Petronas Sponsors RM320 Million In Education Sponsorships For 600 High-achieving Students

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Petronas has announced the sponsorship of RM320 million to 600 outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 students from across Malaysia through its Powering Knowledge initiative. 

In a statement, Petronas said that selected from a competitive pool of 5,847 applicants, all 600 students were evaluated based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and active involvement in co-curricular activities.

“The scholarship recipients will pursue their education at renowned local and international universities, including those in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Japan,” the statement said.

Petronas Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh as well as Vice President and Group Chief Human Resources Officer Ruslan Islahudin presented the sponsorships to the scholars at an award presentation ceremony recently held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.

Over 1,000 guests, including students, stakeholders, and representatives from leading universities and colleges, attended the event.

In the same statement, Mohd Bakke was quoted as saying that the company, for the past 50 years, has been very committed to fostering knowledge and human capital development in which since 1975, Petronas has invested RM3.81 billion in education sponsorship, benefiting more than 39,000 students nationwide.

“The Powering Knowledge initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the academic pursuits of both students and educators, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world. We are dedicated to helping them make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.

Mohd Bakke also emphasised that this commitment reflects the company's dedication to empowering young talent, aligning with its theme of ‘Continuing the Legacy of Excellence’ as Petronas looks toward the future of innovation and leadership.

Meanwhile, Ruslan noted the variety of fields in the Petronas Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship Programme, including Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, and Law, which prepare 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 to the nation's overall growth and progress. Aligned with Petronas’ Sustainability Agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, the Powering Knowledge initiative is designed to cultivate leaders who will create positive social change,” he said.

He added that by supporting students in different fields, Petronas ensures the next generation is ready to continue the company’s legacy of innovation and positive societal impact.

-- BERNAMA