Manyin (standing front, centre) – flanked by Morshidi on his left and Sidek – in a group photo with recipients of the Petronas scholarships. On Sidek’s right is Raiha. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The cordial relationship with Petronas has been benefiting the state’s workforce over the years.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was pleased to see that today, 82 per cent of Petronas’ various operations across Sarawak are filled by Sarawakians, with many holding very senior positions including those throughout Petronas Global Operations. These, he noted, are key indications that the people of Sarawak should take heed.
“We have the right talents and capabilities, and we are moving in the right direction towards the ‘Transformed Sarawak’ aspirations. The question now is: will we move at an accelerated speed to catch up and prepare for the future?” he said at the Petronas Education Programme (PESP) presentation ceremony in Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
Abang Johari’s text of speech was read by Minister of Education, Science and Technology Research Dato’ Sri Michael Manyin.
Abang Johari said initiatives such as the PESP might seem like a yearly tradition, but what many might not even realise was the power of being consistent in pushing through education efforts.
He pointed out that human capital development ‘is an intricate and ongoing effort throughout one’s cycle of life’.
In this regard, he welcomed all of Petronas’ contributions in education slated for the benefit of the people. He believed that this, in turn, would reap multi-fold of benefits to Sarawak as the state steadfastly pursues its ambition towards ‘Sarawak Transformation’.
“I am happy to note that since 2003, a total of 689 students from Sarawak have received scholarships from Petronas.And today, another 46 students will receive their well-deserved scholarships to pursue their tertiary education at local and international institutions,” he said.
The chief minister acknowledged that PESP had a deep-rooted connection with countless of the state’s bright young talents throughout the past decades.
He said he was pleased that the initiative is still going strong amidst the challenging times for the oil and gas industry.
“I’m also pleased that Sarawak remains a top priority for Petronas’ corporate social investment (CSI) focus areas. On behalf of the state government and the people of Sarawak, I would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to Petronas and urge the corporation to continue giving back to the state that has shared a long history with them.
“I also hope that other corporate citizens of the state would emulate Petronas’ exemplary commitment and play a more direct and significant role in the sustainable development of Sarawak and its people.”
Also present at the ceremony was State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Petronas chairman Tan Sri Sidek Hassan and its senior vice president of group human resource management Dato’ Raiha Azni Abd Rahman.