By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 29: A total of 110 outstanding Sarawakian students have been awarded education sponsorships worth RM28 million under the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship programme, marking a significant investment in nurturing the State’s future leaders and professionals.
State Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said PETRONAS has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the true value of human capital, and by investing in the education and development of Sarawakian youth, it is helping to lay the foundation for a resilient, competitive, and inclusive future.
“We are encouraged by how PETRONAS continues to complement our efforts, especially by supporting capable Sarawakians from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
“The education sponsorship programme is more than just a financial contribution. It is a platform to shape future professionals, leaders, and nation builders who will contribute to both Sarawak’s progress and Malaysia’s future.
“What we hope to see in return is not only graduates with academic excellence, but individuals who come back with a sense of responsibility and purpose,” she said at the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge: Education Sponsorship Award Presentation Ceremony (APC) 2025 held at a local hotel here today (July 29).
Fatimah added, “We want our young Sarawakians to rise as contributors to the State’s transformation.
“Whether you return to serve in public service, in the private sector, in the sciences, in digital innovation or in community development, you each have a role to play in shaping the Sarawak we envision for tomorrow.”
The minister also expressed her gratitude to PETRONAS for its continuous commitment to developing Sarawakian talent.
“To PETRONAS, we deeply value this relationship. It is built not on convenience, but on commitment. Commitment to the people of Sarawak. Commitment to shared growth. Commitment to building a better Malaysia, together.
“We look forward to strengthening this collaboration in the years to come, especially in areas that uplift and empower our youth,” she said.
Meanwhile, in her speech, PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Human Capital Expertise under Group Human Resource Management, Akmal Niza Ahmad, said that for PETRONAS, education has always been central to the nation-building agenda.
“Through our Powering Knowledge initiative, we support a wide spectrum of programmes that empower Malaysians from all walks of life. This is part of our commitment, reinforcing how we continue to invest in future talent for the organisation, the industry and the nation.”
The selected recipients are Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 leavers chosen from nearly 9,000 applicants nationwide through a rigorous screening process based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and active involvement in extracurricular activities.
With the sponsorship, these students will pursue degree programmes in fields such as chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, economics, law, and other industry-relevant disciplines.
They will study at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and top universities both locally and abroad, including in the United Kingdom and Australia.
The Powering Knowledge education sponsorship is part of PETRONAS’ ongoing commitment to education and the development of Malaysia’s human capital. Since its inception in 1975, the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme has benefited over 40,000 Malaysian students, including more than 1,300 Sarawakian students since 2003. — DayakDaily
