Petronas Signs MOU to Fund Chevening Scholarships for Sustainability Studies in UK

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 2024  (Bernama) – PETRONAS and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will see PETRONAS jointly funding the UK Government’s flagship Chevening Scholarship for two Malaysians annually, to pursue a one-year master’s degree on sustainability studies at a top university in the UK.
 
The Chevening Scholarship Programme is aimed at developing future leaders worldwide. It recognises individuals who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their home countries and communities.
 
Representing PETRONAS at the exchange ceremony was Senior Vice President of Group Human Resource Management (GHRM), Farehana Hanapiah, while British High Commission was represented by Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia. Farehana said, “This collaboration with the FCDO through the Chevening-PETRONAS Scholarship Programme underscores PETRONAS’ commitment to nurturing talent especially in the area of sustainable development as part of PETRONAS’ Powering Knowledge initiative. “As we work towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, we need to ensure that our future workforce is equipped with the right competencies and expertise to embrace sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies.”
 
Her Excellency Terry, who is delighted to welcome PETRONAS as a local partner in the Chevening Scholarship Programme, said, “This is the first Chevening partnership between the UK and Malaysia that focuses on environmental sustainability, climate change and low carbon transition. It is a great example of how the UK and Malaysia can join hands in nurturing future generations and working together to achieve sustainability goals.”
 
Chevening celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year and has over 2,000 alumni in Malaysia. The scholarship covers academic tuition fees, including examination and thesis costs, monthly stipends for living expenses and allowances.
 
Celebrating PETRONAS’ 50th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence. This collaboration with the FCDO through the Chevening-PETRONAS Scholarship Programme underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and driving sustainable development as part of the PETRONAS Powering Knowledge initiative.