Petros-JTM sign MoU to establish framework for collaboration with ADTEC JTM

\KUCHING, March 6 2026: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) today formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Manpower Department (JTM) to establish a framework for collaboration with Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC JTM) Miri Campus. 
 

Caption: Exchanging documents between JTM director general Rospiagos Taha (second right) and Petros representative Ismail Said

Through this collaboration, Petros will work across ADTEC campuses in Sarawak to deliver a competency-based, industry-aligned training model aimed at equipping more than 500 Sarawakians in 2026 with high-demand trade skills, including welding, scaffolding, blasting and painting, mechanical fitting, and pipe fitting.

The participants will also obtain industry-recognised certifications such as the Oil & Gas Safety Passport (OGSP) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Green Card.

“As projects under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) continue to progress, the demand for capable and well-prepared talent will grow,” Petros senior vice president for human capital, corporate relations and services Ismail Said at the signing of the MoU.

“This makes collaboration with training partners increasingly important to ensure Sarawakians gain relevant skills, practical exposure and confidence to participate in these opportunities,” he said.

The signing ceremony was attended by Director General of JTM Rospiagos Taha and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Anielia Siam.

The initiative forms part of Petros’ ELEVATE (Empowering Learning, Advancing Talent Employability) – formerly known as the Train & Place programme – which advances a structured pathway from capability building to employment.

Since its inception, the programme has benefited over 500 Sarawakians through industry collaborations supporting the objectives of the SGR and Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by strengthening local technical competencies and workforce readiness.

Job seekers, including Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers seeking to upskill or transition into the industry, are encouraged to contact ADTEC JTM Miri Campus at https://www.ilpmiri.gov.my/ for further information on intake requirements and application procedures, while awaiting the participation of other campuses. Through ELEVATE, Petros reaffirms its commitment to supporting workforce development in Sarawak and expanding access to structured technical training opportunities.

 

 

 

Snowdan: 30 % of village heads in Balai Ringin are women

BALAI RINGIN, March 5 2026: Balai Ringin State Legislative Member (SLM) Snowdan Lawan said that efforts to empower women's leadership in his constituency have  shown positive results, saying that about 30 percent of the Tuai Rumahs (villager elders) are held by women.

Caption: Balai Ringin SLM Snowdan Lawan handing over a packet of bubur lambuk at the partner programme 

"There are 232 villages in my constituency, 30 percent of which are led by female village heads, while the remaining 70 percent are men,” he said at the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) partner programme at Kampung Ensebang Jaya.

"It is one of my efforts to empower women in leadership roles in  Balai Ringin  constituency and I hope that the local community can continue to support their leadership," Snowdan, who is also the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said.

He also stressed that Balai Ringin area needs to continue to be driven by its development in line with the existence of the Pan Borneo Highway which opens up new opportunities for economic growth and local development.

According to him, several major development projects are being planned and implemented for the well-being of the residents in the area.

"Soon, the new Balai Ringin market project worth RM55 million as previously announced will go through the tender process.

"We will also build a new block of the Balai Ringin Health Clinic worth RM1.5 million in addition to the Phase II Southern Region Water Supply Project worth RM260 million which is still ongoing," he explained.

On the partner programme with Ukas, he said it not only serves as a medium for delivering government policies and programmes, but also opens up a space for the people to understand the state's development agenda more clearly.

"Through a grassroots approach such as the partner programme, the local community not only has the opportunity to obtain accurate information on government policies and initiatives, but can also share views and community needs to ensure that the planned development truly benefits the people at the grassroots level," he said.

Also present were Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Ukas special administrative officer  Takun Sunggah, Islamic religious officer of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) Serian Division Ustaz Madihi Jamali, Superintendent of Balai Ringin Sub-District Office Mohd Adam Muslim and Penghulu of Balai Ringin Lama Bumpol area and the head of Ensebang Jaya Village Jamilah Ahmad. 

UTS first university in Malaysia to implement energy-efficient LED lightning technology

SIBU, March 5 2026: Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) has become the first university in Malaysia to implement energy-efficient LED lighting technology along with a lighting automation system to reduce energy consumption on its campus.

Caption: UTS vice chancellor Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid (second right) exchanging MoA documents with Visi Utama Sdn Bhd managing director Henry Kung Sie Ing
 

The initiative was sealed through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between UTS and Visi Utama Sdn Bhd which took place at the university's campus here today.

The agreement was signed by UTS vice chancellor Professor Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid on behalf of the university, while Visi Utama Sdn Bhd was represented by its managing director Henry Kung Sie Ing.

Through the agreement, both parties will collaborate to carry out further studies related to the technology used and evaluate methods for improving the system in the future with the involvement of academic staff and university researchers.

According to Dr Khairuddin, the implementation of the technology is in line with the Green Campus concept implemented by the university, where infrastructure development is always coordinated with the use of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technology.

He said that the initial results after the installation of the new lighting system showed significant energy saving potential on the campus.

“Data obtained from the ‘proof of concept’ project implemented last year showed very positive results.

“A comparison between the existing lighting system and the new device introduced by Visi Utama Sdn Bhd showed a minimum energy saving potential of up to 60 percent.

“For the air conditioning system, the tests conducted showed an energy saving potential of at least 35 percent,” he said.

He added that the data collected through the implementation of the project was very valuable because the system had been practically tested through the installation, measurement and analysis process carried out by the university’s own staff.

“The experience and data obtained at UTS can be a reference for government agencies and the private sector that want to reduce energy consumption costs,” he said.

He added that the initiative also has the potential to be presented to the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications as part of efforts to support the state’s development agenda under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).