MIRI: The presence of Nippon Oil Exploration (Nippon Oil) in Miri has opened a window of opportunity for the locals.
FOSTER BETTER UNDERSTANDING: Lai (centre) with Kitagawa (second left) during the courtesy call.
Since establishment here about seven years ago with the opening of an office at Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre, it managing director Hideki Kitagawa disclosed that a majority of company staff are Malaysians.
“Currently we are having a total of 210 staff in our office in Miri. From the whole figure, 180 are Malaysians and 85 per cent of them are Sarawakians,” Kitagawa said this during a courtesy visit to Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai yesterday.
Kitagawa was accompanied by deputy managing director Yoshihiro Shibata and OPI and Public Relation manager Gerard Laing.
Kitagawa disclosed that it was part of company’s transfer of technology and ‘Malaysianise’ programme. Only 19 of the staff are Japanese and ten are expatriates.
“We are happy with the performance of the local staff particularly Sarawakians as they are more disci-pline and dedicated in their jobs. Apart from that they have the experience, knowledge and are trained in their respective fields,” he said.
Kitagawa said the com-pany will continue its presence here in Miri and continue to transfer techno-logy through recruitment of locals in various fields.
During the visit, Kitagawa also briefed the mayor on the company operations and activities in Miri.
The company is also making contributions to the public through its corporate social responsibility programmes. Last year, the company donated RM333,000 worth of medical equipment to Miri Hospital and was one of major sponsors in the Miri City Day celebration when Miri attained its city status in May 20, 2005.
Kitagawa said the company will continue to emphasise on its community reach programmes as part of its contributions to society. Meanwhile, Lai in response thanked the company for its presence here as it provided various opportunities to benefit the locals. He hoped that the company will assist in the city’s vision and mission as green resort city.