BINTULU: The official launch of the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu on 1 November 2023 marks a significant milestone in elevating education opportunities and powering the pursuit of knowledge for students in Sarawak.
This project is a collaboration between PETRONAS, the Sarawak state government through Yayasan Sarawak, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), aiming to support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the state.
In a symbolic ceremony held on 1 November, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg witnessed the handing over of the new campus by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Group Human Resource Management, Farehana Hanapiah and Director of Yayasan Sarawak, Mersal Abang Rosli, to Director General of MARA, Dato’ Sri Azhar Abdul Manaf, for its onward operations.
The Premier, who also officiated the new campus, recognised MRSM Bintulu as a crucial hub for providing quality education, particularly in STEM fields, to nurture a new generation of talent.
“The development of MRSM Bintulu will play a pivotal role in realising a sustainable future for the young talents in Sarawak,” he said in his Officiating Speech.
Also present were PETRONAS Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, who represents MARA.
Datuk Rubiah said at the event that the collaboration between MARA, the Sarawak state government and PETRONAS will drive the development of education in Bintulu, especially in areas of human capital.
“MARA remains committed in ensuring the development of the entrepreneurial sector and will always place education as a priority.
“The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development will continue to be a “rural hero” in improving rural areas and help to elevate the economic standard of the people of Sarawak, especially in Bintulu,” she said.
Being the fourth MRSM in Sarawak, this 22,000 square-metre campus, which involves a construction cost of RM122 million, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and latest equipment to cater to the requirements of students and educators and provide a conducive learning environment.
These include the administration and academic buildings, students’ and teachers’ accommodation, dining and multipurpose halls, surau, and sports facilities.
The role of STEM education for economic development
During his speech, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari stressed the importance of expertise in STEM subjects for future economic growth.
“The significance of STEM education is undeniable in developing highly skilled human capital to drive the development of the state, in tandem with the rapid growth in digitalisation,” he said.
During an exclusive interview with the media after the ceremony, Farehana echoed the importance of investing in early education as part of human capital development.
“We need more people with STEM education as these are the subjects that would be very important in the future development of the energy industry,” she explained.
Farehana also highlighted the significance of students interested in STEM subjects as an essential element for PETRONAS to continue developing innovation, solutions, and technologies.
“Sarawak has a lot of natural resources that would require more engineers and scientists to innovate ground-breaking solutions and technologies. This will ensure a long-term sustainable energy industry that will support the Sarawak economy as well as Malaysia’s development,” said Farehana.
In this regard, MRSM Bintulu is poised to provide students with access to quality education and spur their interest in STEM. Farehana also acknowledged MRSM as one of the education institutions that plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent in STEM fields.
“The maximum capacity of the school (MRSM Bintulu) is about 450 students but for the first cohort, we are targeting about 180 students from Form 1 and Form 4, set to begin their academic journey in March 2024.
“MARA is also committed to bring their best teachers as well to be part of this new MRSM Bintulu.
“We are also very close to the industry in Bintulu, therefore, we hope to be able to attract more students who can see where they will end up once they graduate from university,” said Farehana.
To further nurture interest in the STEM fields, PETRONAS offers education sponsorships for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia high achievers to pursue their tertiary education at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, and other leading local and overseas universities.
Additionally, programmes like the Graduate Employability Enhancement Scheme (GEES) play a vital role in empowering unemployed graduates, equipping them with valuable skills and industry exposure to enhance their career prospects. PETRONAS is also working with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to develop skilled workers for the energy industry.
Collaborative efforts towards a shared aspiration
The tripartite partnership between PETRONAS, Yayasan Sarawak and MARA symbolises unity in realising a common goal, which is to provide access to quality education for young Sarawakians.
Commenting on the collaboration, Farehana said that the MRSM was designed according to the specifications of the facilities recommended by MARA and the construction site was provided by Yayasan Sarawak.
Despite challenges faced during the project, including the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaborative efforts of PETRONAS, Yayasan Sarawak, and local agencies ensured the completion of the construction.
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh, in his speech, echoed the positive impact of the collaboration between all parties involved.
“In line with the aspiration to empower human capital development, PETRONAS with the strong support from all those involved has successfully completed the construction of MRSM Bintulu to be utilised to its full potential. PETRONAS would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the Sarawak state government and MARA in realising the success of this joint project,” he said.
“We hope MRSM Bintulu will become one of the best MRSMs not only in Sarawak but in the nation, as there is a huge demand for more STEM graduates from Malaysia to fulfill the demand of the energy industry,” added Farehana.
Energising interest through ‘Discover PETRONAS@Schools’
In conjunction with the event, the Discover PETRONAS @Schools (DPS) programme was also held. Over 400 primary and secondary school students from Bintulu, Tatau, and Sebauh participated in engaging activities, including science shows and fairs.
DPS aims to inculcate interest in the energy industry, build and enhance PETRONAS brand awareness, strengthen knowledge and understanding of PETRONAS education sponsorship and establish sustainable network and mutual relationship among PETRONAS, Ministry of Education, schools, and students.
DPS consists of career forums and booths where interactive engagement and experiential learning were conducted by volunteer PETRONAS employees.
With rapid transformation in the energy sector, PETRONAS believes that change driven by education and capability development is indispensable. The national energy company is committed to nurturing wholesome and multi-dimensional talents who share their aspirations for a better future.
