KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Sarawak’s next generation of leaders and innovators by awarding scholarships to 140 outstanding students under its annual Sarawak Energy Scholarship Programme 2025.
The recipients, selected from a competitive pool of 1,756 applicants, will pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, including renewable energy, sustainability, and computer science.
Sarawak Energy Group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, described education as a cornerstone of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
“Moving forward, we will continue our commitment to powering young minds and enhance our education initiatives to enable top Sarawakian talents to pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds,” he said at the Sarawak Energy Scholarship Award Ceremony 2025 at UCSI Hotel, here today.
Since the scholarship programme’s inception in 2014, Sarawak Energy has invested over RM102 million, benefitting more than 1,325 recipients, including 194 employees supported under its Continuing Education Programme.
Notably, the company doubled its annual scholarship allocation from RM8 million to RM16 million in 2022, reflecting its long-term commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Sharbini highlighted that 48 per cent of this year’s scholars are female, while many come from rural and underserved communities.
“This year, 48 per cent of our awarded scholars are female, while around 20 per cent of the selected scholars come from communities surrounding our projects and operations, with 26 students originating from Mukah, Bintulu, Kapit, Belaga, Baram and Lubok Antu.”
Beyond financial support, scholarship holders also gain internship opportunities with Sarawak Energy, which helps strengthen their practical skills and enhance their employability.
Additionally, Sharbini said Sarawak Energy’s 2025 Scholarship Awards, benefiting 140 students, aim to realise Sarawak’s vision as a renewable energy powerhouse and the ‘Battery of ASEAN’,
“I am pleased to share that 76 per cent of our scholars have found employment in Sarawak Energy, highlighting our efforts in building a sustainable talent pipeline.”
Enhancing the scholarship scheme is the Sarawak Energy Bursary Programme, introduced in 2019 under the Early Bird Talent Scheme, which continues to provide young students with early opportunities to nurture their potential.
To date, it has benefitted 781 secondary school students across 15 schools, with 89 new bursaries awarded in 2025.
Annual revolving education funds of RM1.5 million have also been dedicated to rural community educational needs since 2016.
Sharbini urged the recipients to seize the opportunity.
“Learn as much as you can during your studies so that you may graduate ready to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sarawak.”
The event concluded with an invitation to all scholarship recipients to participate in the Youth Programme during the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 at BCCK next week, providing them with an additional platform for growth and exposure.
