KUCHING: PETRONAS continues to open pathways and opportunities for qualified Sarawak students to access quality education while broadening their knowledge and experience through its education sponsorship initiatives.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said such efforts are important in developing a highly skilled, innovative and future-ready workforce to support Sarawak’s development aspirations.
“Through education initiatives such as the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship, PETRONAS continues to open pathways and opportunities for qualified Sarawak students to obtain quality education and broaden their knowledge and experience.
“This is an investment in producing more professionals and future leaders for our state,” he said during the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge Education Sponsorship (PPKES) Award 2026 held here today.
Wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, was around to present the awards to the recipients.
Sagah said education remained an important instrument in transforming lives, strengthening communities and driving the development of Sarawak and Malaysia.
He added that as Sarawak pursued its aspiration of becoming a developed, high-income, prosperous and inclusive state by 2030, it required not only sustained economic growth and technological advancement but also a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting future challenges.
“The success of Sarawak’s development agenda ultimately depends on the quality of its people.
“Our young generation will become catalysts for innovation, strengthen various industries, lead institutions and find solutions to future challenges,” he said.
Sagah stressed that investment in education should therefore be viewed as a strategic investment in human capital rather than merely support for individual achievement.
He also reminded the sponsorship recipients that the assistance represented more than financial support, describing it as recognition of their potential and a vote of confidence in their ability to contribute to society and the State.
He urged the students to make full use of the opportunities provided to acquire knowledge, develop their potential and gain experiences that could broaden their perspectives.
“Be brave in exploring new knowledge and seeking experiences that enrich your perspective and thinking. At the same time, uphold integrity, strong character and identity, and never forget your roots.
“True success is not measured by academic excellence alone. Strong values and character must also be emphasised,” he said.
Sagah also acknowledged the role of parents, guardians, teachers and mentors in supporting the students throughout their educational journey.
He thanked PETRONAS for its continued commitment to empowering Sarawak’s younger generation through education and for its longstanding role as a development partner in Sarawak.
