From Baram to PETRONAS: Local boy’s success story proves education can uplift families

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 3: The success story of local Baram son Joshua Ling Zhong Yie, who rose from a humble background to become a manager with PETRONAS Carigali, Sarawak Asset in Miri, stands as a powerful testament that education can change the course of a family’s future.

Speaking during the launch of PETRONAS Empowering Knowledge Programme: Discover PETRONAS @ School Baram held in SMK Telang Usan, Marudi on June 30, PETRONAS senior general manager of Stakeholder Relations, Strategic Relations and Group Communications Khairuddin M Jaafar said Ling’s journey reflects the impact of education and the importance of long-term investment in youth.

“Today, we are proud to present one of Baram’s own, Joshua Ling, an alumnus of PETRONAS’ education sponsorship programme. He now serves as a manager at PETRONAS Carigali, Sarawak Asset in Miri. He is proof that education can transform the future of a family

“We hope that his story will inspire students here to keep striving and pursuing their dreams,” he said in his speech text when addressing over 200 students from SMK Telang Usan and SMK Marudi.

The event was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.

Khairuddin said the programme aims to cultivate interest among rural students in science, technology, energy, oil and gas through fun, interactive sessions.

Activities included simple experiments such as building solar-powered fans and cube circuits, giving students hands-on exposure to real-world technology applications.

“This initiative not only introduces technology practically but also aims to spark students’ curiosity and passion for fields related to energy, oil and gas,” he said.

The Discover PETRONAS @ School programme is part of the company’s wider sustainability agenda aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.

Since its inception in 2013, the programme has benefited over 30,000 students nationwide.

“In Sarawak alone, it has been implemented in areas such as Sri Aman, Lawas, Miri, Gedong, and Kapit. Today, we bring that same spirit to Baram.

“We believe education is an investment in the future. Through strong collaboration with the Sarawak Education Department, we aim to support the State’s goal of nurturing competitive talent who are ready to contribute to Sarawak’s sustainable development,” hevadded.

Khairuddin also extended his appreciation to all who made the event a success, particularly the Sarawak Education Department, Baram District Education Office, SMK Telang Usan, Petrosains, and the dedicated PETRONAS team.

“May today’s efforts bring long-term benefits to the youth of Baram and open new pathways for them to realise their potential and build brighter futures,” he concluded. — DayakDaily

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