INSTEP to Further Enhance Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment Capability Development Programme through Grant by HRD Corp

PETRONAS together with INSTEP was few of the companies present during the launch of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) Premier Employers Network (PEN), recently held on 17 March 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. PEN is an exclusive initiative designed to provide premier employers within the network with personalised training management solutions and exclusive benefits, under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).

Also present at the event was the representative of Minister of Human Resources, YBhg. Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary General Minister of Human Resource.

As PETRONAS’ technical training arm, INSTEP’s signature training programme for the future technical workforce, the Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP), was highlighted as one of the key initiatives under the Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment (OGSE) Capability Development Programme.

TEP, a structured pre-employment sponsored training programme, is specifically designed to equip learners with essential technical competencies, while embedding sustainability and a generative culture mindset to accelerate their technical careers in the global energy industry. Through TEP, trainees will undergo several months of professionally curated training for both the upstream and downstream sectors at INSTEP’s campus in Batu Rakit, Terengganu.

Under the Future Workers Training Scheme (FWT), INSTEP has received a training grant amounting to RM68.23 million to train 527 trainees up to the year 2027, ensuring future workers transition seamlessly into the energy, oil, and gas sector.

Vice President of PETRONAS Group Human Resource Management, En. Ruslan Islahuddin together with Chief Executive Officer of HRD Corp, Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood.

“Through this training grant, we look forward to further enhancing the Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment (OGSE) capability development programme, with the embedment of sustainability and energy transition elements in our learning modules, supporting the development of sustainable pipeline of skilled technical workforce,” En. Mohamad bin Nasir, Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, remarked on the event.

PETRONAS together with INSTEP was few of the companies present during the launch of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) Premier Employers Network (PEN), recently held on 17 March 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. PEN is an exclusive initiative designed to provide premier employers within the network with personalised training management solutions and exclusive benefits, under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).

Also present at the event was the representative of Minister of Human Resources, YBhg. Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary General Minister of Human Resource.

As PETRONAS’ technical training arm, INSTEP’s signature training programme for the future technical workforce, the Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP), was highlighted as one of the key initiatives under the Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment (OGSE) Capability Development Programme.

TEP, a structured pre-employment sponsored training programme, is specifically designed to equip learners with essential technical competencies, while embedding sustainability and a generative culture mindset to accelerate their technical careers in the global energy industry. Through TEP, trainees will undergo several months of professionally curated training for both the upstream and downstream sectors at INSTEP’s campus in Batu Rakit, Terengganu.

Under the Future Workers Training Scheme (FWT), INSTEP has received a training grant amounting to RM68.23 million to train 527 trainees up to the year 2027, ensuring future workers transition seamlessly into the energy, oil, and gas sector.

Vice President of PETRONAS Group Human Resource Management, En. Ruslan Islahuddin together with Chief Executive Officer of HRD Corp, Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood.

“Through this training grant, we look forward to further enhancing the Oil & Gas, Services & Equipment (OGSE) capability development programme, with the embedment of sustainability and energy transition elements in our learning modules, supporting the development of sustainable pipeline of skilled technical workforce,” En. Mohamad bin Nasir, Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, remarked on the event.

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.

INSTEP Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme as The Turning Point Episode 2

The Journey to Self-Discovery

Once a wallflower, Siti Aisyah Azman, 24, has now flourished to her peak potential. Currently working as a multi-discipline technician at NDE Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Aisyah is a graduate of INSTEP’s Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP). This four-month training programme, a collaboration between INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM), utilises wakalah funds received from the zakat center to benefit B40 youths in Terengganu while addressing industry talent demands.

Aisyah was among the graduates from OGWTP Batch 1.

“When I was in Form 5, I felt lost because I didn’t know what to do next. My family wasn’t well-versed in education pathways. Fortunately, when I pursued my diploma studies, I began to gain exposure to different opportunities,” shared Aisyah.

Holding a Diploma in Digital Design from Kolej Professional Mara Indera Mahkota, Pahang, Aisyah went through the ups and downs of life with resilience. During her internship at a printing company, which later extended into a year-long contract, she began building her learning curve and professional experience.

Aisyah and her friends during her training period in INSTEP.

Initially, Aisyah lacked the confidence to pursue technical training when she joined INSTEP. However, during her four months of training, she not only gained confidence but also upskilled her previously limited technical abilities to become the capable technician she is today.

“One of my core memories at INSTEP was the scaffolding activity. It was the first time I stepped out of my comfort zone. The old me would have shaken and cried trying to do something so challenging, but thanks to INSTEP, I had the chance to grow and improve myself for the better,” Aisyah reflected.

Her journey to INSTEP was far from easy. Going through heavy rain by motorcycle to submit her application at MAIDAM office, her determination never wavered. After completing her studies at INSTEP, Aisyah’s proactive mindset led her to her current role. She began by joining courses offered by her company, aiming to become a plant inspector before taking the necessary exams. Within a month of attending the course, she was offered a one-year contract with the company, where she continues to thrive.

Aisyah is now currently working as a multi-discipline technician at NDE Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Pengerang continues to flourish even more.

Her advice for fellow juniors is to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and acquire new knowledge, as it can serve as a strong foundation for their future. For her, completing her studies at INSTEP opened a wide gate of opportunities, allowing her to explore new career paths, a journey she reflects on with gratitude.

The Journey to Self-Discovery

Once a wallflower, Siti Aisyah Azman, 24, has now flourished to her peak potential. Currently working as a multi-discipline technician at NDE Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Aisyah is a graduate of INSTEP’s Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme (OGWTP). This four-month training programme, a collaboration between INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM), utilises wakalah funds received from the zakat center to benefit B40 youths in Terengganu while addressing industry talent demands.

Aisyah was among the graduates from OGWTP Batch 1.

“When I was in Form 5, I felt lost because I didn’t know what to do next. My family wasn’t well-versed in education pathways. Fortunately, when I pursued my diploma studies, I began to gain exposure to different opportunities,” shared Aisyah.

Holding a Diploma in Digital Design from Kolej Professional Mara Indera Mahkota, Pahang, Aisyah went through the ups and downs of life with resilience. During her internship at a printing company, which later extended into a year-long contract, she began building her learning curve and professional experience.

Aisyah and her friends during her training period in INSTEP.

Initially, Aisyah lacked the confidence to pursue technical training when she joined INSTEP. However, during her four months of training, she not only gained confidence but also upskilled her previously limited technical abilities to become the capable technician she is today.

“One of my core memories at INSTEP was the scaffolding activity. It was the first time I stepped out of my comfort zone. The old me would have shaken and cried trying to do something so challenging, but thanks to INSTEP, I had the chance to grow and improve myself for the better,” Aisyah reflected.

Her journey to INSTEP was far from easy. Going through heavy rain by motorcycle to submit her application at MAIDAM office, her determination never wavered. After completing her studies at INSTEP, Aisyah’s proactive mindset led her to her current role. She began by joining courses offered by her company, aiming to become a plant inspector before taking the necessary exams. Within a month of attending the course, she was offered a one-year contract with the company, where she continues to thrive.

Aisyah is now currently working as a multi-discipline technician at NDE Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Pengerang continues to flourish even more.

Her advice for fellow juniors is to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and acquire new knowledge, as it can serve as a strong foundation for their future. For her, completing her studies at INSTEP opened a wide gate of opportunities, allowing her to explore new career paths, a journey she reflects on with gratitude.

INSTEP Oil and Gas Wakalah TVET Programme as The Turning Point Episode 1

A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Kemerol Harith Daniel Bin Kemerolzeman Su’ut, a 24-year-old former professional hockey player, is currently undergoing a six-month training program at INSTEP as part of the Oil and Gas Wakalah Technical Programme (OGWTP) Batch 2. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM) for their pivotal role in executing the programme.

The youngest of three siblings, Daniel grew up with his single mother after his father’s passing in 2008. With the financial support of his brother, Daniel pursued his passion for hockey at Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ), a premier national sports school, where he meld his discipline over four years, a quality he continues to value deeply in his studies at INSTEP. Although he had the opportunity to play professionally for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Thunder Bolt in 2018, Daniel prioritised education, as he is aware of the challenges and limited opportunities for sustainable growth in Malaysia’s sports sector.

Daniel was among the selected hockey players for SSBJ Thunder Bolt team.

Now, as one of the select learners in the OGWTP Batch 2.0, which commenced in October 2024, Daniel is eager to deepen his knowledge in the mechanical field. The Terengganu born lad aspires to contribute to the state’s energy sector upon graduation in February 2025. Daniel’s ambition is to support his family and give back to the community while balancing his passion for hockey as a part-time coach for MRSM Kuala Berang and the Hulu Terengganu District team. His journey embodies resilience, and dedication, values that will drive him forward in both his professional and athletic endeavours.

Daniel in front of INSTEP Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP)

As for Muhammad Shahrizal Bin Ramli, 18, being one of the youngest in the batch never held him back from standing out in his class. When he received his SPM results last June, he started his post-SPM life as a cooking assistant and ultimately climbing the ladder to become lead chef in a well-established café in Gong Badak.

Shahrizal once worked as a chef at a café in Gong Badak prior joining INSTEP OGWTP.
Shahrizal in front of INSTEP Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP).

Aware that his family is underprivileged in a financial sense, Shahrizal, as the youngest son to wet market wholesaler and a housewife, is determined to take the chance to improve his livelihood, starting from the first step, joining OGWTP in INSTEP. Motivated by a desire to uplift his family’s financial circumstances, he seized the opportunity to join OGWTP at INSTEP as his first step toward a brighter future. Over the course a month at INSTEP, he nurtured his passion for the mechanical field, dedicating himself to study alongside his batchmates and benefiting from the guidance of experienced instructors.

Despite his busy schedule in INSTEP, Shahrizal as the only son living with his parents, he did not neglect his duty to his parents. He spent his weekends helping his father to sell groceries at wet market, a vital source of income that supports their family. His unwavering dedication to both his education and his family wellbeing exemplifies a rare blend of perseverance, and compassion, and a testament to his commitment to transforming his life and honouring the sacrifices his family has made for him.

The inspiring journeys of these two young asnafs, who were given a chance to improve their education lives started from INSTEP, stand as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of opportunity and education. As the preferred technical solutions partner, INSTEP remains committed in its mission to advancing national TVET development and contributing to the Terengganu B40 community through the OGWTP programme. 

A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Kemerol Harith Daniel Bin Kemerolzeman Su’ut, a 24-year-old former professional hockey player, is currently undergoing a six-month training program at INSTEP as part of the Oil and Gas Wakalah Technical Programme (OGWTP) Batch 2. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards INSTEP and Yayasan Pendidikan MAIDAM (YPM) for their pivotal role in executing the programme.

The youngest of three siblings, Daniel grew up with his single mother after his father’s passing in 2008. With the financial support of his brother, Daniel pursued his passion for hockey at Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ), a premier national sports school, where he meld his discipline over four years, a quality he continues to value deeply in his studies at INSTEP. Although he had the opportunity to play professionally for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Thunder Bolt in 2018, Daniel prioritised education, as he is aware of the challenges and limited opportunities for sustainable growth in Malaysia’s sports sector.

Daniel was among the selected hockey players for SSBJ Thunder Bolt team.

Now, as one of the select learners in the OGWTP Batch 2.0, which commenced in October 2024, Daniel is eager to deepen his knowledge in the mechanical field. The Terengganu born lad aspires to contribute to the state’s energy sector upon graduation in February 2025. Daniel’s ambition is to support his family and give back to the community while balancing his passion for hockey as a part-time coach for MRSM Kuala Berang and the Hulu Terengganu District team. His journey embodies resilience, and dedication, values that will drive him forward in both his professional and athletic endeavours.

Daniel in front of INSTEP Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP)

As for Muhammad Shahrizal Bin Ramli, 18, being one of the youngest in the batch never held him back from standing out in his class. When he received his SPM results last June, he started his post-SPM life as a cooking assistant and ultimately climbing the ladder to become lead chef in a well-established café in Gong Badak.

Shahrizal once worked as a chef at a café in Gong Badak prior joining INSTEP OGWTP.
Shahrizal in front of INSTEP Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP).

Aware that his family is underprivileged in a financial sense, Shahrizal, as the youngest son to wet market wholesaler and a housewife, is determined to take the chance to improve his livelihood, starting from the first step, joining OGWTP in INSTEP. Motivated by a desire to uplift his family’s financial circumstances, he seized the opportunity to join OGWTP at INSTEP as his first step toward a brighter future. Over the course a month at INSTEP, he nurtured his passion for the mechanical field, dedicating himself to study alongside his batchmates and benefiting from the guidance of experienced instructors.

Despite his busy schedule in INSTEP, Shahrizal as the only son living with his parents, he did not neglect his duty to his parents. He spent his weekends helping his father to sell groceries at wet market, a vital source of income that supports their family. His unwavering dedication to both his education and his family wellbeing exemplifies a rare blend of perseverance, and compassion, and a testament to his commitment to transforming his life and honouring the sacrifices his family has made for him.

The inspiring journeys of these two young asnafs, who were given a chance to improve their education lives started from INSTEP, stand as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of opportunity and education. As the preferred technical solutions partner, INSTEP remains committed in its mission to advancing national TVET development and contributing to the Terengganu B40 community through the OGWTP programme.