Murphy Gives RM800,000 Scholarship to Sarawak’s Curtin University Students

Monday, 14 January 2008 – Murphy Sarawak Oil Co Ltd, a subsidiary of international oil and gas company Murphy Oil Corporation, has awarded scholarships worth RM800,000 to 13 academically qualified students as part of its educational program to assist students in gaining knowledge and skills in the field of oil and gas technology.

The 13 students, mainly from Sarawak and Sabah, will undertake a two-year diploma course in Process Plant Technology at Australia’s Curtin University of Technology’s offshore campus in Miri beginning this month.

This is the second batch of students sponsored by Murphy following the first batch of 22 who are now entering their final year course.

The course, initiated by Murphy was introduced for the first time in Malaysia in January last year via a collaboration with Curtin University of Technology Sarawak (Curtin Sarawak). The course covers theoretical and technical studies on operating offshore facilities, including on the job training at Murphy’s offshore facilities.

“Developing and nurturing young talents, which includes improving access to higher education, are part of Murphy’s ongoing efforts in supporting the local communities in which we work and live,” said John Blackmore, Senior Production Manager of Murphy Sarawak at the scholarship presentation ceremony.

Blackmore went on to say, “In this regard, we would like to help academically-promising students who don’t have the financial means to pursue tertiary education, and at the same time create good job opportunities for them.”

“This program also helps to enlarge our entry-level pool of prospective employees. It complements the many efforts currently undertaken by Murphy to build a diverse workforce for the future, and help to fill the critical skills we need to remain competitive. On a bigger scale, this program falls in step with the nation’s drive to boost its pool of knowledge workers.”

Meanwhile, Professor John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak said, “This has been a very exciting and rewarding program for Curtin Sarawak. The program itself is tangible evidence of Curtin Sarawak’s commitment to linkages with the corporate sector.”

Dr. Shenbaga Rajaratnam Kaniraj, Director of Research & Development, Curtin Sarawak, revealed that the program builds quality human capital and in addition with the support of companies like Murphy Oil, has strengthened Curtin Sarawak’s research and development capacity.

Also present was Mr Ross McDermott, Program Manager and Brad Shaw, Team Leader Business Development from Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (GippsTAFE). GippsTAFE is one of Victoria’s largest regional TAFE Institute and has developed a strong focus in training for the energy, mining and telecommunications industries.

The scholarship for each of the student will cover tuition fees, textbooks and study materials, accommodation, living and meal allowances and insurance.

About Murphy Oil

Murphy has been operating in Malaysia since 1999 through its three subsidiaries – Murphy Sarawak Oil Co Ltd, Murphy Sabah Oil Co Ltd and Murphy Peninsular Malaysia Cil Co Ltd.. The company, with partner Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, is involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas offshore Sarawak, Sabah and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Currently producing oil from its West Patricia field off Bintulu, Sarawak, Murphy is also the operator of Kikeh, Malaysia’s first deepwater oil production, located off Sabah. Kikeh began production on August 17,2007, only five years from discovery. It has the capacity to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

New students were given a campus tour on their first day

Group photo with scholarship recipients

Group photo with scholarship recipients. (Front row from left: Kenneth Sahol, Bibi Aminah, John Blackmore, YB Lee Kim Shin, Professor John Evans, Ross McDermott & Brad Shaw)

Mr. John Blackmore, Senior Production Manager of Murphy Sarawak Oil Co Ltd) delivering his speech during the ceremony.

John Blackmore (second from right) presenting scholarship award with Ross McDermott, Program Manager of Yallourn Industry Programs of GippsTafe, Australia (first from right) and Professor John Evans (first from left).