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INSTEP Bridges Industry-Academia through Experiential Learning
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INSTEP Bridges Industry-Academia through Experiential Learning

Posted date: 28 July 2026

Preparing future engineers goes beyond the classroom, it requires real-world exposure, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of industry practices.

INSTEP has launched its inaugural customised training programme for Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), providing students with experiential learning that bridges academic knowledge with real-world oil and gas operations. Held at the INSTEP campus in Batu Rakit, Terengganu, the 10-day programme combines classroom learning, hands-on activities, and plant exposure to bridge the gap between theory and industrial application.

The learning journey started with Conversation with INSTEP MD&CEO session by Ts. Azhar Ahmad.

The first cohort features 50 first-year students from the Bachelor of Integrated Engineering (Hons) programme at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), participating in the Industrial Energy Systems & Risk Management programme. The programme introduces students to the energy value chain, fundamental risk management practices, and essential mechanical equipment used in the oil and gas industry.

Upstream Downstream Training Plant Familiarisation introduces participants to the training plant before they take on the Hazard Hunt, where they identify technical errors and potential hazards in a simulated plant environment through hands-on learning.

Throughout the programme, students experience a dynamic learning environment through interactive classroom sessions, workshops and training plants. From simulated plant operations to basic operational and maintenance activities, the students gain practical insights while strengthening their problem-solving abilities and safety awareness in an industrial setting.

The participants during the deployment of specially designed HATCH (Hatchery Automation and Temperature Control for Harvesting) monitoring units by UTP, to support sea turtles conservation.

Beyond technical learning, the participants also were involved in an outreach session with SBPI Batu Rakit and a social impact initiative at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Chagar Hutang, Redang Island, allowing students to connect, contribute, and appreciate the importance of sustainability.

Ts. Azhar Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, INSTEP, emphasised that the programme provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the connection between engineering concepts learned in academia and their real-world applications in the energy industry.

Hands-on learning in the practical workshop reinforces participants' technical knowledge and skills.

“Through this experiential learning approach, students can develop a stronger understanding of industrial operations, safety practices, and the role of future engineers in driving a sustainable energy future,” he remarked in his speech during the engagement session.

Through initiatives like this, INSTEP continues to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and nurture future-ready engineers equipped with the knowledge, mindset, and experiences needed to thrive in the evolving energy landscape.

Preparing future engineers goes beyond the classroom, it requires real-world exposure, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of industry practices.

INSTEP has launched its inaugural customised training programme for Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), providing students with experiential learning that bridges academic knowledge with real-world oil and gas operations. Held at the INSTEP campus in Batu Rakit, Terengganu, the 10-day programme combines classroom learning, hands-on activities, and plant exposure to bridge the gap between theory and industrial application.

The learning journey started with Conversation with INSTEP MD&CEO session by Ts. Azhar Ahmad.

The first cohort features 50 first-year students from the Bachelor of Integrated Engineering (Hons) programme at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), participating in the Industrial Energy Systems & Risk Management programme. The programme introduces students to the energy value chain, fundamental risk management practices, and essential mechanical equipment used in the oil and gas industry.

Upstream Downstream Training Plant Familiarisation introduces participants to the training plant before they take on the Hazard Hunt, where they identify technical errors and potential hazards in a simulated plant environment through hands-on learning.

Throughout the programme, students experience a dynamic learning environment through interactive classroom sessions, workshops and training plants. From simulated plant operations to basic operational and maintenance activities, the students gain practical insights while strengthening their problem-solving abilities and safety awareness in an industrial setting.

The participants during the deployment of specially designed HATCH (Hatchery Automation and Temperature Control for Harvesting) monitoring units by UTP, to support sea turtles conservation.

Beyond technical learning, the participants also were involved in an outreach session with SBPI Batu Rakit and a social impact initiative at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Chagar Hutang, Redang Island, allowing students to connect, contribute, and appreciate the importance of sustainability.

Ts. Azhar Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, INSTEP, emphasised that the programme provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the connection between engineering concepts learned in academia and their real-world applications in the energy industry.

Hands-on learning in the practical workshop reinforces participants' technical knowledge and skills.

“Through this experiential learning approach, students can develop a stronger understanding of industrial operations, safety practices, and the role of future engineers in driving a sustainable energy future,” he remarked in his speech during the engagement session.

Through initiatives like this, INSTEP continues to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and nurture future-ready engineers equipped with the knowledge, mindset, and experiences needed to thrive in the evolving energy landscape.

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