INSTEP Bridges Industry-Academia through Experiential Learning

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.

INSTEP And UTP Formalise Strategic Partnership to Future-Proof PETRONAS’ Human Capital

INSTEP and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of three Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), reinforcing a shared commitment to future-proof PETRONAS’ human capital.

Signing ceremony of the MoAs between INSTEP and UTP.

The MoAs comprise the INSTEP–UTP Collaboration Agreement, the Learning Agreement for Industrial Energy Systems and Risk Management, and the Collaboration Agreement for the Southeast Asia Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre (SEA-METEC) Project.

This strategic collaboration reflects a unified commitment between INSTEP and UTP to elevate national technical capabilities, strengthen industry–academia integration, and future proof Malaysia’s and PETRONAS’ talent pipeline in line with evolving energy landscape demands.

The agreements were signed by Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, Ts. Azhar Ahmad, and President and CEO of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan.

The event was also attended by Pn. Akmal Niza Bt Ahmad, Senior General Manager Education & Human Capital Investment, PETRONAS.

The event was also in attendance of Pn. Akmal Niza Ahmad, Senior General Manager Education & Human Capital Investment (EHCI), PETRONAS, who witnessed the signing ceremony between the two institutions. Her attendance underscored the strategic importance of this collaboration, marking a significant step towards deeper integration as learning arms under PETRONAS.

Key areas of cooperation include capability development and training, joint course development and third-party programme offerings, access to facilities and technical resources, as well as staff exchange and industrial placements.

“Through the signing of this MoAs today, we foresee stronger alignment between academia and industry, enhancing operational readiness through competency-based training that meets evolving industry demands and future energy challenges,” remarked Ts. Azhar Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP.

Students from Bachelor of Integrated Engineering, UTP had the valuable opportunity to engage in an impromptu discussion with the CEO of INSTEP, gaining insightful perspectives on industry expectations for graduates entering the workforce.

As PETRONAS’ technical learning arm, INSTEP remains committed to addressing both current and future industry challenges. By leveraging the combined strengths, resources, and expertise of INSTEP and UTP, this partnership is set to accelerate research, enhance capability development, and deliver practical, industry-driven solutions. INSTEP and UTP joint role as host sites for the development of SEA-METEC further underscores this commitment and our readiness to advance technological innovation in the region.

INSTEP and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of three Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), reinforcing a shared commitment to future-proof PETRONAS’ human capital.

Signing ceremony of the MoAs between INSTEP and UTP.

The MoAs comprise the INSTEP–UTP Collaboration Agreement, the Learning Agreement for Industrial Energy Systems and Risk Management, and the Collaboration Agreement for the Southeast Asia Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre (SEA-METEC) Project.

This strategic collaboration reflects a unified commitment between INSTEP and UTP to elevate national technical capabilities, strengthen industry–academia integration, and future proof Malaysia’s and PETRONAS’ talent pipeline in line with evolving energy landscape demands.

The agreements were signed by Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP, Ts. Azhar Ahmad, and President and CEO of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan.

The event was also attended by Pn. Akmal Niza Bt Ahmad, Senior General Manager Education & Human Capital Investment, PETRONAS.

The event was also in attendance of Pn. Akmal Niza Ahmad, Senior General Manager Education & Human Capital Investment (EHCI), PETRONAS, who witnessed the signing ceremony between the two institutions. Her attendance underscored the strategic importance of this collaboration, marking a significant step towards deeper integration as learning arms under PETRONAS.

Key areas of cooperation include capability development and training, joint course development and third-party programme offerings, access to facilities and technical resources, as well as staff exchange and industrial placements.

“Through the signing of this MoAs today, we foresee stronger alignment between academia and industry, enhancing operational readiness through competency-based training that meets evolving industry demands and future energy challenges,” remarked Ts. Azhar Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of INSTEP.

Students from Bachelor of Integrated Engineering, UTP had the valuable opportunity to engage in an impromptu discussion with the CEO of INSTEP, gaining insightful perspectives on industry expectations for graduates entering the workforce.

As PETRONAS’ technical learning arm, INSTEP remains committed to addressing both current and future industry challenges. By leveraging the combined strengths, resources, and expertise of INSTEP and UTP, this partnership is set to accelerate research, enhance capability development, and deliver practical, industry-driven solutions. INSTEP and UTP joint role as host sites for the development of SEA-METEC further underscores this commitment and our readiness to advance technological innovation in the region.