INSTEP Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme as The Turning Point Episode 4

Perseverance from Day One, Nurul Maisarah Abdul Hakim

At just 13 years old, Nurul Maisarah Abdul Hakim faced the life-changing responsibility of becoming the breadwinner for her family after the loss of her father. As the eldest of three siblings, she stepped up with unwavering resilience and determination, embodying strength beyond her years.

Today, at 24, Maisarah is paving the way to a brighter future not just for herself, but for her family. She recently completed her journey of being part of the Protégé programme at PETRONAS PD&T, after successfully completing INSTEP’s Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) in June 2024. Inspired by her passion for the oil and gas industry, she applied for the programme after discovering the intake advertisement on MAIDAM’s official Instagram account in February 2024.

“I completed my bachelor’s degree despite financial struggle I faced throughout the three years in UMT. My sole motivation was to serve my family and uplift our condition for a brighter future, considering my mother’s income only depended on her part time job as babysitter.”

Maisarah reflects on her time at INSTEP as transformative and deeply inspiring, though it was her first time delving into technical subjects. “In INSTEP, I learnt beyond technical skills. The experience there shaped me as whole person I am now. The instructors were very helpful and knowledgeable, and I aspired to be like them one day.”

The wholesome environment in INSTEP also had left a lasting impression on Maisarah. From the air conditioned rooms and classrooms to the opportunity for hands on practical in lab, workshops and training plant, it allowed the learners to fully focus on upskilling and equipping themselves with technical knowledge conveniently. 

Maisarah sees her training at INSTEP as a foundation that helps her grasp the bigger picture of PETRONAS’ oil and gas operations. She continues to learn and grow, knowing that every step is bringing her closer to her aspirations.

Maisarah’s ultimate goal remains rooted in her family. Her 12-month contract with PETRONAS allows her to support her loved ones, ensuring that her mother and siblings in Terengganu have the financial stability they deserve.

“Every struggle I’ve faced, from losing my father to juggling studies and supporting my family has taught me resilience and gratitude. These experiences shaped me into someone who refuses to give up, not for my own sake but for the people I love and the future I envision.”

Maisarah is one of the 27 graduates from OGWTP Batch 1, that has completed their 4 months training in INSTEP, benefiting from the collaboration between INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM). INSTEP as a technical training center for PETRONAS was assigned by Dana Assyakirin, a trustee body which managed the wakalah fund received from zakat center (MAIDAM) to execute the training programme. These efforts uplift the socio-economic status of the B40 group while addressing industry talent demands.

Perseverance from Day One, Nurul Maisarah Abdul Hakim

At just 13 years old, Nurul Maisarah Abdul Hakim faced the life-changing responsibility of becoming the breadwinner for her family after the loss of her father. As the eldest of three siblings, she stepped up with unwavering resilience and determination, embodying strength beyond her years.

Today, at 24, Maisarah is paving the way to a brighter future not just for herself, but for her family. She recently completed her journey of being part of the Protégé programme at PETRONAS PD&T, after successfully completing INSTEP’s Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) in June 2024. Inspired by her passion for the oil and gas industry, she applied for the programme after discovering the intake advertisement on MAIDAM’s official Instagram account in February 2024.

“I completed my bachelor’s degree despite financial struggle I faced throughout the three years in UMT. My sole motivation was to serve my family and uplift our condition for a brighter future, considering my mother’s income only depended on her part time job as babysitter.”

Maisarah reflects on her time at INSTEP as transformative and deeply inspiring, though it was her first time delving into technical subjects. “In INSTEP, I learnt beyond technical skills. The experience there shaped me as whole person I am now. The instructors were very helpful and knowledgeable, and I aspired to be like them one day.”

The wholesome environment in INSTEP also had left a lasting impression on Maisarah. From the air conditioned rooms and classrooms to the opportunity for hands on practical in lab, workshops and training plant, it allowed the learners to fully focus on upskilling and equipping themselves with technical knowledge conveniently. 

Maisarah sees her training at INSTEP as a foundation that helps her grasp the bigger picture of PETRONAS’ oil and gas operations. She continues to learn and grow, knowing that every step is bringing her closer to her aspirations.

Maisarah’s ultimate goal remains rooted in her family. Her 12-month contract with PETRONAS allows her to support her loved ones, ensuring that her mother and siblings in Terengganu have the financial stability they deserve.

“Every struggle I’ve faced, from losing my father to juggling studies and supporting my family has taught me resilience and gratitude. These experiences shaped me into someone who refuses to give up, not for my own sake but for the people I love and the future I envision.”

Maisarah is one of the 27 graduates from OGWTP Batch 1, that has completed their 4 months training in INSTEP, benefiting from the collaboration between INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM). INSTEP as a technical training center for PETRONAS was assigned by Dana Assyakirin, a trustee body which managed the wakalah fund received from zakat center (MAIDAM) to execute the training programme. These efforts uplift the socio-economic status of the B40 group while addressing industry talent demands.

INSTEP Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme as The Turning Point Episode 3

Episode 3: A Journey in Shaping Technical Career

Firdaus bin Azman, a 19 year-old Terengganu lad, is currently undergoing Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) 2.0 at INSTEP, as a beneficiary for the sponsored programme under collaboration with Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM. As part of the second batch of OGWTP, Firdaus is now gaining hands-on experience through his internship at RB Spectra Sdn. Bhd.

Firdaus doing his routine job of metering reading during his internship.

A graduate of SMA Mahmudiah Kuala Berang, Firdaus earned his Sijil Tamat Pelajaran Sekolah Menengah Agama, a recognition for students who have successfully memorised the Al-Quran during their five years of study. Despite having the option to pursue Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), he chose a different path, venturing into the technical field through OGWTP 2.0 at INSTEP.

Firdaus’ journey into technical education began when he first worked as an air-conditioner technician in Kuala Lumpur after completing his SPM. Though it first started due to his family’s financial constraint, it soon sparked his interest in technical field and continued to fuel his passion to pursue study in TVET-related course.

Inspired by his teachers’ advice that knowledge is vast and one should never limit themselves to a single field, he embraced this transition and is now pursuing a Mechanical course at INSTEP, preparing himself for a future in the technical industry.

Firdaus as graduate from SMA is still actively pursuing religious knowledge during his time in INSTEP.

Beyond academics, Firdaus remains deeply connected to his religious pursuits, actively participating in religious activities during his free time. Guided by his principle of balancing spiritual and academic growth, he leverages INSTEP’s campus environment to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Firdaus and his classmates in front of UDTP, INSTEP.

The Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) serves as a lifeline for the less fortunate, particularly the B40 and Terengganu asnaf communities, offering them a pathway to a brighter future. With participants from diverse backgrounds, including SPM graduates, Tahfiz graduates, and technical diploma holders, the programme is designed to enhance employability and connect these learners with opportunities in the oil, gas, and energy industry within the region.

Episode 3: A Journey in Shaping Technical Career

Firdaus bin Azman, a 19 year-old Terengganu lad, is currently undergoing Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) 2.0 at INSTEP, as a beneficiary for the sponsored programme under collaboration with Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM. As part of the second batch of OGWTP, Firdaus is now gaining hands-on experience through his internship at RB Spectra Sdn. Bhd.

Firdaus doing his routine job of metering reading during his internship.

A graduate of SMA Mahmudiah Kuala Berang, Firdaus earned his Sijil Tamat Pelajaran Sekolah Menengah Agama, a recognition for students who have successfully memorised the Al-Quran during their five years of study. Despite having the option to pursue Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), he chose a different path, venturing into the technical field through OGWTP 2.0 at INSTEP.

Firdaus’ journey into technical education began when he first worked as an air-conditioner technician in Kuala Lumpur after completing his SPM. Though it first started due to his family’s financial constraint, it soon sparked his interest in technical field and continued to fuel his passion to pursue study in TVET-related course.

Inspired by his teachers’ advice that knowledge is vast and one should never limit themselves to a single field, he embraced this transition and is now pursuing a Mechanical course at INSTEP, preparing himself for a future in the technical industry.

Firdaus as graduate from SMA is still actively pursuing religious knowledge during his time in INSTEP.

Beyond academics, Firdaus remains deeply connected to his religious pursuits, actively participating in religious activities during his free time. Guided by his principle of balancing spiritual and academic growth, he leverages INSTEP’s campus environment to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Firdaus and his classmates in front of UDTP, INSTEP.

The Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP) serves as a lifeline for the less fortunate, particularly the B40 and Terengganu asnaf communities, offering them a pathway to a brighter future. With participants from diverse backgrounds, including SPM graduates, Tahfiz graduates, and technical diploma holders, the programme is designed to enhance employability and connect these learners with opportunities in the oil, gas, and energy industry within the region.