Ainul Nabilah M Asri

KTC Supports National TVET Agenda, Produces Future-Ready Graduates

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

Twenty more trainees from the PETRONAS-run Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) have graduated from their three-year diploma programme and are transitioning into the workforce across the oil and gas sector as well as other industries.

Receiving their scrolls during convocation ceremony on 23 September 2025, the majority of graduates from the 2022 intake have secured employment since completing their training in June this year, underscoring KTC’s vital role in supporting the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Ts. Azhar Ahmad said KTC has produced 231 graduates since its establishment in 2011, a crucial step forward in transforming the future of Sabahan youths by equipping them with comprehensive TVET skills, practical industrial training and exposure to industrial safety standard.

“Our KTC graduates are expected to uphold high-quality skills standards to ensure global competitiveness, as the TVET pathway is a strategic route focused on skills and building a future-proof workforce, and ultimately contributing to the development of both Sabah and the nation,” he said.

KTC’s comprehensive syllabus plays a crucial role in enhancing individual capability for industrial relevance by providing both theoretical lessons and hands-on practical experience through industrial training at PETRONAS operations such as Kimanis Power Plant, Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd, and PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Sdn Bhd. To ensure the relevance of TVET graduates amidst the digital transformation and cleaner energy transition, sustainability elements that are embedded in PETRONAS values are integrated to KTC’s curriculum.

Extra-curricular activities are also an integral part of student life at KTC, complements academic learning and nurtures social responsibility. The graduates participated in initiatives such as TVET Innovation & Creativity Competition (TICC) 2024 and community services including Program Ihya Ramadhan, Gotong Royong Bersama Komuniti Kimanis, and Jejak TEBENA Program.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arifin presented the graduation files to the trainees, marking a significant achievement in KTC’s objective to equip young people from diverse backgrounds with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.

The total number of trainees selected is designed to represent every district in Sabah, with KTC giving priority to candidates from B40 families. To create a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience, learners are drawn from diverse districts across the state, including rural areas such as Tongod, Kota Belud, Pitas and Ranau. Notably, Sindy Joyce Ambrose, a graduate from Keningau, was honoured as the Best Graduate for the 2022 intake.

KTC is recognised by the Department of Skills Development (DSD) as an Accredited Centre. It offers a three-year, full-time Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM Level 4) in Industrial Instrumentation & Control Systems (Monitoring & Control).

Over the years, PETRONAS has continuously contributed to human capital development and enriching the nation’s energy workforce through the inception of learning institutions including Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), and INSTEP.

Also present at the ceremony was General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.

Receiving their scrolls at convocation ceremony on 23 September 2025, the majority of graduates from the 2022 intake have secured employment since completing their training in June this year, underscoring KTC’s vital role in supporting the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Azhar Ahmad said KTC has produced 231 graduates since its establishment in 2011, a crucial step forward in transforming the future of Sabahan youths by equipping them with comprehensive TVET skills, practical industrial training and exposure to industrial safety standard.

Also present at the ceremony was General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.

Papua New Guineans Learners Celebrate 50th Independence Day at INSTEP

Posted on September 24, 2025September 29, 2025 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

On 16 September 2025, Papua New Guinean learners at INSTEP proudly celebrated their country’s Golden Jubilee with an internal event, sharing their rich culture and heritage with friends and INSTEP community.

Papua New Guinea, which gained independence in 1975, is home to almost 11 million people and more than 850 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

Back home, the Golden Jubilee was celebrated with vibrant songs, traditional dances, cultural showcases, and the raising of the national flag. Echoing that same spirit, the Papua New Guinean learners brought their traditions to life on campus, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

20 Papua New Guinean learners at INSTEP are currently undergoing the Apprentice Training Programme, while another eight are enrolled in the Customised Petroleum Technology Programme for Engineers. Both batches are sponsored by Santos Limited. The Apprentice Training cohort is expected to graduate in June 2026, and the Customised Programme participants are scheduled to complete their training by November this year.

INSTEP had begun actively offering technical learning solutions to Santos Limited engineers and technicians through tailored training courses in 2018, and this has played a crucial role in technical capability development for the company, which formerly was also known as Oil Search Limited (OSL).

Papua New Guinea, which gained independence in 1975, is home to almost 11 million people and more than 850 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

INSTEP Supports Bilateral Relations with Developing Countries through MTCP 2025 Programme

Posted on September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

INSTEP, in collaboration with the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), organised a training from 7–15 September 2025, emphasising the theme of ‘Energy Transition through Sustainability and Technology Approach’, bringing together 17 participants from 10 countries. The programme concluded with a closing ceremony on 12 September 2025 at Perdana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the energy value chain, sustainability practices within the energy sector, and the pivotal role of technology in driving the energy transition, the programme offered a blend of theoretical and practical learning.

It began with a two-day Overview of Petroleum Industry (OOPI) conducted at INSTEP’s Upstream and Downstream Training Plant (UDTP), where participants experienced a simulated real-plant environment under safe conditions.

Subsequent sessions combined classroom learning with experiential exposure through industrial site visits, including the Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Facility and the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE).

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing global knowledge exchange with developing countries for a sustainable energy transition, and INSTEP is proud to serve as the technical training centre delivering this programme,” commented En. Arezudin b. Abdullah, Senior Manager of Technical Learning Solutions, INSTEP.

Celebrating Hari Alam Sekitar Negara 2023 with Batu Rakit Beach Cleaning

Posted on November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

A nationwide celebration for the environmentalist and green enthusiast, Hari Alam Sekitar Negara (HASN) 2023 is celebrated from 20 to 27 October annually. Since its inception in October 1989, HASN has been an annual commemoration by Malaysia Federal Government as its continuous support to educate environment knowledge and instil awareness of environmental conservation and reservation among local community.

Morning sun did not deter the participants to actively clean the shoreline.

Acting as a platform for Batu Rakit neighbourhood to experience ‘Gotong Royong Kutip Sampah Sambil Riadah’ or more famously known as KUDAH, MBKT in collaboration with Department of Environment and UNISZA celebrated HASN with beach cleaning activity at Pantai Batu Rakit.

Armed with trash pickers and plastic bags, 150 participants together with 15 volunteers from INSTEP roamed the Pantai Batu Rakit shoreline, with a mission, to restore the pristine sand beach to be free with trash.

264kg trash were collected throughout the programme.

With almost of 8 million tons of plastic in our ocean worldwide and even more winding up on beaches every day, it is always our duty to combat environmental harm, and beach cleaning is one of the efforts worth the try.

Echoing PETRONAS’ efforts in sustainability while highlighting our social impact branding through engagement with community, this activity served its purpose in celebrating the event, aligned with the theme of ‘Alam Sekitar Tanggungjawab Bersama’.

Morning sun did not deter the participants to actively clean the shoreline.

264kg trash were collected throughout the programme.

INSTEP Elevates Technical Competency for 23 TEP Graduates under MRCSB Sponsorship

Posted on November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

An avenue to celebrate the completion of 23 Technical Energy Enrichment (TEP) learners under Malaysia Refining Company Sdn. Bhd. (MRCSB) sponsorship, an intimate closing ceremony was held recently on 23 October 2023 in INSTEP, Batu Rakit.

The ceremony was filled with a mix of emotions, a sense of pride for the accomplishments achieved, nostalgia for the experiences shared, and anticipation for the future endeavours.

Started their journey since February 2023, the 23 learners from Process, Electrical and Mechanical trade completed their 10-month study after enriching learning journey in INSTEP. The learning block for TEP is Comprised of Competency Based Assessment (CBA) modules, which are based on PETRONAS Occupational Skill Standard (POSS) and complemented with experiential learning at UDTP.

“As a leading downstream company dominating nearly 70% of Malaysia’s marketing, trading, and refining sectors, MRSCB proudly extends a warm welcome to our 23 new graduates. Embrace this opportunity as a pivotal moment in your journey to contribute to our nation’s economic prosperity and join our family in driving positive change,” En. Ahmad Farid b Yaacob, Chief Executive of MRCSB mentioned in his speech.

En. Arezudin delivered his opening remark during the event.

“Keep in mind that as you venture further in your career later on, you will forever carry and represent the esteemed name of INSTEP. Be the exemplary ambassador of our brand, making us proud wherever your path leads,” En. Arezudin, Senior Manager of Technical Learning Solutions 2 mentioned in his speech during the event.

Prideful smiles were reflected on the learners face during the certificate giving session.

The learner’s representative, Muhammad Hafiz Rohan from Process Trade, rallied the progressive spirit from his batch mates through his speech during the event. “Let’s not be afraid to dream big. Our potential is limitless, and the world needs our unique talents, ideas, and contributions. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Instead, let it be the catalyst that propels you forward.”

The learners prepared a special performance during the event.

Ultimately, the event encapsulates the essence of a transformative journey. It is a celebration of accomplishments and an acknowledgment of the hard work invested by the learners throughout the 10 months of their training in INSTEP.

The ceremony was filled with a mix of emotions, a sense of pride for the accomplishments achieved, nostalgia for the experiences shared, and anticipation for the future endeavours.

En. Arezudin delivered his opening remark during the event.

Prideful smiles were reflected on the learners face during the certificate giving session.

The learners prepared a special performance during the event.

INSTEP Enhance Developing Countries Technology Innovation in Oil & Gas Industry through MTCP

Posted on November 7, 2023November 8, 2023 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

INSTEP has once again collaborated with Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) to organise a training session from 9 to 12 October 2023, as part of the collective effort by Malaysian Government to support growth of global talents in the oil & gas industry in developing countries.

MTCP entails prioritising developing countries of strategic interests and is conducted with the aims to share development experience with other countries while strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and other developing countries, and to foster South-South Cooperation (SSC) through technical cooperation among developing countries. This year’s session, INSTEP had received 13 participants from Jordan, Timor Leste, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Cambodia and Philippines.

The participants had the opportunity to test the VR module developed by INSTEP Creative Services team.

Interactive demonstration session with INSTEP Creative Services team to introduce INSTEP products.

The participants were immersed during the lecture conducted by INSTEP Learning Solutions team.

In this year’s theme, the topic centred around the advancement of novel innovation implemented in the energy industry that supports Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0. The programme incorporated theoretical learning in classroom, live demonstrations and simulations. Adding fun to the programme and to loosen up prior to flying back home, the participants visited KLCC Sky Bridge and Observation Deck on their last day in Malaysia.

MTCP participants also stopped by PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd for educational visit.

“Aligned with our programme title for the year 2023, INSTEP play our main role as PETRONAS technical training arm, in retooling human capital equation by designing, developing and delivering fit-for-purpose experiential learning to our learners, to help equip our technical workforce with the right skills and capability to embrace the growth of novel technologies and advancements,” Dr. Azir Salleh, Senior Manager of Learning Experience, INSTEP mentioned in his remark during the closing ceremony for MTCP 2023 that was held at Impiana KLCC Hotel, on 13 October 2023.

Since its inception in 1980, more than 37,000 participants from 144 recipient countries have benefited from various programmes offered under MTCP. INSTEP as one of the leading learning institutions involved in annual programme of MTCP is committed to serve its purpose as technical training centre by conducting capacity building programmes in various key areas of development especially in industrial and technical training.

The participants had the opportunity to test the VR module developed by INSTEP Creative Services team.

Interactive demonstration session with INSTEP Creative Services team to introduce INSTEP products.

The participants were immersed during the lecture conducted by INSTEP Learning Solutions team.

MTCP participants also stopped by PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd for educational visit.

Beyond Boundaries: Appreciating INSTEP’s Inspiring Instructors

Posted on October 22, 2023October 22, 2023 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

A special occasion to commemorate INSTEP Learning Line Facilitators (LLFs), INSTEP Beyond Boundaries: Appreciating Our Inspiring Instructors was held on 25 September 2023, at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. In addition to celebrating the backbone of our energy workforce technical growth, the event also served its purpose by being a platform to promote INSTEP Business Transformation.

En. A. Rushdan M. Ghazali during his sharing on INSTEP Business Transformation.

The session started with an insight on INSTEP Business Transformation by Senior Manager of Learning Resource & Delivery, INSTEP, En. A. Rushdan M. Ghazali. “INSTEP is positioned to deliver technical learning and development within the Capability Development Priority ecosystem for Technical, functional and sustainability aspects,” he highlighted in the sharing.

INSTEP’s offerings to upskill and reskill technical workforce include Technical Certification Solutions (TCS), Executive and Non-Executive Technical Solutions (ETS & NETS), Onboarding Solutions and HSE and Sustainability Solutions (HSESS).

Madam Arwani Abdullah enthusiastically presented in her sharing.

The event continued with a sharing session by Manager of Learning Partner Management, INSTEP, Madam Arwani Abdullah, with her sharing titled ‘Towards Certified Trainers’.

“In our effort to ensure INSTEP delivers high quality programme, we widen our lens, not to only focus on training facilities quality, but also to consider the quality of trainers delivering the training. The trainers should be able to meet the baseline quality standard and remain active, while continuously developing their technical and teaching skills throughout their training careers, according to HRD Corp”, she highlighted in her sharing.

According to HRD Corp, the term ‘trainer’ refers to a professional trainer certified or accredited by them and will be categorised as TTT Certified Trainers, TTT Exempted Trainers, and Accredited Trainers. A training is recognised as HRD Corp claimable in a condition where it is delivered by a certified or accredited trainer, unless exemption is provided.

The last session of the day was a forum session with guest speakers Mr. Jamari M Shah, Custodian of Petrophysics and Technologist Norfalisa Bt Jusoh, Staff of Process Design, together with the moderator in action, General Manager of Learning Academy, INSTEP, Mr. Azhar bin Ahmad.

Mr. Jamari M Shah during the forum session.

Mr. Jamari M Shah shared on his experience of being an instructor while working, which also helped him in incorporating lifelong learning. “In addition to teaching my learners, it also helped me in self-development through understanding the current needs of the industry, amidst the fast-paced changes of technology nowadays.”

Technologist Norfalisa Bt Jusoh during the sharing session.

Meanwhile, Technologist Norfalisa Bt Jusoh shared about her experiences in handling wide group of learners in her class. “In order for me to prepare prior to the class delivery, it all starts with understanding our audience. By doing this, I can identify the best way to cater to individuals’ needs and requirements.”

En. Idris presented appreciation tokens to 5 instructors with top performance, based on number of programmes delivered and rating received from learners.

“In PETRONAS’ transition to renewable energy and lower carbon businesses, our LLFs play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable technical learning solutions, to upskill and reskill our current and future workforces, to help them adapt to new technologies and processes in developing new energy solutions,” INSTEP Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, En. Idris expressed his notion regarding this event.