KOTA KINABALU: The recently concluded BeDigital Bootcamp has helped enhance digital literacy and increase the employability of local undergraduates.
The modules were designed to enhance the university students' job prospects and encourage them to explore digital entrepreneurships.
They included in-demand digital skills, such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as effective presentation skills experienced through a "shark tank pitch".
The 12-day event, organised by Petronas, concluded on a high note for 100 students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and University College Sabah Foundation.
Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun commended the national oil gas company for its dynamic talent development efforts.
"Investing in skills development is not just an investment in individuals or corporations.
"It is also an investment towards progress and prosperity of the state. It is heartening to see the dedication of participants, working teams, trainers and partners here.
"I am confident that such concerted efforts towards a common goal will contribute significantly to our economic growth and development, propelling the state and the nation forward," he said.
Masidi was speaking at the bootcamp's closing ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on March 8.
Present were Petronas board of directors Datuk K.Y. Mustafa and Petronas Malaysia Petroleum Management senior vice-president Datuk Bacho Pilong.
Petronas vice-president of group technology and commercialisation Aadrin Azly said with this bootcamp, students could prepare for jobs and technologies, and resolve future challenges.
"By equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age, we can empower them to become active contributors to Malaysia's growth and development.
"We will continue working with educational institutions, industry players and hiring partners to enable communities with digital skills to help today's students become tomorrow's leaders.
"To achieve this, we have expanded the programme to reach more areas across the country with three more cohorts added this year," he said.
A total of five conditional job opportunities were offered by PETRONAS and the programmes' hiring partners, namely PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, Quorum Software and Wehaya Sdn Bhd.
There are also 17 internship placements provided by PETRONAS, Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel and Wehaya Sdn Bhd.
