. She sought education sponsorships to help ease her family’s burden, aware of how her retired father had worked tirelessly as a wellhead maintenance worker to support her four brothers’ schooling before her.
“Education, in our family, is a privilege that I’ve never taken for granted. Learning, to me, is very important. So, thank you PETRONAS for believing in my potential. It’s truly an honour,” she said.
Through the opportunity brought by PETRONAS, she hopes to excel in her studies and build a successful career that will provide better opportunities for her family, whether through financial stability or inspiring others within her community.
“I wish to set a great example and be an inspiration not only to my close family, but also to my relatives and extended family. I want to show that even with limitations, nothing is impossible with constant drive and passion,” she said.
Ellysha is also a fearless young woman with big dreams. Juggling piled-up assignments, leadership roles, and competitions never really fazed her. Her initial curiosity about environmental sustainability has evolved into a deep and purposeful passion.
With a bold aspiration to combat climate change and contribute to a greener, more equitable world, Ellysha embraces her goals with confidence. It’s an ambitious goal, but for someone who refuses to be overshadowed, challenging conventional thinking comes naturally.
“Growth does not always necessarily feel comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s a good thing. It’s about embracing changes in every step you take, so don’t be afraid to take any risk,” she said.
‘I want my mother to feel loved too’
For Haziq Halifi Hajemat, the PETRONAS education sponsorship is a step toward a future he long envisioned but wasn’t always sure he could reach due to financial difficulties following the death of his father. His studies were supported by his mother, who earns a modest income as a cleaner.
He is determined to study diligently and give his utmost throughout his academic journey, believing that education is the cornerstone of his dreams.
His ultimate goal is to secure a stable, fulfilling career—ideally with a respected company like PETRONAS—so he can provide strong financial support for his family. But Haziq’s vision of giving back goes beyond financial stability.
“I want to give back by creating joyful memories with my family, like taking them on a vacation where we can relax and enjoy quality time together. That way, I can repay my mother and loved ones not only through financial means but also by making them feel appreciated and cared for.”
Haziq was awarded the PETRONAS education sponsorship to study Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Perak. This Sri Aman-born student from SM Sains Kuching Utara earned this achievement through years of dedication, which resulted in his remarkable academic success: straight-As in his SPM examinations.
It was a satisfying moment as he held the sponsorship award, knowing his hard work had paid off, yet something was missing—his late father. He wished his late father could have been there to witness and celebrate his latest milestone.
“It was a proud moment not just for myself, but also for my family. At the same time, it was emotional because my late father, who had always supported me and believed in me, couldn’t be here to witness this moment,” he said, smiling through bittersweet feelings.
Looking ahead, Haziq is excited about his university journey. He looks forward to gaining new knowledge and facing new challenges that he believes will shape him into a well-rounded individual. He aspires to become “a competent and future-ready engineer”.
His choice of mechanical engineering was no coincidence, but of his passion for intricate machines to complex systems. ‘How things work’ has always intrigued him, and beneath the technical curiosity lies something deeper: a desire to solve real-world problems and develop solutions that improve everyday life.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities that PETRONAS has given me, and I will make sure to give my best throughout my studies,” he said.
Though their journeys differ, these students share a common thread—the aspiration to transform their lives and their families’ futures through education. Each bears the influence of their circumstances, yet they remain steadfast in their resolve to overcome obstacles and forge their own paths forward.
For them, receiving the education sponsorship from PETRONAS represents far more than individual achievement; it embodies the promise that education and perseverance can fundamentally alter life’s trajectory.
PETRONAS Powering Knowledge education sponsorship reflects the company’s enduring dedication to nurturing Malaysia’s human capital through educational opportunities. Established in 1975, it has benefitted over 40,000 Malaysian students, including more than 1,300 Sarawakian students, since 2003.
This year, PETRONAS announced RM28 million in sponsorship to more than one hundred deserving Sarawakian students who were outstanding 2024 SPM leavers, selected from a pool of nearly 9,000 applicants based on their academic excellence, leadership, and co-curricular involvement.
The award ceremony, held at a leading hotel in Kuching recently, was officiated by Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. Also present was PETRONAS Senior General Manager (Human Capital Expertise), Group Human Resource Management, Akmal Niza Ahmad. —DayakDaily
