By Ling Hui & Karen Bong
BINTULU, Nov 1: PETRONAS has allocated almost RM556 million in funds, benefitting over 490,000 students and educational institutions in Sarawak since 1995.
PETRONAS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh said the national oil company recognised that quality education at the school level is very important to produce excellent human capital.
“We strongly emphasise education as a transformative catalysts capable of elevating living standards and contributing to the progression of a successful nation,” he said when addressing the handing over and launching of Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu at its new campus here today.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the launch of the RM122 million campus developed by PETRONAS in collaboration with the Sarawak government and Yayasan Sarawak.
The institution has been handed over to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) for administration and educational delivery.
Mohd Bakke highlighted PETRONAS’ commitment to education through the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship programme which has benefitted 119 outstanding SPM-leavers this year.
Additionally, he stressed the significance of vocational and technical training (TVET) via the PETRONAS Vocational Institution Sponsorship and Training Assistance (VISTA) programme.
“The VISTA programme is very important to produce a highly skilled technical workforce in the oil and gas sector.
“For the year 2023 to 2026, PETRONAS has planned to collaborate with 21 TVET institutions across the country including six in Sarawak to make this VISTA programme a success,” he explained.
Noting that the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is very important as one of the pillars of national development, Mohd Bakke added that PETRONAS has introduced the Discover PETRONAS @ Schools (DPS) programme.
“To date, more than 1,100 students in Mukah, Kota Samarahan and Miri have had exposure opportunities, especially as an introduction to the oil and gas industry,” he said.
Some 400 students from Bintulu, Tatau and Sebauh also have the opportunity to be part of DPS programme at the Futsal Court in MRSM Bintulu today.
Mohd Bakke pointed out PETRONAS’ comprehensive involvement in Sarawak’s upstream and downstream sectors, highlighting major projects such as the Bintulu MLNG Complex, Asean Bintulu Fertiliser Factory (ABF), Miri Crude Oil Terminal (MCOT), Bintulu Crude Oil Terminal (BCOT) and Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP). In addition, PETRONAS also operates more than 90 gas stations throughout Sarawak.
“This good relationship between PETRONAS and Sarawak will continue to be strengthened with various ongoing efforts for the development and advancement of the oil and gas industry in the State,” he affirmed. — DayakDaily
