Sabah students explore STEM career paths through PETRONAS programme

KOTA KINABALU: For Maria Teo, it was an opportunity that changed her life nearly three decades ago.

Being one of two from Sabah to receive a PETRONAS education sponsorship in 1996, she said the golden chance left an “indelible mark on countless individuals like me”.

Teo, now the PETRONAS Global Human Resource Partners, Project Delivery and Technology senior general manager, shared her personal journey with some 420 students from 10 secondary schools in Ranau during the career experimental forum at the Discover PETRONAS@School (DPS) programme held at Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) on Wednesday (June 12).

Highlighting PETRONAS' longstanding dedication to education, which began in 1975, Teo, from Penampang, said her story could be theirs too in the future.

“For half a century, PETRONAS has played a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing talents, leaving an indelible mark on countless individuals like me. My journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity,” she said.

DPS is a programme aimed at introducing ways in which science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) could set students’ career paths in the oil, gas and energy sectors.

The programme was part of the national oil and gas company's efforts to create awareness among students on how STEM subjects could unlock diverse career paths, besides showcasing PETRONAS’ education sponsorship initiatives.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun witnessed the handing over of the PETRONAS 50th Anniversary Torch, which symbolises the passing of knowledge and innovation across generations.

As part of the "Journey of the Twin Torches" tour, it will travel across Malaysia, honouring significant places and events in PETRONAS' history.

“It is significant that Discover PETRONAS @Schools is held here at MRSM Ranau, the latest educational facility in the district and the pride of the district,” said Masidi.

PETRONAS Group Human Resource Management vice president Ruslan Islahudin emphasised PETRONAS' commitment to ensuring its education initiatives benefit as many Sabahans as possible.

Last year alone, PETRONAS implemented various education and human capital development programmes involving over 136,100 Sabahan youths.