A FUTURE that can withstand unexpected turns is built on a solid foundation, and careers that carry a person through to greatness are built on sound education.
The opportunity for such an education presents itself when young, hardworking achievers are rewarded with an education sponsorship programme, giving them the chance to gain deep and rich knowledge in some of the most sterling institutions.
For two bright and enthusiastic 18-year-olds – Ahmad Uzair Hedzree from Sabah, and Chua Ming Ling from Melaka – the opportunity to further their education came when they were chosen to be among 370 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2019 school-leavers from across Malaysia who were awarded the coveted scholarship under the Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) recently.
Having received their SPM exam results, the two straight-A students were part of the hundreds who applied to join the PESP and were the lucky few rewarded for their tenacity and hard work.
Speaking to The Star via a video conference call, Uzair and Ming Ling were all smiles and full of infectious youthful energy as they shared details of the day they learned of the good news and the personal experiences that have strengthened their pursuit of excellence.
Build that dream
Uzair, a self-confessed science and tech buff, spoke about how his father who was the sole breadwinner of the family would always choose Petronas petrol stations to top up his vehicle’s fuel.
As a 12-year-old, Uzair who once competed in state-level badminton tournaments also recalled the impact of Petronas’ festive advertisements.
“I would see these ads that showed racial harmony and unity, so I did some research on Petronas.
“I discovered that not only does the company explore, produce and deliver energy for the nation, it is also involved in F1 racing, and conducting extensive research and development on Petronas’ fuel and lubricant products for its sponsored team.
“As someone who has a huge interest in science and technology, this got me really excited, knowing the wide range of opportunities that Petronas could offer, ” he said.
More importantly, Uzair knew that Petronas is advancing in the energy transition by accelerating its presence in the renewable energy space, and this is the place where he wanted to build his lifelong career.
Uzair secured 9As in his SPM at the expense of his badminton training. “To get something you desire, you have to make sacrifices, ” he reflected.
He was having a bad day with his part-time job as a food delivery worker when news came that he had secured the sponsorship. Naturally, he and his family were thrilled.
“The best news on one of my worst days, ” he smiled, adding, “I hope to contribute as much as I can to the field of mechanical engineering and technological advancement upon graduating.”
A mother’s sacrifice
While Uzair is set to study at Kolej Yayasan UEM for his A-Levels, thanks to the PESP bursary, his fellow Malaysian and PESP scholarship recipient, Ming Ling, will be pursuing her A-Levels at Kolej Damansara Utama in Selangor.
This means she will be away from her mother and two brothers whom she grew up with in Melaka.
Her petite frame belies the fact that she is an avid athlete and swimmer, who has participated in diverse sports from touch rugby to taekwondo.
What’s even more evident, however, is her determination and never-give-up attitude, as well as her endearing humility. This alumnus of Kolej Yayasan Saad Melaka is certainly focused on building her future.
“Financial constraint is an issue for my mother, who is raising her three children single-handedly, ” Ming Ling said, offering an insight into her determination to study Accounting at university, having had the first-hand experience of juggling the family budget.
In helping to realise her dream, Ming Ling’s uncles and aunts accompanied her to Kuala Lumpur in search of a good, affordable university as studying in Malaysia was the preferred option, especially if scholarships weren’t forthcoming.
“I was stunned and happy when I heard that I was selected to receive the Petronas scholarship, ” she added. “I was happy to tell my mum that she didn’t need to worry any more about my education.”
While Ming Ling is sure-footed about her goal to make her mother proud, she is also effusive in her gratitude to Petronas for giving her a fully-subsidised education that she may not have obtained otherwise.
“I am very thankful to Petronas, ” she said, a sentiment doubtlessly shared by other PESP recipients – almost 37,000 of them to date, since Petronas first gave out education sponsorships in 1975 to deserving students with high academic calibre and leadership capabilities.
Initiatives such as the PESP are the necessary building blocks that go towards sustaining nation-building as each generation takes the mantle of responsibility from the previous generation of nation-builders.
For Uzair, Ming Ling and their cohorts who will begin their educational journey at tertiary institutions, the future holds unlimited possibilities, while the nation’s talent pool becomes richer in knowledge and experience, contributing positively to the development of the energy industry and country as a whole.
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