Ahmad Zakir (centre) and Ali (third from right) with other guests during the handover ceremony of the donated equipment.
PETROLEUM engineering students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai, Johor, will now get more hands-on training with field equipment following a donation from PETRONAS.
The company’s petroleum engineering department senior general manager Ahmad Zakir Salehudin said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and fieldwork.
“We aim to enhance students’ practical understanding of upstream oil and gas (O&G) operations, by providing exposure to real-world equipment and processes.
“This will help them be more prepared to meet industrial needs upon graduation,” he said in a media statement.
Ahmad Zakir said the donated equipment included an electrical submersible pump (ESP), intake system, gas separator, seal section, and motor.
“These are key components of an artificial lift system that is widely used in the O&G industry.
“Students will be able to interact with the actual components they will one day operate in the field,” he elaborated.
He said that besides UTM, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS also utilised the equipment in their experiential learning programmes.
Meanwhile, UTM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Dr Ali Selamat expressed his gratitude to PETRONAS, adding that the company’s donation would go beyond classroom benefits.
“I believe that the contributed equipment will not only be utilised for teaching and laboratory sessions, but will also open up opportunities for research activities.
“We foresee more technical training and comprehensive innovation development through this initiative.
“We would also like to thank PETRONAS for its continued trust in UTM’s capacity to nurture future talent,” he said. ― By RHEMA SENG
