closing ceremony

INSTEP and Hibiscus Petroleum Advance Tomorrow’s Technical Workforce

Posted on February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

Ten participants from Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad were recognised at the closing ceremony of the second batch of the Hibiscus Graduate Technician Programme, held at the Institute of Technology PETRONAS (INSTEP), Kuala Nerus.

Designed to support newly onboarded technicians, the six-month programme equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in upstream operations and maintenance. Through structured, hands-on experiential learning, the programme upskills Hibiscus Petroleum’s workforce while preparing them for a confident transition into the industry upon completion.

The Hibiscus Graduate Technician Programme comprises four intensive technical modules covering Production, Mechanical, Instrumentation and Electrical disciplines. These are delivered through a combination of classroom-based theoretical learning and practical, hands-on training at INSTEP’s Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP), providing participants with exposure to real-world operational environments.

“At INSTEP, we are committed to developing a highly skilled and competent workforce to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry. This strategic collaboration between INSTEP and Hibiscus Petroleum exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening industry expertise,” said INSTEP Chief Executive Officer, Encik Azhar Ahmad.

The programme received positive feedback from participants, who highlighted the value of practical exposure and teamwork. One of the participants, Joshua Raj Rayner, 26, from Sabah, shared that the programme provided a realistic experience of working in an operational plant environment.

“One of my most memorable experiences was during the utility system plant start-up module, which extended beyond an eight-hour shift. The session tested our communication and resilience, while giving us a true sense of real-world operations and strengthening our bond as a team,” he said.

Another participant, Aaron Roy Lawrence, 28, from Selangor, noted that the programme also contributed to his personal growth, allowing him to better understand his strengths and adaptability in a demanding technical environment.

INSTEP continues to play an important role in strengthening the technical capabilities of Hibiscus Petroleum’s workforce. Since the successful completion of the first cohort of 10 technicians in 2024, both organisations have collaborated on a range of upskilling and competency development programmes. These include Advanced Pigging Operations, safety certification under the IECEx Scheme for explosive and hazardous environments (Ex001, Ex007 and Ex008), as well as High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) Switching and Generator Synchronising Practices.

The ongoing collaboration between INSTEP and Hibiscus Petroleum serves as a strong foundation for building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Malaysia, while advancing the development of the nation’s next generation of technical professionals.

10th Batch of INPEX Engineers Completes Training at INSTEP

Posted on November 20, 2025November 20, 2025 by Ainul Nabilah M Asri

INSTEP recently celebrated the successful completion of the 1-Month INPEX HSE – OJT Primary Course Training Programme, held on 6 November 2025, involving 22 engineers from INPEX Corporation, Japan.

The training programme is curated to cater the blended learning approach by incorporating theoretical learning in classroom, practical activities in workshop and hands-on job training at UDTP, giving opportunity for the learners to translate their theoretical knowledge into action.

“As INPEX’s strategic partner, INSTEP is committed to enhancing technical competencies for energy workforce development, ensuring our partners receive the value and skills they need to thrive in the energy industry,” said En. Arezudin Abdullah during his speech at the event.

Throughout their one-month stay, learners not only gained technical knowledge through their learning journey in INSTEP, but also created lasting memories the cultural experiences they enjoyed during their time in Terengganu and Malaysia.

This marks the 10th batch of engineers from INPEX to participate in the HSE – OJT Primary Course Training Programme, alongside an additional five batches who have undergone Process Safety Management (PSM) training at INSTEP.

INSTEP recently celebrated the successful completion of the 1-Month INPEX HSE – OJT Primary Course Training Programme, held on 6 November 2025, involving 22 engineers from INPEX Corporation, Japan.

INSTEP Empowers 153 Technicians with Industry-Ready Skills

Posted on January 6, 2025January 12, 2025 by Wan Asrie Wan Ayu

Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) today concluded the 10-month Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP) with a closing ceremony for the March 2024 intake.

The event, held at Dewan Sri Gelam, INSTEP, marked a significant milestone for 153 graduates who completed the programme. Among them, 24 technicians were sponsored by Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB), while the remaining 129 graduates were sponsored by PETRONAS Operating Units (OPUs) such as Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd (MRCSB), Malaysia LNG (MLNG), PETRONAS Chemical MTBE (PC MTBE), PETRONAS Chemical Derivatives (PCOGD), PETRONAS Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (PFLNG), PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB), and PETRONAS Penapisan Terengganu Sdn Bhd (PP(T)SB).

The certificates to learners were presented by company representatives from Shell Sarawak Berhad, PC MTBE, PFLNG 1 and MRCSB.

Also present during the event were Fauzamsaari Geran, Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE, and Choong Yen Li, General Manager of Sarawak Gas Conventional Oil and Gas Malaysia.

TEP, a pre-employment sponsorship programme, is designed to bridge the competency gaps between diploma holders and industry-level technicians. The March 2024 intake incorporated a comprehensive training approach with blended learning, technical competency interviews, plant visits, and advanced technical workshops. Graduates specialised in critical trades such as Process, Instrument, Mechanical, and Electrical.

The programme leveraged INSTEP’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP), to deliver hands-on practical training alongside classroom sessions and workshops. Graduates also earned essential technical certifications, such as the Authorised Gas Tester and Entry Supervisor for Confined Space (AGTES), and the Authorized Entrant & Standby Person (AESP).

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, Mohamad Nasir, commended the graduates on their remarkable achievements and highlighted INSTEP’s commitment to excellence. “INSTEP remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a highly skilled energy workforce that meets the needs of PETRONAS and the global energy industry. This milestone is a testament to the success of our training programmes, which are strengthened by the unwavering support of our partners, including PETRONAS OPUs and Sarawak Shell Berhad,” he said.

“The March 2024 intake marks the latest achievement in INSTEP’s journey as a preferred training solutions provider for industrial partners. This follows the success of initiatives such as the inaugural Technician Onboarding Programme with Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, which saw 10 technicians graduate in June 2024,” added Mohamad.

For Muhammad Izzuddin bin Zoo, 26, the Terengganu born lad willingly left his freelance instrument and electrical job at multiple companies, after being accepted into INSTEP. “I had a very deep interest in furthering my study at INSTEP, ever since my first application in 2021. I was very grateful to be accepted upon my third application earlier this year,” he said.

Over the past 10 months at INSTEP, Izzudin has seized the opportunity to upskill and enhance his technical competency through a combination of theoretical and practical classes. “The instructors at INSTEP have vast experience and knowledge in their respective fields, and that is incredibly valuable for us to learn and gain insights from them,” he said.

Adlan Hidayat Mohd Sabri, 25, who previously helped his mother at a food stall, seized the opportunity to apply for the TEP program as soon as he saw the intake announcement. Despite holding a diploma in aviation engineering, Adlan faced challenges in securing a job that matched his qualifications, leading him to apply to INSTEP.

“I didn’t expect to complete my studies at INSTEP. This marks a significant milestone in my life, achieving this. It is a golden opportunity for me to enroll in INSTEP and be sponsored by PETRONAS Gas Berhad,” he said.

As one of the few girls in her batch, Ton Nurin Syasya Binti Ton Burhan, 23, navigated the male-dominated 10-month program at INSTEP through sheer effort and determination. Inspired by her father to work in instrument field in PETRONAS, Syasya, one of the youngest in her class, initially struggled with insecurities and a lack of confidence.

“Since most of my classmates are experienced in their own fields, and some were even working prior to joining INSTEP, I had to go the extra mile to keep up,” she shared.

Her determination to stay ahead, despite being both one of the few girls and the youngest in her class, paid off when she successfully celebrated the completion of her 10-month training program at INSTEP today.

Beyond technical training, TEP also emphasises holistic development. Participants engaged in various extracurricular activities, including sports tournaments, hiking trips, talent showcases, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as blood donation drives. The programme also featured motivational and spiritual activities, such as Quran classes for Muslim students.

The closing ceremony was a celebration of the hard work and determination of the graduates while reaffirming INSTEP’s dedication to empowering the next generation of technical talent.