By DayakDaily
Tears welled up in Nur Umairah Azizi’s eyes, carrying the weight of an unspoken sentiment that has lingered within her for years.
“I wish I could hear my father’s voice,” she said softly, her expression brimming with emotion.
“I wish I could hear him say how proud he is of me, and to hear his words of encouragement and love,” she uttered with heartfelt longing.
Nur Umairah, 18, grew up in a poverty-stricken family. Her father, born mute and deaf, supports the household as a grasscutter, while her mother is a kindergarten cleaner.
Despite the lack of material wealth, Nur Umairah understood the importance of finding contentment and gratitude, even as she sometimes felt envious over what her peers possessed.
She was often reminded by her mother’s voice echoing in her mind: “It’s okay not to have everything. What we have now is enough.”
Hailing from Miri, Sarawak, young and ambitious Nur Umairah, currently studying at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), exudes a fervent aspiration to create a better future for her family.
Her humble upbringing instilled in her the value of hard work and perseverance, serving as the driving force behind her ambition to become a petroleum engineer.
Her pursuit of petroleum engineering stems from her passion and a desire to work in an offshore environment.
“Through the Petronas sponsorship, I believe I can achieve my dream of becoming a professional in the field and contribute directly to the prosperity of both the State and nation. Additionally, this sponsorship significantly eases my financial burden,” she emphasised.
Nur Umairah draws inspiration from her resilient parents, who have been her pillars of strength.
“Truly, my parents are my role models and inspiration. Despite our financial struggles, their contentment is a true blessing. I’ve seen them toil tirelessly, never once complaining, even under the scorching sun. My father’s disabilities, being unable to speak and hear, have only fuelled my determination to bring them joy through my achievements,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fedelas Wan Francis, an 18-year-old Kayan student from Long Suling, Baram, said he was determined to lift his family out of poverty. Aware of the financial struggles faced by his family, with his father working as a lorry driver and his mother a full-time housewife, Fedelas said he will work hard to help his parents financially upon graduating from university.
Currently enrolled in a foundation course in engineering and science, the former SMK Merbau, Miri student aspires to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering at UTP.
Fedelas’ early accomplishments include obtaining straight As in SPM, including a remarkable 7A+s.
His decision to study engineering was inspired by the success stories of his relatives currently working in the oil and gas industry.
“Most of my relatives who work in oil and gas companies are not from well-to-do families too.
“I’m grateful to be a recipient of Petronas’ education sponsorship as it helps to ease my parents’ financial burden and allows me to pursue my interest in engineering. After I complete my degree, I hope to work with the company and be able to make valuable contributions to the State and nation,” he said.
Eighteen-year-old Resty James also comes from a low-income family. With her father working as a farmer and also the sole income earner for their household, this Sibu-born lass has learned to appreciate the value of every little thing.
Driven by a passion for chemical processes, Resty is now enrolled in a chemical engineering course at Curtin University in Miri.
She explained her curiosity in understanding the inner workings of the manufacturing industry.
“I’ve always wanted to know how things work behind the scenes, and this desire has only grown stronger over the years. Getting this sponsorship means a lot to me as it brings me closer to my dream.
“Apart from financial assistance, this sponsorship also connects me with industry experts who will help with my educational development,” she said.
Petronas, under its Powering Knowledge programme, has sponsored more than 38,000 bright Malaysian students like Nur Umairah, Fedelas and Resty since 1975.
This year, over 10,000 candidates applied for the sponsorship, with only 600 individuals chosen for their outstanding academic achievements as well as leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence. Out of the 600 recipients, 119 hail from Sarawak.
The scholars will pursue their tertiary education in various disciplines such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geophysics, Accounting, Marketing and Law. The sponsorship programme will also continue to sponsor students in the fields of Data Science and Data Engineering, as the company advances its digital transformation.
The sponsorship programme, valued at RM340 million to date, will empower recipients to pursue tertiary education at leading local universities including UTP as well as renowned universities in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan. Petronas has also extended sponsorships for recipients to further their studies in South Korea. — DayakDaily
