KTC Supports National TVET Agenda, Produces Future-Ready Graduates

Twenty more trainees from the PETRONAS-run Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) have graduated from their three-year diploma programme and are transitioning into the workforce across the oil and gas sector as well as other industries.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif delivered his officiation speech.

Receiving their scrolls during convocation ceremony on 23 September 2025, the majority of graduates from the 2022 intake have secured employment since completing their training in June this year, underscoring KTC’s vital role in supporting the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Ts. Azhar Ahmad delivered his speech during the event.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Ts. Azhar Ahmad said KTC has produced 231 graduates since its establishment in 2011, a crucial step forward in transforming the future of Sabahan youths by equipping them with comprehensive TVET skills, practical industrial training and exposure to industrial safety standard.

 

“Our KTC graduates are expected to uphold high-quality skills standards to ensure global competitiveness, as the TVET pathway is a strategic route focused on skills and building a future-proof workforce, and ultimately contributing to the development of both Sabah and the nation,” he said.

KTC’s comprehensive syllabus plays a crucial role in enhancing individual capability for industrial relevance by providing both theoretical lessons and hands-on practical experience through industrial training at PETRONAS operations such as Kimanis Power Plant, Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd, and PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Sdn Bhd. To ensure the relevance of TVET graduates amidst the digital transformation and cleaner energy transition, sustainability elements that are embedded in PETRONAS values are integrated to KTC’s curriculum.

Graduation scrolls being presented during the convocation ceremony.

Extra-curricular activities are also an integral part of student life at KTC, complements academic learning and nurtures social responsibility. The graduates participated in initiatives such as TVET Innovation & Creativity Competition (TICC) 2024 and community services including Program Ihya Ramadhan, Gotong Royong Bersama Komuniti Kimanis, and Jejak TEBENA Program.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arifin presented the graduation files to the trainees, marking a significant achievement in KTC’s objective to equip young people from diverse backgrounds with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.

The Best Graduate of 2022 shared her journey and expressed gratitude through her speech.

The total number of trainees selected is designed to represent every district in Sabah, with KTC giving priority to candidates from B40 families. To create a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience, learners are drawn from diverse districts across the state, including rural areas such as Tongod, Kota Belud, Pitas and Ranau. Notably, Sindy Joyce Ambrose, a graduate from Keningau, was honoured as the Best Graduate for the 2022 intake.

Group photos of the graduates to commemorate their achievement.

KTC is recognised by the Department of Skills Development (DSD) as an Accredited Centre. It offers a three-year, full-time Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM Level 4) in Industrial Instrumentation & Control Systems (Monitoring & Control).

Over the years, PETRONAS has continuously contributed to human capital development and enriching the nation’s energy workforce through the inception of learning institutions including Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), and INSTEP.

Also present at the ceremony was General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.

Twenty more trainees from the PETRONAS-run Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) have graduated from their three-year diploma programme and are transitioning into the workforce across the oil and gas sector as well as other industries.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif delivered his officiation speech.

Receiving their scrolls at convocation ceremony on 23 September 2025, the majority of graduates from the 2022 intake have secured employment since completing their training in June this year, underscoring KTC’s vital role in supporting the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Azhar Ahmad delivered his speech during the event.

Chief Executive Officer of Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP), Azhar Ahmad said KTC has produced 231 graduates since its establishment in 2011, a crucial step forward in transforming the future of Sabahan youths by equipping them with comprehensive TVET skills, practical industrial training and exposure to industrial safety standard.

 

“Our KTC graduates are expected to uphold high-quality skills standards to ensure global competitiveness, as the TVET pathway is a strategic route focused on skills and building a future-proof workforce, and ultimately contributing to the development of both Sabah and the nation,” he said.

KTC’s comprehensive syllabus plays a crucial role in enhancing individual capability for industrial relevance by providing both theoretical lessons and hands-on practical experience through industrial training at PETRONAS operations such as Kimanis Power Plant, Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd, and PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Sdn Bhd. To ensure the relevance of TVET graduates amidst the digital transformation and cleaner energy transition, sustainability elements that are embedded in PETRONAS values are integrated to KTC’s curriculum.

Graduation scrolls being presented during the convocation ceremony.

Extra-curricular activities are also an integral part of student life at KTC, complements academic learning and nurtures social responsibility. The graduates participated in initiatives such as TVET Innovation & Creativity Competition (TICC) 2024 and community services including Program Ihya Ramadhan, Gotong Royong Bersama Komuniti Kimanis, and Jejak TEBENA Program.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arifin presented the graduation files to the trainees, marking a significant achievement in KTC’s objective to equip young people from diverse backgrounds with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.

The Best Graduate of 2022 shared her journey and expressed gratitude through her speech.

The total number of trainees selected is designed to represent every district in Sabah, with KTC giving priority to candidates from B40 families. To create a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience, learners are drawn from diverse districts across the state, including rural areas such as Tongod, Kota Belud, Pitas and Ranau. Notably, Sindy Joyce Ambrose, a graduate from Keningau, was honoured as the Best Graduate for the 2022 intake.

Group photos of the graduates to commemorate their achievement.

KTC is recognised by the Department of Skills Development (DSD) as an Accredited Centre. It offers a three-year, full-time Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM Level 4) in Industrial Instrumentation & Control Systems (Monitoring & Control).

Over the years, PETRONAS has continuously contributed to human capital development and enriching the nation’s energy workforce through the inception of learning institutions including Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), and INSTEP.

Also present at the ceremony was General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.

KTC’s Kaamatan Festival Fosters Stronger Bonds Among Diverse Cultures

Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) hosted a lively Pesta Kaamatan celebration earlier this month, bringing together staff and students for a great time. Delegates from INSTEP management team, led by En. Azhar Ahmad, Head of the Learning Academy, also attended the event.

En. Alfie Mahathir, Manager of KTC, emphasized Sabah’s rich diversity in terms of both race and culture during his opening remarks. “More than 36 recognized races and more than 52 distinct dialects are found in Sabah. Despite these distinctions, Sabahans find ways to respect one another’s cultural history and cooperate to achieve common goals.”

On the other hand, En. Azhar in his speech praised KTC for the outstanding performance shown by fellow learners in terms of academic. “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated staff working behind the scenes”. He also added that he was deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality from the people at KTC during his visit on 3 & 4 July 2024.

En. Azhar also had the honour to launch the newly developed KTC Exhibition Bunting, which will be utilised extensively in exhibitions, seminars, and conferences to elevate KTC’s status as a local technical talent developer in the state of Sabah.

Maintaining the theme of cultural diversity, the remainder of the festival featured Sugandoi performances by fellow students; a singing competition featuring traditional Kadazan Dusun songs; and traditional customs celebration to round off the joyous occasion.

Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) hosted a lively Pesta Kaamatan celebration earlier this month, bringing together staff and students for a great time. Delegates from INSTEP management team, led by En. Azhar Ahmad, Head of the Learning Academy, also attended the event.

En. Alfie Mahathir, Manager of KTC, emphasized Sabah’s rich diversity in terms of both race and culture during his opening remarks. “More than 36 recognized races and more than 52 distinct dialects are found in Sabah. Despite these distinctions, Sabahans find ways to respect one another’s cultural history and cooperate to achieve common goals.”

On the other hand, En. Azhar in his speech praised KTC for the outstanding performance shown by fellow learners in terms of academic. “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated staff working behind the scenes”. He also added that he was deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality from the people at KTC during his visit on 3 & 4 July 2024.

En. Azhar also had the honour to launch the newly developed KTC Exhibition Bunting, which will be utilised extensively in exhibitions, seminars, and conferences to elevate KTC’s status as a local technical talent developer in the state of Sabah.

Maintaining the theme of cultural diversity, the remainder of the festival featured Sugandoi performances by fellow students; a singing competition featuring traditional Kadazan Dusun songs; and traditional customs celebration to round off the joyous occasion.