By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 26: Growing up in a longhouse deep in Ulu Roban, Betong, Mohamed Syazwan Abdullah@Laga Jenggi never imagined that one day he would return to schools like the one he attended—not as a student, but as the chief executive officer and managing director of Malaysia LNG (MLNG) Sdn Bhd, bringing with him tools of change and hope.
Laga now leads an ambitious outreach programme under MLNG, which has transformed numerous rural schools across Sarawak, including the latest at SMK Sebuyau.
Under the outreach programme, SMK Sebuyau’s rundown hostel, classrooms and science laboratory were refurbished. The school also received new beds, mattresses, lockers and Smart TVs, bringing the facilities up to a standard more conducive to learning.
“I come from a very rural area in Ulu Roban. I grew up in a longhouse, went to a rural primary and rural secondary school.
“So I understand the impact that upgrading schools like these can have on rural students. It’s one way to motivate them to keep coming back to school,” he said during a media interview after attending the Powering Knowledge: PETRONAS’ MLNG Bestari Outreach Programme held at SMK Sebuyau today. An audio recording of the interview was shared with DayakDaily after the event.
He further explained that students in rural areas face more obstacles in staying in school compared to those in urban settings, where dropout rates are minimal.
According to him, poor school conditions can create a discouraging environment, making education seem less worthwhile. However, by upgrading facilities and creating a more comfortable, supportive atmosphere, students are more likely to feel motivated to attend school and remain engaged in their studies.
The SMK Sebuyau upgrading project, completed in January this year, is one of five MLNG is undertaking in 2025. Others include flood-hit schools such as SK Sungai Tisang, SK Bintulu, SK Kuala Nyalau and SK Tatau.
In previous years, the team has reached schools in Betong, Bintulu, Mukah, Dalat, Kapit and Sebuyau.
Each school is chosen in consultation with the Sarawak Education Department based on need, and with the support of local elected representatives and the community.
For Laga, his personal experiences from past outreach visits continue to inspire his commitment to rural education.
“In Roban, where I’m from, we upgraded two primary schools and one secondary school, including SK Sungai Nyiar. The teachers were grateful, and one student even went on to enter MRSM Betong after our work there,” he said.
He also recalled visiting SMK Tatau, where most students come from Ulu areas.
“I shared my own journey growing up in a longhouse and attending rural schools. I saw the students’ faces. Some of them looked at me and realised, maybe they could be like me too,” he added.
With PETRONAS backing the initiative, Laga and his team plan to keep going—one school at a time. – DayakDaily
