| Daniel Lim |
HIGHER education institutions help shape students, equip them and make them capable ahead of the important role of ensuring they are ‘industry-ready’. Meanwhile, the industry can provide and impart knowledge beyond theory as well as practices, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) Development Studies Manager cum Chief Geologist Mariana binti Omar said.
She made these comments during a lecture series aimed at encouraging and preparing young Bruneian engineers to work in the energy sector at the Politeknik Brunei School of Science and Engineering’s Satellite Campus in Lumut, Belait District yesterday.
“Collaboration between industry and higher education institutions such as Politeknik Brunei is important for both parties. It is okay to give us a hard time by asking questions and even challenging us – because we want to see that drive, ambition and urge to know more, because those skills will keep you resilient throughout your programme. Brunei needs strongly driven young Bruneians to foster the future,” Mariana added.
The lecture series, organised by BSP, also aimed to share industry experience and best practices to help students build a network and maximise employment opportunities.
Eighty engineering students were present.
Fourteen lectures are planned throughout this year, which represents the second set of industry lectures with the first one started in March at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).
BSP’s Head Production Technology for East Asset Chandran Peringod shared an overview of the energy business and gave an outlook of job opportunities.
Stephanie Chow from Schlumberger, Francisco Padilla from Baker Hughes and Dean Sullivan from Weatherford also shared their experiences.
Their companies have acquired a global presence and could be among the students’ potential future employers.
The lecture series is one of BSP’s mission to provide continuous support to the wider community through social investment, which includes education programmes, and achieve Brunei Vision 2035.