SIPITANG: A thousand students from 29 schools in the district received a boost through Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd’s annual “Back-to-School” programme over the weekend.
Sipitang member of parliament Datuk Sapawi Ahmad handed schoolbags and stationery to 25 primary schools and four secondary schools here on Saturday.
The programme was part of Petronas Chemical’s core sustainability priorities in education, community wellbeing and development. The initiative was also under “Program Sentuhan Ilmu” by national oil company Petronas to promote human capital development in communities where the group operates. This is in support of the government’s effort to nurture a holistic learning experience and improve the overall academic performance of rural schoolchildren.
The Back-to-School programme also saw the company organising Mathematics and Science workshops for 200 Year One to Five pupils, and teachers from 21 schools in the area.
The Back-to-School programme was earlier held in Kertih and Labuan in July and August, respectively.
The final programme for the year will be held in Gurun, Kedah at the end of this month.
At the presentation of schoolbags and workshop certificates, Petronas Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Kamis Manap spoke about the crucial role of businesses in leading education in communities, an initiative that had been a core strategy of Petronas for many years.
“Aside from developing the petrochemical industry for the country, we would like to see the communities that live in the vicinity of our operations grow and prosper with us.
“Over the years, we have developed some meaningful programmes to empower and nurture communities to elevate their standard of living.
“We hope they will benefit from the positive change Petronas is bringing to Sipitang.
“The people of Sipitang are important to us. Through the Back-to-School programme, we provide annual assistance of school supplies to equip the students with necessities to improve their academic performance.
“We see this as an opportunity to improve their lives and create meaningful changes in the community,” he added.
Since its listing in 2010, the petrochemical entity of Petronas has given substantial funding to support education.