By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 11: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) continues to empower rural communities through education by uplifting 269 students in SK Bario and SMK Bario under its Back-to-School 2025 Programme and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative.
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) and the Sarawak Education Department.
PETRONAS Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu said the company is honoured to collaborate with the state education department and Sarawak Energy in supporting young learners in Bario.
“Education is one of the three main thrusts in the implementation of PETRONAS’ social impact program. Through such initiatives, we want to play an important role in producing more quality, competitive and visionary students and youth,” said Norazibah in her speech.
To her, the Back-to-School Programme is not just about giving aid but sowing the seeds of the future to nurture a professional, skilled and visionary generation capable of leading Sarawak towards sustainable growth.
Each student received two sets of school uniforms, sports trousers, shoes, socks, school bags, pencil cases and other essential school supplies.
Norazibah said PETRONAS believes that every child deserves equal opportunity to learn and that complete school equipment can help foster confidence and motivation to attend school.
“We believe that every student should come to school with complete school uniforms and equipment and this will certainly foster a high spirit and interest to attend school and study hard,” she added.
She said the initiative aligns with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to achieve high-income State status by 2030 through education and human capital development.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, lauded PETRONAS and Sarawak Energy for their ongoing commitment to rural education.
He said the programme not only eases the burden of low-income families but also inspires students to study hard and strive for success despite geographical and logistical challenges.
He said the STEM activities help nurture a generation ready to face future challenges and contribute to the state’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Gerawat called on students to use the assistance as encouragement to continue pursuing knowledge and to transform their lives through education.
“Success does not come from luxury, but from hard work, discipline and a spirit of never giving up,” said Gerawat.
The Back-to-School 2025 Programme will continue at Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Bungan, Mulu on November 17 to benefit more rural students.
Norazibah said PETRONAS and Sarawak Energy are proud to support a total of 361 students in Bario and Mulu under this initiative, while around 1,000 students across Sarawak will benefit from the programme this year.
She said the company remains committed to building an inclusive and sustainable society through education, community well-being and environmental stewardship.
“Only with the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, we are able to sustain the well-being of the community and bring about real change,” said Norazibah.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Director of the Sarawak Education Department (Learning Sector), representing the Director of Education; and Assistant Manager, Social Impact Management, SEB Power Sdn Bhd, Irwan Borhan. — DayakDaily
