PETRONAS POWERING KNOWLEDGE


The PETRONAS Powering Knowledge: Melaka Future Talent 2024 programme saw 220 students taking part in activities designed to inspire and motivate them on TVET and STEM.

Melaka Future Talent 2024 programme boosts STEM and TVET interest

MELAKA: In an era where rapid technological advancements and globalisation are constantly reshaping the job market, the demand for graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has reached new heights.

As industries continue to evolve, the importance of nurturing future leaders with critical STEM and TVET skills becomes increasingly evident.

This shift presents a unique and golden opportunity for today’s youth to equip themselves with the knowledge and abilities that will not only secure their professional futures but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

To further inspire students to explore STEM and TVET programmes, PETRONAS, in collaboration with its subsidiary Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd (MRCSB) and the Melaka State Education Department, has created a platform to equip students with not only knowledge, but also the confidence to pursue these vital fields.

In its third edition in 2024, the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge: Melaka Future Talent (MFT) programme has become a game-changer for students, preparing them for the future job market driven by technology and innovation.

Held in the heart of Melaka, the programme welcomed 220 Form Three and Form Four students from 11 schools across the state, contributing to a total of 660 students benefiting from the programme to date.

Throughout the event, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to inspire and motivate them. These included motivational talks, in-depth discussions on STEM and TVET education, and exposure to real-world career paths, all aimed at sparking their passion and encouraging them to pursue these fields through to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

(From left) Syazlin, Muhammad Iqram and Nur Ameera said the MFT 2024 has equipped them with valuable knowledge on excelling in SPM, preparing for university, and exploring exciting STEM career opportunities.(From left) Syazlin, Muhammad Iqram and Nur Ameera said the MFT 2024 has equipped them with valuable knowledge on excelling in SPM, preparing for university, and exploring exciting STEM career opportunities.

Notable activities featured motivational talks by the Melaka State Education Department, STEM and TVET education sharing by Sekolah Menengah Teknik Melaka Bukit Piatu, professional insights from Institut Kemahiran MARA Jasin and Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), as well as career discussions led by PETRONAS volunteers.The programme brought together students from several schools, including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sungai Udang, SMK Kampung Gelam, SMK Seri Tanjung, SMK Kem Terendak, SMK Bukit Rambai, and Sekolah Menengah Agama JAIM Al-Ahmadi along with SMK Tun Tijah, SMK Bukit Katil, Sekolah Menengah Arab JAIM Al-Ahmadi, SMK Padang Temu, SMK Hang Kasturi and SMK Tan Sri Haji Abdul Aziz Tapa.Students and teachers alike have praised the comprehensive approach of MFT 2024, which not only provided valuable exposure to STEM and TVET but also inspired them to turn what once seemed impossible into achievable goals. Nur Ameera Ummairiah Zamzami, a 15-year-old student from SMK Kampung Gelam in Tanjung Kling, expressed her admiration for the valuable experiences shared by the PETRONAS staff.

“I now have a clearer understanding of the efforts made by a leading company like PETRONAS in nurturing new talent who will shape the nation’s future in STEM.

“MFT 2024 has given me significant exposure to STEM and the career opportunities I had never considered before,” she said, adding that the experience inspired her to excel in her SPM to seize the opportunities, including education sponsorship.

Similarly, Muhammad Iqram Deen Nordin, 15, from SMK Bukit Rambai, described the MFT 2024 programme as clear, engaging, and motivating.

“I feel fortunate to have been selected to attend this programme with my schoolmates, and we’ve learned a lot. The guidance on how to excel in SPM and prepare for university applications was extremely useful,” he said.

Muhammad Iqram added that the group discussion sessions allowed students to share ideas and build confidence. “The group discussions with PETRONAS facilitators were inspiring, especially regarding career opportunities in the oil and gas sector,” he said, adding that he aspires to study Sports Science.

Dzairin Hazida said she has since witnessed an increase in the number of students in STEM-related courses at SMK Kampung Gelam as a result of the programme.Dzairin Hazida said she has since witnessed an increase in the number of students in STEM-related courses at SMK Kampung Gelam as a result of the programme.

For Syazlin Hani Syahrul, 16, from SMK Seri Tanjung, the one-day programme provided her with clarity for future planning.

“The career sharing sessions related to TVET and STEM have given me insight into the potential these fields hold for the future. It was interesting to learn more about engineering, mechatronics, and other fields.

“The programme provided us with the knowledge of what we can pursue after SPM and the minimum qualifications required,” said Syazlin, who aims to pursue a career in civil engineering. Guidance and counselling teachers also expressed their enthusiasm about the programme’s comprehensive approach and impact. Zairin Hasidah Mohd Dawa from SMK Kampung Gelam, described MFT 2024 as an excellent and informative programme for students.

She noted that the number of students in STEM-related courses at her school had increased this year compared to the previous year, thanks to the impact of the programme.

“MFT 2024 has opened students’ minds to these fields and better prepared them for the upcoming SPM. They also had the opportunity to engage with PETRONAS volunteers, which helped them to understand the career prospects in these areas,” she said.

Norliana Md Amin, from SMK Bukit Rambai, added that MFT 2024 was especially helpful for Form Three students, who were preparing to make critical decisions about their academic paths in the upcoming year.

“Students were informed about the career opportunities available in STEM and TVET fields, as many still have limited knowledge of the career potential in these streams. MFT 2024 helped clarify these opportunities,” she said.

Norliana said MFT 2024 was especially helpful for Form Three students, who were preparing to make critical decisions about their academic paths in the upcoming year.Norliana said MFT 2024 was especially helpful for Form Three students, who were preparing to make critical decisions about their academic paths in the upcoming year.

The impact of MFT 2024 extends beyond just the students, MRCSB managing director and chief executive officer Ahmad Farid Yaacob highlighted that the programme aimed to nurture and support the development of the younger generation, preparing them to become future leaders.

He emphasised that the MFT 2024 was designed to spark students’ interest in STEM and TVET fields, which are vital for the country’s development now and in the future.

“Through initiatives like MFT 2024, PETRONAS is committed to empowering students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, by providing them with opportunities to transform their future prospects and excel in STEM and TVET fields.

“The students involved in MFT 2024 were introduced to the importance of STEM and TVET subjects, as well as the wide-ranging career opportunities these fields offer,” he said during the closing ceremony of MFT 2024.

He also noted the pivotal role of PETRONAS volunteers in inspiring students to pursue STEM and TVET at an early age, with professionals from various disciplines, including civil engineers, process engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, project managers and accountants, sharing their experiences and guidance.

“We hope that through these activities, students will make the most of the opportunity to gain knowledge and share what they have learned with their peers when they return to their respective schools.

“We also aim to motivate students to build strong character and excel in their personal development,” he added.

The programme culminated in a closing ceremony officiated by Melaka State Education Department Student Development Sector deputy director Jamsari Mariman.

In his closing speech, Jamsari remarked MFT 2024 was part of a broader mission to strengthen students’ knowledge and skills in STEM and TVET, which are essential for Malaysia’s journey to becoming a developed and high-income nation.

“Everyone must work together to ensure that these fields attract students’ interest and raise their achievements to a higher level.

“It is my hope that MFT 2024 will be the starting point for a partnership between the Melaka Government through the Melaka State Education Department, PETRONAS, MRCSB, and other stakeholders, to advance the educational achievements of the state,” he said.

Jamsari also welcomed PETRONAS and MRCSB’s initiative to make MFT an annual programme, as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts in representing the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

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