Author name: yayasan editor

KOTA KINABALU, 4 June 2025 – Access to clean water has become a reality for the villagers of Kampung Tinata Ulu in Kota Belud, Sabah, after the successful completion of a gravity-fed water supply and rainwater harvesting system supported by Yayasan PETRONAS and implemented by Taylor’s University. Located about 80 km from here, the village had relied since 2010 on an outdated gravity water supply system that could not support both household and farming needs. However, this is now a thing of the past for the community of over 200 villagers, who are looking forward to a better life ahead. Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan PETRONAS Shariah Nelly Francis said, “Access to clean water has long been a critical need for this community. It is our hope that the completion of this project will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the community here.” Village Security and Development Committee Chairman for Kampung Tinata, Hadlee Panchai, said “The new water supply system has changed our lives for the better. We used to hold gotong-royong every week just to repair the pipes, which disrupted the villagers’ daily efforts to earn a living. We are grateful for this contribution.” The newly installed system includes a four-kilometre gravity-fed water pipeline and central storage tanks, with a total capacity of 3,600 gallons (13,630 litres). In addition to providing a reliable water supply, the 18-month project, which saw Taylor’s University collaborate with Sabah-based non-governmental organisation Hopes Malaysia, introduced sustainable farming practices and shared relevant skills to the residents, to enable them to manage the system independently over the long term. The villagers adopted a hands-on approach in assembling the gravity-fed water system at the main water source and installing rainwater harvesting in their homes upon receiving training from Hopes Malaysia.The initiative is part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat (MEKAR) programme, which aims to empower communities by addressing basic needs and offering skills and entrepreneurship development training to villagers. This marks Yayasan PETRONAS’ second clean water supply project in Sabah under the MEKAR programme following a 2022 initiative in Pitas that benefited 200 families across five villages. In 2017, PETRONAS also provided gravity-fed water supply solutions to Kampung Patiu, Kampung Katud and Kampung Pulutan in Kota Marudu.

TAMBUNAN, 9 May 2025 – Yayasan PETRONAS launched its Uplifting Lives Festive programme on 1 May, in conjunction with the state-level launch of the month-long Kaamatan celebration at Pisompuruan Hall here.  As part of the programme, Yayasan PETRONAS is contributing food packages to 500 recipients, including 200 from Tambunan, selected by its implementation partner, the Sabah Social Welfare Department (JPKA).  To mark the start of the initiative, State-Level Kaamatan Main Committee Chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, presented food packages to five Tambunan recipients during the event.  The remaining packages for Tambunan will be distributed by JPKA in the coming days, with additional deliveries scheduled throughout the month to recipients in Tongod, Kepayan, and Manggatal.  PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office General Manager, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab, said Uplifting Lives Festive is part of an ongoing effort to support communities in need during key festive seasons in Malaysia, including Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, Gawai, Deepavali, and Christmas.  “This contribution is about easing the load for families who may be struggling, especially during Kaamatan. Through Yayasan PETRONAS, we hope to bring some comfort and joy during this festive period,” she said.  The Kaamatan launching ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.  Issued by:  Media Communications  Group Strategic Communications  PETRONAS 

PUTRAJAYA, 6 May 2025 – Yayasan PETRONAS recently contributed RM8 million towards the enhancement of science labs for 100 schools under its flagship education programme, Program Duta Guru (PDG).   The contribution aims to create a conducive learning environment to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) including provision of essential laboratory equipment and trainings for laboratory assistants.   At a symbolic handover ceremony to the Ministry of Education (MoE), its Director-General Datuk Haji Azman Haji Adnan said, “This initiative will ensure that school science labs are well-equipped for STEM activities, with laboratory tools such as fume hoods, digital microscopes and ripple tanks provided.”  The handover ceremony was held in conjunction with the commencement of the PDG Cohort 6. Under PDG, the programme aims to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and mindset to become highly effective in the STEM field. The enhancement of science labs is envisioned to support PDG in encouraging greater interest and enhancing students’ competency in the STEM field.   Yayasan PETRONAS CEO Shariah Nelly Francis shared, “We are hopeful that our contribution towards the enhancement of science labs will enable teacher to better deliver engaging lessons that can effectively promote students’ exploration in STEM. This fully supports our Program Duta Guru which aims to train and coach teachers to better integrate STEM into classroom.”  This year, PDG Cohort 6 recorded the highest enrolment of over 800 Duta Guru or teacher ambassadors. Upon completion of the two-year programme, Duta Guru will have the opportunity to apply for the Duta Guru Fund of up to RM20,000 to carry out STEM-related projects within their school or community.  To date, PDG has 901 Duta Guru graduates from 145 districts across the nation, including 27 who have received the Duta Guru funding.  Recruitment for Cohort 7 will open from July to September 2025 for STEM teachers nationwide, equipping them with the skills to deliver high-quality STEM education.  Issued by:  Yayasan PETRONAS 

Kuala Lumpur, 31 March – Yayasan PETRONAS brings festive joy to 4,850 families nationwide through the distribution of essential food items and festive packs via its Uplifting Lives Festive (ULF) Initiative. The festive packs include festive cookies sourced from entrepreneurs participating in the MEKAR (Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat) Programme under Yayasan PETRONAS. Nationwide distribution of essential food items and festive packs began early March, ensuring communities enjoy a meaningful Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with the support of these food items and cookies. The contributions were made possible in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and PETRONAS’ regional offices. Yayasan PETRONAS Chief Executive Officer, Shariah Nelly Francis said, “This joyous festive occasion is celebrated with togetherness and gratitude. We aim to spread festive joy and uplift communities across the nation through our Uplifting Lives Festive Initiative.” The Uplifting Lives Festive programme is part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ effort to support community well-being and development across Malaysia. Issued by:Yayasan PETRONAS

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December – Yayasan PETRONAS is spreading festive cheer through its contribution of essential and festive food items to underprivileged communities across the nation during the Christmas season, as part of its Uplifting Lives Festive (ULF) initiative.  The festive packs, comprising both essential and festive food items, will be distributed to 2,350 families in 11 states across Malaysia to meet the needs during the celebrations. As part of celebrating Christmas, the festive cookies included in the packs were sourced from entrepreneurs participating in the MEKAR (Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat) Programme under Yayasan PETRONAS.   The contributions were made in collaboration with the Welfare Department and PETRONAS’ regional offices.  CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS, Shariah Nelly Francis said, “Spreading festive cheer through acts of kindness has a profound positive impact on bringing people together and fostering a sense of unity. Through our Uplifting Lives Festive, we aim to uplift communities by giving back to those in need and spreading joy to those celebrating, creating an increased sense of community and togetherness for all.”  Yayasan PETRONAS has distributed festive food items to a total of 11,850 families this year during major festive celebrations, including this Christmas initiative.  The Uplifting Lives Festive programme is part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ community well-being and development focus area.   Issued by: Yayasan PETRONAS

Tanjong Karang, 24 September 2024 – Yayasan PETRONAS, selaku cabang impak sosial PETRONAS bersama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) melalui Bahagian Pembangunan dan Penyelidikan Dasar Pendidikan, telah melancarkan Hab STEM Program Duta Guru (PDG) untuk meningkatkan pendekatan pembelajaran dalam bidang Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan, dan Matematik (STEM), serta Geografi. Majlis pelancaran ini telah dirasmikan oleh Menteri Pendidikan, Fadhlina Sidek. Yayasan PETRONAS diwakili oleh Ketua Pengawai Eksekutif Yayasan PETRONAS, Shariah Nelly Francis, dan Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Pendidikan Malaysia, Zainal Abas turut serta melawat Hab STEM PDG Tanjong Karang. Hab STEM adalah inisiatif di bawah Program Duta Guru untuk menyediakan ruang kepada komuniti guru bekerjasama dengan lebih rapat bagi memastikan pelaksanaan kurikulum STEM yang lebih mantap dan relevan dengan keperluan masa kini. Dengan pengisian teknologi dan alat bantu mengajar terkini, inisiatif ini turut berperanan untuk menyokong pembelajaran STEM buat jangka masa panjang. Pada tahun ini, Hab STEM sedang dibangunkan di Pusat Kegiatan Guru (PKG) Tanjong Karang, Selangor, PKG Bukit Besar, Terengganu dan PKG Miri, Sarawak. Shariah Nelly berkata, “Hab STEM PDG ini bertujuan untuk menyediakan kemudahan kepada guru, terutamanya Duta Guru, untuk memenuhi keperluan dalam menyampaikan kurikulum STEM yang berkesan dengan memberi sokongan peralatan bantu mengajar dan program latihan untuk meningkatkan produktiviti mereka”. “Oleh itu, besar harapan kami agar para guru dapat menggunakan ruang tersebut secara optimum dan berkala agar dapat dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya untuk tujuan memperkasakan pendidikan STEM.” tambahnya. Sehingga kini, PDG telah memberikan sokongan kepada lebih daripada 1,394 guru STEM dari 145 Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) di seluruh Malaysia. Sejak pelancaran PDG, sebanyak 499 guru dari Kohort 1, Kohort 2, dan Kohort 3 telah berjaya menamatkan program ini dengan cemerlang dan dianugerahkan gelaran “Duta Guru”. Tahun ini, PDG telah memasuki Kohort 6, dengan sasaran lebih 1,020 guru baru, di mana pendaftaran masih dibuka sehingga 30 September 2024. “Memperkasakan Ilmu” – Program Duta Guru, sebuah inisiatif pendidikan di bawah Yayasan PETRONAS, adalah kerjasama antara Yayasan PETRONAS dan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia melalui Bahagian Perancangan dan Penyelidikan Dasar Pendidikan, bersama Teach For Malaysia dan Petrosains sebagai rakan pelaksana. Dilancarkan pada tahun 2019, program ini bertujuan untuk mengukuhkan kemahiran 4,500 orang guru teladan dalam Kemahiran Berfikir Aras Tinggi (KBAT) dalam penyampaian subjek Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan, dan Matematik (STEM) kepada pelajar.

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 September – Yayasan PETRONAS has taken an important step into the conservation of marine ecosystems through a Seagrass Mapping and Community-Based Programme, after inking two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) and Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC) covering the mapping of seagrass meadows in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, respectively. The first phase of the programme, which will run for two years is set to kick off in Johor and Sabah where seagrass meadows form critical habitats for marine biodiversity. The MoUs with DOF and SaBC were signed on 12th September and 26th July, respectively. Shariah Nelly Francis, CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS shared that, “This programme, under our environmental pillar, aims to promote and advance environmental conservation in Malaysia, particularly in seagrass conservation. We are committed to implementing initiatives that not only protect the environment and conserve seagrass ecosystems in Malaysia, but also strengthen community resilience in facing future climate challenges.” Shariah Nelly added that studies and research through comprehensive seagrass mapping will not only contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem management. Furthermore, mapping of seagrass meadows will also provide essential data that will serve as the groundwork for conservation plans. Additionally, the partnership with DOF and SaBC will also engage in educational and awareness initiatives for local communities, highlighting the significance of seagrass ecosystems and their vital role in supporting both environmental health and community wellbeing. “Seagrass mapping is one part of the programme. The other critical part of this programme is to involve communities living along the seagrass meadows to become stewards, inculcate a sense of responsibility and assist in efforts to protect this important habitat,” she said. Issued by:Yayasan PETRONAS

MELAKA, 15 Ogos 2024 – PETRONAS, melalui Yayasan PETRONAS, terus memperkukuhkan komitmennya dalam misi membantu mangsa banjir di sini melalui program “Memacu Kehidupan: Bantuan Bencana 2024”, dengan kerjasama Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Daerah Alor Gajah. 180 Pakej Prihatin, yang mengandungi barangan asas seperti air mineral, selimut, tuala mandi, makanan, biskut, sabun mandi, berus dan ubat gigi, dan kotak penyimpanan barang telah diserahkan kepada Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) baru-baru ini, untuk diagihkan kepada sembilan Pusat Pemindahan Sementara  bagi keluarga yang terjejas di Masjid Tanah. Sumbangan Kad Hadiah PETRONAS juga telah disampaikan kepada Pegawai Daerah Alor Gajah, selaku Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Daerah Alor Gajah, untuk disalurkan ke pihak agensi kerajaan yang terlibat. Sumbangan itu bertujuan untuk memudahkan pihak agensi kerajaan membeli minyak petrol dan diesel di stesen minyak PETRONAS, serta barangan lain yang diperlukan dalam operasi menyelamat mangsa banjir. Pengurus Besar PETRONAS Wilayah Selatan, Mohd Zaki Dato’ Haji Mahat berkata, “Kami berharap sumbangan ini dapat bantu meringankan beban mangsa-mangsa banjir di Masjid Tanah, serta memudahkan pihak agensi kerajaan yang terlibat, dalam mengendalikan situasi ini.” “Kami juga ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada semua anggota sukarelawan dan pasukan penyelamat yang berganding bahu memastikan mangsa banjir selamat tiba di Pusat Pemindahan Sementara,” katanya lagi. Secara keseluruhan, Yayasan PETRONAS telah menyalurkan 10,000 Pakej Prihatin kepada keluarga terjejas di seluruh negara sejak akhir tahun 2023. Sumbangan ini merupakan sebahagian daripada inisiatif tahunan  PETRONAS yang disampaikan mengikut keperluan bantuan bencana. Dikeluarkan oleh:  PETRONAS   

TAWAU, 2 Aug 2024 – Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Wallace Bay in Pulau Sebatik, off here, is poised to receive improved internet connectivity, benefiting up to 25 teachers and 293 students, under a community initiative by Yayasan PETRONAS.  The initiative aims to provide improved internet connectivity at the school and extend it to the broader and nearby communities on the island in the future.   It was launched by State Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, accompanied by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong, underscoring the significance of improved internet connectivity at the school.  Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin said, “Today marks a significant milestone for SMK Wallace Bay as it is now equipped with improved internet connectivity. This will undoubtedly open new horizons for the students, providing them with invaluable resources and opportunities for a brighter future. I am happy to note that this initiative is also in line with my ministry’s efforts in expanding internet access and coverage in Sabah, and minimising digital divide.”  Datuk Ir Bacho said, “Education is crucial for securing a better future. With the rapid advancement of technology, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education cannot be overstated. We believe that digital connectivity can enhance students’ learning experiences and support teachers in their educational efforts. This is one of PETRONAS’ initiatives to ensure we progress collectively as a nation.”  The event also featured Torch One of the nationwide PETRONAS 50 Homecoming tour making a stop at the school, honouring the indomitable spirit to overcome challenges and strive for success, exemplified by Datuk Ir Bacho himself, a native of Pulau Sebatik.  SMK Wallace Bay is also home to Azrinsyah Abdul Aziz, a teacher enrolled in Program Duta Guru, a flagship education programme by Yayasan PETRONAS, that aims to strengthen the capabilities of 4,500 STEM teachers nationwide, serving schools with a majority of underserved students, by 2030.  “Through Yayasan PETRONAS we are committed to supporting educators like Cikgu Azrinsyah at SMK Wallace Bay, who are dedicated in nurturing the next generation of leaders and problem solvers,” Datuk Ir Bacho added.  The community internet initiative comes as part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ commitment to uplifting communities across Malaysia via its three pillars – Education, Community Well-being and Development, and Environment.   By addressing the critical need for reliable internet connectivity in remote areas, the Foundation intends to empower local communities with access to greater educational resources.   Issued by: Yayasan PETRONAS 

KUALA TERENGGANU, 28 July 2024 – Yayasan PETRONAS, in collaboration with the Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) and the Terengganu State Education Department, has launched the Terengganu Eco Schools Programme, in an effort to foster environmental consciousness and active participation in conservation efforts among students in the state.   Jelani Sulong, Director of Terengganu State Education Department said: “We are proud to support the Terengganu Eco-Schools Programme, which aligns with our mission to provide a holistic education to students. This initiative equips students with the knowledge and skills to champion sustainability within their communities and foster behaviours that will bring about positive change to the environment.”   Shariah Nelly Francis, Chief Executive Officer at Yayasan PETRONAS shared: “Yayasan PETRONAS is pleased to support this initiative towards integrating sustainability into education through the Terengganu Eco-Schools Programme. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing a generation that values and protects Terengganu’s natural heritage.”   In a pioneering move, the Terengganu Eco-Schools programme is engaging special needs schools for the first time, including Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Besut and Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Kuala Terengganu among the 50 schools involved in the programme. “This initiative ensures that the voices of special needs students are heard and valued. It also highlights the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. We believe these students bring unique perspectives and they too can contribute significantly to the environmental movement.” Shariah shared.   Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of GGAF said “The Terengganu Eco-Schools Programme is a testament to the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By prioritising environmental education, we are not only raising awareness but also inspiring students to become active participants in conserving our planet.”  About Green Growth Asia Foundation    Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) is an international civil society organization advocating for the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations (UN) and headquartered in Melaka, Malaysia. GGAF is the national operator for the Eco-Schools Malaysia program, appointed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Established in 2015, GGAF supports holistic impact and drives change through education, aligning with national and global sustainability targets.  About Eco-Schools Malaysia    The Eco-Schools program is an educational initiative aimed at encouraging young people to engage in environmental issues and sustainability by providing them with opportunities to actively protect the environment through identified, designed, and implemented eco projects within school premises. Through this program, students can better understand environmental concepts, thereby enhancing their awareness, experience, and interest in environmental education.  Issued by:Yayasan PETRONAS