PRESTIGE 2025: Nurturing Malaysia’s Future Energy Leaders

^{Students attending MGA’s panel session on “Natural Gas: Clean & Efficient Source of Energy and its Role as Transition Fuel” during SOGCE 2025, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world energy transition discussions.}


KOTA KINABALU, July 7 (Bernama) -- For decades, Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) has nurtured young talents to fuel Malaysia’s future energy ambitions. This legacy continues through the Programme on Energy Sustainability, Transition, and Insights to Graduates (PRESTIGE 2025), which equips the next generation with critical knowledge, industry exposure and career readiness as Malaysia advances its energy transition.

Held from 1st to 3rd July in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, PRESTIGE 2025 brought together over 60 final-year students from universities across Sabah and Sarawak—including Universiti Tuanku Abdul Razak, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Tunku Abdul Rahman Management and Technology University, Curtin University Sarawak and Universiti Teknologi Sarawak for a comprehensive learning experience.

Equipping Students with Future-Oriented Energy Knowledge

PRESTIGE 2025 exposed students to Malaysia’s evolving energy landscape, with sessions covering:

• Energy Transition & Malaysia’s Net Zero Aspirations

• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Principles

• Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) in Oil & Gas

• Ethics & Compliance in the Workplace

• Career Insights & Industry Readiness

Students gained a valuable understanding of the crucial role natural gas plays in Malaysia’s energy transition, alongside growing renewable energy sources in alignment with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the upcoming Natural Gas Roadmap (NGR).

This year’s programme also featured various industry expert speakers from the Energy Division of the Ministry of Economy, PETRONAS, Dialog Berhad, Sabah Energy Corporation and ExxonMobil, who shared valuable knowledge with the young graduates.

Firsthand Industry Exposure at SOGCE 2025

The highlight for this year was the student visit to the Sabah Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition (SOGCE 2025), where they directly witnessed industry discussions on energy security, innovation and sustainability.

They also attended MGA’s high level plenary session on “Natural Gas: Clean & Efficient Source of Energy and its Role as Transition Fuel”, where Khairulanwar Zakaria, MGA Secretary General and industry leaders explored the role of gas as a reliable and flexible energy source supporting Malaysia’s Net Zero goals.

Additionally, a study visit to SBH Kibing Solar New Materials was conducted, where students were granted exclusive, firsthand access to learn about the intricate operations involved in producing solar glass. This included observing round the clock utilisation of natural gas to power the manufacturing process and students are given hands-on exposure, which helps them to integrate their academic learning with real industry dynamics.

Preparing the Next Generation for the Evolving Gas Industry

“MGA has long recognised that ensuring Malaysia’s energy future starts with nurturing young talents.” Through PRESTIGE, we are preparing the next generation of energy professionals to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors while ensuring Malaysia remains resilient in the face of future energy security challenges. Natural gas, expected to make up 56% of Malaysia’s energy mix by 2050, will continue to play a central role in our transition.” said Abdul Aziz Othman, President of MGA.

He added, “PRESTIGE is a significant milestone that bridges academic knowledge with industry exposure, values that are needed for success in Malaysia’s evolving gas industry in this energy transition journey.” Abdul Aziz concluded.

Decades of Impact, Now with a Future Focus

Since its inception in 2008, PRESTIGE has engaged thousands of students across Malaysia, becoming a key platform to inspire careers in energy. With a blend of technical education, career readiness and direct industry immersion, PRESTIGE 2025 reflects MGA’s continued commitment to developing future-ready energy professionals—equipping them to continue Malaysia’s responsible energy transition for decades to come.

Attachment:

1. Access press kits at this link -> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dnJmWdXD8AY9Q7aCCUrTNEHFHoLB9WTW?usp=drive_link
2. Photo 1 caption - Students attending MGA’s panel session on “Natural Gas: Clean & Efficient Source of Energy and its Role as Transition Fuel” during SOGCE 2025, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world energy transition discussions.
3. Photo 2 caption - Students visiting SBH Kibing Solar New Materials, observing the production of solar glass powered by continuous natural gas utilisation in the manufacturing process.

About MGA:
Founded in 1986, the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) is the nation’s lead advocate for the natural gas industry, playing a prominent role in promoting engagement, discourse and dialogue with key stakeholders to develop a vibrant and sustainable gas industry, to fuel Malaysia's socio-economic growth. With 150 corporate members, MGA champions natural gas as a clean and efficient source of energy, to drive demand and increase industry participation.

Website: www.malaysiangas.com
Twitter: @MGA_Official1

SOURCE: Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Nabilah Zulkefli
Tel: +60 12 349 9596
Email: nabilah@malaysiangas.com

--BERNAMA