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KUCHING, Sept. 23: Some grew up in the countryside and had to cross a river to go to school, some were raised by farming families and others built their childhood dreams through LEGO and their interest in racing cars.
Today, the different backgrounds bring together three Sarawak youths through PETRONAS Education Support Strengthening Science Sarawak 2026, which opens up opportunities for them to further their studies and develop their potential.
For them, the sponsorship was not just a ticket to university, but an opportunity to prove that origin wasn't a barrier to bringing big dreams, even the knowledge they would have gained to bring home to Sarawak.
Coming from a village in Dalat, Christopher Daniel Zamery never thought that a phone call while at the Ninth State Matriculation College would change his life course.
"I remember when I received the news of the endorsement. I am very happy and excited because I did not think someone like me from the village could get sponsorship", he said as he was met by the media after the PETRONAS Education Support Awards Confirmation of Science Sarawak 2026.
But the excitement was accompanied by a little bit of satiety when she realized her family wasn't there to celebrate the news and her mother, who was the biggest source of motivation, could only share that moment through a phone call.
Christopher's journey was not easy when he had to cross the river for school and stayed in a hostel longer during SPM to ensure his safety.
Financial difficulties after her parents separated were also a challenge, but they did not break her spirit.
Now, Christopher will continue his studies in Chemical Engineering at PETRONAS University of Technology (UTP), with the dream of seeing technology develop more rapidly in Sarawak as well as opening up more educational opportunities to rural children.
For Muhammad Aiman Aliff Samsul, the world of robotics that was initially only present through films like Transformers eventually became his career's focus.
The second of five siblings was raised in a farming family in Bintulu before continuing his schooling at SM Science Miri.
Currently attending the undergraduate program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Aiman will further his studies in Mechatronic Engineering.
According to him, the development of Sarawak's industrial sector has opened up space for mechatronic engineers to contribute through new innovations, including robotics technology that could potentially help address environmental issues.
"If I had succeeded after graduation, I would have returned to Sarawak because now many factories in the province need mechatronic expertise. So I'm going to do my best to give back to the community through innovation", he said.
Meanwhile, for Theodora Pei Ern Huei, interest in Mechanical Engineering began with LEGO, Formula One and race cars.
The only child admitted that his parents were initially somewhat worried about him being away from home to continue his education, but at the same time excited about the opportunities he was given.
Theodora will attend A-Levels at Taylor's College before further studying in Mechanical Engineering in either the United Kingdom or Canada.
With his interest in technology, he wanted to help Sarawak strengthen its position as a semiconductor hub, besides contributing to the digital economy and development of hydrogen energy.
"I also want to contribute to the development of Sarawak's digital economy by 2030 as well as the region's efforts to develop hydrogen energy as one of the main sources of energy in the future", he said.
Despite their accomplishments, the three young men shared another experience: self-doubt.
Theodora, for example, once faced what she described as academic lethargy when facing the SPM exam.
Doubts about self-efficacy eventually led him to seek help from a school counselor and the advice he received remained a holdover to this day: someone is actually capable of achieving more than they think they are.
For all three of them, the success of getting PETRONAS backing wasn't just about academic results either.
Aiman saw the selection process as a space for building leadership, teamwork, communication and discipline, while Christopher emphasized the importance of balance between academics and the curriculum.
Theodora saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to build networks, exposure and industry experience that could prepare her for a future powered by technology.
Their stories reflect how education can be a catalyst for change, not only in the lives of individuals but also to families, communities and the future of countries including Sarawak.
For PETRONAS, education is one of the important efforts to develop future talent, with the belief that investing in today's human beings is also an investment in the future progress of states and countries.
Through its Strengthening Science initiative, PETRONAS continues to provide opportunities for Malaysian children from various backgrounds to develop their potential, build skills and pursue their aspirations.
The effort also reflects PETRONAS' long-term commitment to fostering future talent. Since its introduction in 1975, this educational sponsorship program has benefited over 40,000 Malaysian students, including many from Sarawak. - TVS
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