KUCHING, Aug 29: Since its launch in 2014, Sarawak Energy has invested RM102 million in scholarships and bursaries, benefiting more than 1,325 young Sarawakians, including those from rural communities, in pursuing tertiary education locally and abroad.
This long-standing commitment continues to support education and nurture local talent through the flagship Sarawak Energy Scholarship Programme.
Celebrating its new cohort of 140 outstanding scholars today, this year’s recipients were selected from a competitive pool of 1,756 applicants.
Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili congratulated the scholars at the Sarawak Energy Scholarship Award 2025 ceremony, highlighting that selections were based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and co-curricular involvement.
“In line with Sarawak Energy’s inclusivity values, about 20 percent of this year’s scholars come from communities near our projects in Mukah, Bintulu, Kapit, Belaga, Baram, and Lubok Antu.
“Our programme has enabled many Sarawakians to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in STEM fields, including sustainability, renewable energy, and computer science with AI and software engineering, both locally and overseas. The initiative balances merit with diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all,” he said during the ceremony held at a hotel.
Since its inception, the scholarship programme has also supported 194 employees through the Continuing Education Programme, allowing them to advance their studies while contributing to Sarawak Energy’s operations.
“This initiative has become a vital platform for Sarawakians to pursue higher education and meaningfully contribute to the State’s growth, particularly in the energy and sustainability sectors,” he added.
Sharbini highlighted that Sarawak Energy has doubled its annual scholarship allocation, from RM8 million at launch to RM16 million in 2022, while introducing enhanced monthly and digital allowances. Additionally, Sarawak Energy has dedicated RM1.5 million annually in revolving education funds to support rural communities near its projects, with about RM5.7 million disbursed since 2016.
Among the new scholars, 18-year-olds Aaron Gonzales Encau Sirai and Joelle Marissa Hii shared their excitement and gratitude.
Aaron, from Long Malim Kenyah, Sungai Tegulang in Belaga near Murum, is pursuing a foundation in Engineering at Curtin University.
“Coming from a rural village, I never imagined I could pursue my dream of becoming an engineer without burdening my family. This scholarship motivates me to work harder and give back to my community,” he told DayakDaily.
Joelle, from Kuching, is completing her A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM in Selangor and hopes to study electrical and electronic engineering overseas.
“I was shocked and grateful when I received Sarawak Energy’s conditional offer. I look forward to returning to Sarawak and giving back to Sarawak Energy, the community, and my parents,” she shared.
“Receiving this scholarship is truly humbling. It enables me to enhance my knowledge while reinforcing my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the company,” Romaniga said.
Through these initiatives, SEB continues to power young minds, fostering inclusive growth and equipping Sarawakian talents with the skills to shape a sustainable and innovative future.
Celebrating its new cohort of 140 outstanding scholars today, this year’s recipients were selected from a competitive pool of 1,756 applicants.
Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili congratulated the scholars at the Sarawak Energy Scholarship Award 2025 ceremony, highlighting that selections were based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and co-curricular involvement.
“In line with Sarawak Energy’s inclusivity values, about 20 percent of this year’s scholars come from communities near our projects in Mukah, Bintulu, Kapit, Belaga, Baram, and Lubok Antu.
“Our programme has enabled many Sarawakians to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in STEM fields, including sustainability, renewable energy, and computer science with AI and software engineering, both locally and overseas. The initiative balances merit with diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all,” he said during the ceremony held at a hotel.
Since its inception, the scholarship programme has also supported 194 employees through the Continuing Education Programme, allowing them to advance their studies while contributing to Sarawak Energy’s operations.
“This initiative has become a vital platform for Sarawakians to pursue higher education and meaningfully contribute to the State’s growth, particularly in the energy and sustainability sectors,” he added.
Sharbini highlighted that Sarawak Energy has doubled its annual scholarship allocation, from RM8 million at launch to RM16 million in 2022, while introducing enhanced monthly and digital allowances. Additionally, Sarawak Energy has dedicated RM1.5 million annually in revolving education funds to support rural communities near its projects, with about RM5.7 million disbursed since 2016.
Among the new scholars, 18-year-olds Aaron Gonzales Encau Sirai and Joelle Marissa Hii shared their excitement and gratitude.
Aaron, from Long Malim Kenyah, Sungai Tegulang in Belaga near Murum, is pursuing a foundation in Engineering at Curtin University.
“Coming from a rural village, I never imagined I could pursue my dream of becoming an engineer without burdening my family. This scholarship motivates me to work harder and give back to my community,” he told DayakDaily.
Joelle, from Kuching, is completing her A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM in Selangor and hopes to study electrical and electronic engineering overseas.
“I was shocked and grateful when I received Sarawak Energy’s conditional offer. I look forward to returning to Sarawak and giving back to Sarawak Energy, the community, and my parents,” she shared.
“Receiving this scholarship is truly humbling. It enables me to enhance my knowledge while reinforcing my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the company,” Romaniga said.
Through these initiatives, SEB continues to power young minds, fostering inclusive growth and equipping Sarawakian talents with the skills to shape a sustainable and innovative future.