BINTULU: PETRONAS is building a MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) school here as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitment in the area of education and human capital development in Sarawak. The school will enable students in the state, especially those in Bintulu, to have additional access to quality education and is expected to spur their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The setting up of the school in Bintulu is a col laborat ive effort between PETRONAS with Yayasan Sarawak and Maj l i s Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to support the increase in the student population in the area. It is also to ensure deserving students have an opportunity to pursue their studies under a secondary education system that emphasizes on the importance of STEM subjects.
This initiative is also in line wi th the state government ’s ongoing efforts to improve the qual i ty of educat ion, which includes providing students with a conducive learning environment and equipping them with appropriate skills and knowledge to prepare the younger generation as the state increasingly moves towards digitalization.
Const ruct ion work on the project is expected to commence next year and is scheduled for completion in 2021. Covering an area of 26,000 square metres, the school which can accommodate up to 450 students will have academic blocks, science laboratories, hostels, multipurpose hall, sports facilities, living quarters for teachers and a surau.
The launching ceremony of the construction of the MRSM was officiated by Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg here yesterday. Also present were members of the senior state government of f icials, PETRONAS’ senior management officials as well as senior officials from Yayasan Sarawak and MARA.
PETRONAS Pres ident and Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin said, “Through the construction of the school, PETRONAS remains steadfast in supporting and working closely with the government of Sarawak to help contribute towards improving the lives of the communities in the state.
“Our educat ion ini t iat ives focus on providing better access to educat ion and capabi l i t y building. We truly believe that empowering individuals through qual i ty educat ion, the r ight knowledge, skills and resources are keys in the development of human capital that will benefit not only the state but also Malaysia.”
Apart from MRSM, PETRONAS is also constructing a hostel at SK Orang Kaya Muda Pakeri, Paloh to provide better access to education for rural students residing in Kampung Paloh, Kampung B e r a n g a n a n d K amp u n g Kedang. The hostel will have a capacity to accommodate 120 students. Its construction will commence in 2018 and is expected to be ready by 2019. Try the professional HTML editor for free and subscribe for a subscription license if you are satisfied.
