FOR 18-year-olds Shantosh Tamilchilvan from Johor Baru and Muhammad Danial Asyraf Mohd Irfan from Muar, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are not just subjects they are a lifelong passion and a powerful gateway to discovery.
These fields fuel their dreams, shape their aspirations and inspire them to explore new possibilities for the future.
Their journey has been defined by relentless dedication, determination and the steadfast support of their families.
Their commitment has led them to earn education sponsorships under the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge initiative, setting them on a path toward engineering careers with the Malaysian global energy group.
For Shantosh, the spark of interest in STEM was ignited early in his life. He took on the role of president of his school's STEM club, becoming a beacon of encouragement and support for its members.
Through his leadership, he helped his peers master complex concepts and led them into exciting STEM competitions, fostering a sense of curiosity and collaboration.
His journey was full of sleepless nights and endless curiosity, with each competition and project fuelling his passion.
Whether it was bridgebuilding contests, innovative oil rig designs, STEM carnivals, or fun runs, each experience enriched his understanding and appreciation of the field.
His transformative moment came during the Oil Rig Design Competition at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
"At the competition, I had the chance to speak to a PETRONAS engineer who inspired me to pursue petroleum engineering," Shantosh recalled, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
"He shared how fascinating the field is, even though it is not very popular among students. After that, I began researching and realised it was the perfect match for my love of Mathematics and Physics," he added.
Shantosh's journey is profoundly rooted in the support of his family.
His mother, a constant source of encouragement, instilled in him a deep appreciation for Mathematics.
She always emphasised that a career in STEM would provide limitless opportunities for growth and innovation.
However, the road to success was not without its challenges.
Balancing schoolwork with his passion for STEM required mastering time management.
Realising the importance of balancing academics and co-curricular activities, Shantosh expertly managed his time, seamlessly juggling competitions and studies, with the invaluable support of his mother and teachers.
His determination paid off when he was awarded the sponsorship, a moment he describes as a "dream come true".
Meanwhile, Danial, who obtained 8A+ 1A in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) discovered his calling in STEM through the captivating world of robotics since he was in standard six at primary school.
With access to well-equipped facilities and supportive teachers at Muar High School, he was able to explore the world of coding, which led him to participate in national-level competitions.
His proudest achievement came during the nationwide 2023 Hackathon competition in Melaka, where he developed a website to address data corruption.
"Although website building was not initially in my field of interest, I soon realised I could excel at it," Danial said, adding that Chemistry is his favourite subject.
The journey was not without its struggles.
As the eldest of four, he has been a role model, determined to make his family proud.
Despite facing hardships, such as the passing of his beloved grandfather and the added stress of sitting for SPM without prior experience in public exams, his perseverance never wavered.
"We moved to Muar a few years back to take care of our grandfather. He was one of my main supporters in pursuing STEM," Danial shared as he played an active role as the president of the Science and Mathematics Club during his high school years.
Both students come from families that have deeply influenced their career paths.
While Shantosh's mother nurtured his curiosity in Mathematics from a young age, Danial's uncle, a dedicated professional in occupational safety, opened his eyes to the intriguing world of chemical engineering.
These family bonds serve as a powerful reminder on how a foundation of love and support can inspire young minds to dream big and reach for their fullest potential.
Securing the PETRONAS sponsorship is more than a personal achievement for Shantosh and Danial, it is a source of immense pride for their families, who have supported their dreams from the beginning.
With this sponsorship, they envision a future where they can not only fulfil their ambitions but also give back to the country, contributing to PETRONAS' mission of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"We are grateful to PETRONAS for this opportunity, and we hope to give back to the company and the country. We were thrilled when we received the news, and our parents were happy when they heard about the offer," they expressed in unison, their voices filled with optimism and purpose.
Shantosh and Danial's achievements highlight the importance of STEM education in today's world.
As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, having a strong foundation in STEM is essential for both individual success and societal advancement.
Their journeys stand as an inspiring reminder to all young students that with passion and perseverance, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
As they prepare to step into their future with PETRONAS, they carry with them the dreams of countless young minds who aspire to follow in their footsteps, proving that STEM is not just a pathway to a career; it is a journey toward a better, more sustainable world.
Shantosh and Danial are among 600 outstanding SPM 2023 students benefitting from PETRONAS' RM320 million Powering Knowledge initiative. They were selected from a pool of nearly 6,000 applicants and evaluated based on their academic performance, leadership potential and involvement in co-curricular activities.
Sponsorship recipients will pursue their education at renowned local and international universities, including those in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea and Japan.
PETRONAS group chief human resources officer Ruslan Islahudin said, "The wide range of engineering, digital and business disciplines offered under the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge programme from Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering to Computer Science, Economics, and Law equips our scholars to meet the evolving needs of the industry and society.
"We are confident that these future-ready talents will not only drive excellence within the energy sector but also contribute to the nation's overall growth and progress," he added.
Since 1975, PETRONAS has invested RM3.81 billion in education sponsorships, benefitting more than 39,000 students nationwide.
This commitment reflects the company's dedication to empowering young talent, aligning with its theme of "Continuing the Legacy of Excellence" as it looks toward the future of innovation and leadership.