Call to give rural S'wak school-leavers a chance at Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Borneo Post

5 days ago

Julaihi delivers his speech. — Photo by Chimon Upon
SEBUYAU (July 27): Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd (MLNG), a subsidiary of Petronas, has been encouraged to facilitate higher education opportunities at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) for rural school-leavers, particularly from SMK Sebuyau, to help nurture local talent and bridge the rural-urban education gap.
Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman, said many rural youths possessed the potential and talent to excel if given access to quality education in a supportive learning environment.
'I strongly hope that Petronas will give special consideration to SPM school leavers here by opening the door for them to pursue their studies at UTP soon,' he told a press conference after officiating the Petronas Powering Knowledge: MLNG Bestari Outreach Programme handing over ceremony at SMK Sebuyau yesterday.
He emphasised that such opportunities would allow rural students to experience the same educational environment and facilities as their urban counterparts, offering them a fair platform to succeed.
'They just need the space and support. I believe they can succeed and attain excellent results,' he said.
Julaihi said with access to higher education, Sarawak could nurture more local engineering talent to serve in Petronas, the state government, or other players in the oil and gas sector including Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
'Therefore, I hope Petronas will respond positively and look into expanding higher education access for rural youth in Sarawak.'
Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation for Petronas's contribution through its subsidiary, MLNG, to SMK Sebuyau, particularly in upgrading the school's facilities.
He said SMK Sebuyau remains one of the older schools in the area and is in urgent need of a complete replacement.
'I've contributed canopies for the school's use, but they're still insufficient given the growing number of students,' he said, adding that assistance was also channelled under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to construct a new community hall.
Julaihi revealed that the current student population at SMK Sebuyau has reached 936.
'With such a large number, I'm truly grateful for Petronas MLNG's support.
'Without facility limitations, this school could probably accommodate even more students,' he said. Julaihi Narawi mlng school-leavers Universiti Teknologi Petronas