Petronas has announced a significant educational initiative, sponsoring RM320 million for 600 exceptional Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 students across Malaysia through its Powering Knowledge program. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing higher education at prestigious universities both locally and internationally.
The 600 scholarship recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of 5,847 applicants. Selection was based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and active participation in co-curricular activities. The scholars will continue their education at renowned institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Japan, among other countries.
The sponsorships were presented at a recent ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, attended by over 1,000 guests, including students, stakeholders, and representatives from leading universities and colleges. Petronas Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh and Vice President and Group Chief Human Resources Officer Ruslan Islahudin were present to honor the students.
Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh highlighted Petronas’ longstanding commitment to education, noting that the company has invested RM3.81 billion in educational sponsorships since 1975. This investment has benefited over 39,000 students nationwide. "The Powering Knowledge initiative reflects our dedication to supporting the academic and professional growth of students and educators, helping them thrive in a rapidly evolving world," said Mohd Bakke.
He emphasized that this commitment aligns with Petronas' theme of ‘Continuing the Legacy of Excellence,’ as the company focuses on innovation and leadership for the future.
Ruslan Islahudin elaborated on the variety of fields covered by the sponsorship program, including Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, and Law. He noted that these areas are critical in preparing students to meet the evolving demands of industry and society. "We are confident that these future-ready talents will drive excellence within the energy sector and contribute significantly to national growth," Ruslan said.
Aligned with Petronas' Sustainability Agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the Powering Knowledge initiative is designed to cultivate future leaders who will foster positive social change and continue the company's legacy of innovation and impact.
