LAWAS – A total of 36 participants from Lawas successfully completed the Re-Skilling Community Programme – Digital Marketing Training, organised by PETRONAS in collaboration with CENTEXS. The closing ceremony was held at Dewan Seri Sari, Lawas, on Wednesday.
The initiative, conducted from 2 to 3 December 2025, was designed to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to the oil and gas industry while also broadening opportunities in entrepreneurship and agriculture.
Courses offered included Scaffolding, Mechanical Fitter, OGSP, Digital Marketing, and agricultural training such as Hydroponics, Aquaponics, and Biosecurity in Livestock Farming.
The programme reflects PETRONAS’ commitment to strengthening the socio-economic resilience of local communities, particularly those living near the Sarawak-Sabah Gas Pipeline (SSGP) operations.
The ceremony was attended by Aminul Fadzrin Abdul Rahim, representing the Lawas District Officer, and Dr. Andrew Emparan, Manager of CENTEXS Betong and Deputy Director of General Administration at CENTEXS Mukah.
Organisers highlighted that the programme is especially beneficial for the B40 group, offering them opportunities to upskill and improve household income.
By equipping participants with technical and entrepreneurial expertise, the initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce dependency on traditional income sources.
Since its inception, the programme has shown encouraging results. In 2024, a total of 127 participants from Baram, Lawas, Ulu Limbang, Tinjar, Niah, and Bintulu successfully completed similar training sessions.
The growing number of graduates demonstrates the programme’s impact in building a skilled workforce across Sarawak’s rural areas.
Observers note that PETRONAS’ collaboration with CENTEXS aligns with Sarawak’s broader development agenda, which emphasises human capital development and community empowerment.
By integrating technical training with entrepreneurship and agriculture, the programme ensures participants are equipped with diverse skills that can be applied across industries.
The Re-Skilling Community Programme is expected to continue expanding, with more communities set to benefit from training opportunities in the coming years.
Its focus on inclusivity and practical skills development positions it as a key driver of socio-economic progress in Lawas and beyond.
