Author: Stephanie

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Future Energy Leaders 2025: Shaping the Next Wave of Changemakers

Future Energy Leaders 2025: Shaping the Next Wave of Changemakers

The Future Energy Leaders (FEL) 2025, held on 13–14 June at PETRONAS Leadership Centre (PLC), brought together an inspiring cohort of young professionals committed to shaping Asia’s Just Energy Transition. Hosted by PLC as part of the lead-up to Energy Asia 2025, the two-day programme sharpened leadership capabilities, fostered cross-sector collaboration, and sparked bold ideas to address the region’s energy challenges.

This year’s FEL welcomed 82 participants from across the PETRONAS Group, Energy Asia partners, government agencies, ASCOPE members, GLCs, and industry partners. Representing a truly regional gathering, participants came from Malaysia, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. Most were under 35, bringing diverse perspectives that reflect the leadership needed to drive sustainable and inclusive energy solutions across Asia.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Change

The programme opened with Unconference: Breaking Barriers—an interactive, small-group session where participants, guided by moderators, explored the challenges and opportunities in achieving Asia’s Just Energy Transition. Honest conversations encouraged reflection on how young professionals can champion equitable and inclusive solutions in their organisations.

Adding a creative touch, participants wore outfits featuring sustainability messages—some even handcrafting their own. Prizes were awarded for the most meaningful expressions, energising the room with purpose and personality.
Next, the Insights Exchange panel brought together internal and external subject matter experts, offering practical takeaways on navigating leadership complexity. Panelists included:

Ir. Siti Rafidah Moslim – Senior General Manager, Corporate Sustainability Division, PETRONAS
M. Arien Zackery M. Ritzal – Chief Talent Officer, Gentari
Yin Sern Lim – SEA Energy Lead, Accenture
Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrina Md Nordin – Energy Institute Malaysia
Arshad Nuval Othman – Head of Sustainable Finance, CIMB Islamic

Their insights sparked rich discussion on leadership, sustainability, and systems thinking in action.

The day culminated in The Guardian’s Gambit—a fast-paced simulation challenging participants to balance personal ambitions with economic, environmental, and social trade-offs. The immersive experience encouraged deep reflection on real-world decision-making in the energy sector.

Day 2: Stepping Up with Strategy and Purpose

Day 2 delved deeper into energy transition planning and leadership in action.

The Agents of Change panel explored the role of young professionals in accelerating the Just Energy Transition. Moderated by Syed Muhsin Syed Abdul Hamid (PETRONAS), the panel featured:

Jenny Yang – Head of Global Power, S&P Commodity Insights
Aidil Iman Aidid – Climate Change and Environment Policy Analyst, WWF
Ewanina Hani Mohd Effandie – Founder, Duasen

Their stories of impact and resilience sparked thoughtful conversations on agency, influence, and meaningful leadership.

Participants then collaborated in focused strategy labs to develop bold, realistic JET Masterplans. These sessions pushed teams to navigate complex trade-offs across sustainability, cost, and policy—mirroring real-world energy challenges.

The programme concluded with The Guardians Summit, where participants pitched their strategies to a distinguished Guardian Council:

Wan Sayuti Wan Hussin – Senior General Manager (Strategy, Policy & Regulation), PETRONAS
Dr. Siti Noor Baiti Mustafa – Principal Assistant Director, Energy Division, Ministry of Economy
Peter Godfrey – Managing Director, APAC, Energy Institute

Teams defended their proposals under high-pressure Q&A, sharpening their clarity, confidence, and critical thinking in the process.

“The FEL event was eye-opening, emphasizing that youth leadership is essential to an inclusive just energy transition that leaves no one behind.”
— Richard Miguel, Philippine National Oil Company

“The sessions reinforced the responsibility of youth to take initiative and bring innovative solutions to make the world a better place. Saving the planet inspires transformational action.”
— Sunita, Quaker Chemical India

FEL 2025 closed with a memorable themed dinner, “Guardians of Tomorrow: Ethical Elegance,” where participants expressed their values through fashion—wearing outfits that reflected sustainability, craftsmanship, or personal stories. The evening also marked the official launch of YES Net (Youth for Energy Transition & Sustainability Network)—a new platform designed to foster collaboration between FEL participants, YPC, and beyond. Positioned as more than just a platform, YES Net is a movement that empowers young professionals to lead Asia’s energy transition through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Trailblazers of Tomorrow

Across two transformative days, FEL 2025 fostered a strong, diverse community of young professionals ready to champion change. With sharpened strategies, deeper insight, and a shared commitment to action, these future energy leaders are well-equipped to drive Asia’s Just Energy Transition forward.

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Awards

Proudly Celebrating PLC’s GBI Platinum Achievement

Proudly Celebrating PLC’s GBI Platinum Achievement

PETRONAS Leadership Centre (PLC) is proud to share another remarkable achievement—the prestigious Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum Rating awarded on 10th April 2024. This accolade highlights our steadfast dedication to sustainability, energy efficiency, and green innovation, marking yet another important milestone on our ongoing journey towards environmental excellence.

Building upon our earlier GBI Platinum recognition under the Design Assessment (DA) category (December 2019 – December 2022), this latest award under the Certification & Verification Assessment (CVA) affirms our commitment to advancing sustainable practices throughout our operations. Designed in collaboration with VERITAS Architects and VERITAS Environment, our campus incorporates various innovative green elements, including rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and extensive landscaping to enhance biodiversity and community wellbeing.

PLC achieved the GBI Platinum rating with an impressive 94 points, placing us in the top 4% of buildings evaluated in the Non-Residential New Construction category. Furthermore, our Building Energy Index (BEI) stands at 128 kWh/m²/year, earning us the maximum score of 15 points under the BEI criteria for a Non-Residential New Construction Hotel building. The prestigious award was presented by Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, CEO of GBI.

As we celebrate this achievement, we remind ourselves, “Sustainability is not just about doing less harm—it’s about doing more good.” Each step we take is part of a collective effort to inspire action and innovation, driving PETRONAS closer towards our ambitious goal of Net Zero Carbon Emissions.

We sincerely thank everyone who played a role in this success. Your dedication continues to help us build a sustainable legacy, ensuring a cleaner, greener world for future generations. Let’s keep moving forward together, innovating and inspiring sustainability.

Hezlinn Idriss, CEO of PLC (left), receiving the GBI Platinum Award from Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, CEO of Green Building Index.
 
Hezlinn Fariss Idris, CEO of PLC, and Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, CEO of GBI, with the GBI Platinum Award at the PLC. Also pictured are M. Syarin M. Yussof, Min Edina Mustapha Kamal, Shazlina Shahriman, Masalina Ujang, Redzuan A. Hamid, and Nur Farhana from PLC; Azril Jaafar, Amirah Athirah, and Nurdiana Mohd Nor from GBI; and Lee Qian Yi, Farah Hanis, and Ahmad Thibri Mashri from VERITAS.
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Awards

Sustainability in Action: PETRONAS Leadership Centre Earns National Energy Award 2024.

Sustainability in Action: PETRONAS Leadership Centre Earns National Energy Award 2024.

This year, we’re honoured to be recognised as the 2024 National Energy Award (NEA) Winner in the Energy Efficiency: Tropical Building Category. This award acknowledges our continuous efforts to integrate energy-efficient solutions and environmentally responsible architecture. It reflects Malaysia’s broader commitment to a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions future by 2050, a pledge made at COP26.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (PETRA), the NEA highlights organisations that are making measurable progress in sustainability. With 134 submissions this year from sectors including healthcare, government, and private industry, competition was intense. Only 25 winners were selected, of which 20 of them had the honour of representing Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) 2024, where PLC competed and won in the same category.

Hezlinn Idris, CEO of PETRONAS Leadership Centre (4th from left), receiving the National Energy Award 2024 on behalf of PLC.

A Celebration of Sustainable Tropical Design

The Energy Efficiency: Tropical Building Category recognises structures specifically designed for tropical climates—buildings that reduce energy consumption while ensuring occupant comfort. In previous years, this honour has been awarded to respected institutions such as Johor Port Authority, setting a high benchmark. PLC stood out for its holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that energy conservation, natural ventilation, and environmentally responsible design are central to its operations.

Designed as a holistic exploration of environmentally friendly architecture, the campus embodies PETRONAS’ aspirations for low-carbon initiatives. From site planning to integration with landscape elements, every design choice was made with sustainability in mind.

Our design aligns with the strict NEA criteria for the Tropical Building Category, including:

  1. Efficient Use of Space: Our building exceeds the 500 sqm GFA requirement, optimising space while reducing energy use.
  2. Passive Cooling: With air-conditioning covering less than 50% of GFA, natural ventilation is prioritised to cut energy demand.
  3. Tropical Design: Smart shading, energy-efficient materials, and cross-ventilation reduce reliance on artificial cooling.
  4. Renewable Energy: Solar panels help lower dependency on conventional energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint.
  5. Innovation Recognition: Honouring commercial and institutional spaces with scalable, high-impact sustainability solutions.
Winners of the Energy Efficiency Category at the National Energy Award 2024. Hezlinn Idris (8th from left) represents PETRONAS Leadership Centre.

At PLC, we recognise that sustainability is an ongoing effort. We remain committed to advancing our energy-efficient initiatives, continuously learning, and improving to ensure our building operates at the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

Here’s to a future where sustainability is not just celebrated but actively pursued. At PLC, we don’t just build energy-efficient spaces—we create an environment that fosters the highest learning experience and a true convergence of minds. Join us in shaping the future of leadership and sustainability.

Let’s continue making meaningful progress—together!

PETRONAS Leadership Centre from aerial view.
Categories
Awards

Sustain-A-Ripple: Mudball River Revival – Creating Splashes of Lasting Impact

Sustain-A-Ripple: Mudball River Revival – Creating Splashes of Lasting Impact

On 28 September 2024, Sungai Air Hitam at Kampung Dato Abu Bakar Baginda, along with PETRONAS Leadership Centre (PLC), simultaneously became the hearts of a collective effort to contribute to river health. In celebration of World Rivers Day, the Sustain-A-Ripple: Mudball River Revival event brought together volunteers, students, and local organisations to make a splash—quite literally!

With sustainability as one of PLC’s core pillars, this event, part of the Sustain-A-Ripple initiative launched in March 2024, was more than just talk; it was about action. This initiative doesn’t just focus on sustainability within PLC, but also intended to extend its efforts to the surrounding community.

Sustain-A-Ripple: Mudball River Revival happening concurrently at Taman Rekreasi Tasik Baginda and PLC.

On the day of the event, two groups set off in different locations, yet both were united in their mission to improve the health of Sungai Air Hitam and the PLC lake. Equipped with gloves, smiles, and a shared sense of purpose, participants tossed over 2,500 EM (Effective Microorganism) mudballs into the water, each one acting as a small but powerful tool to restore the health of these water bodies.

Wondering how a simple mudball could impact river health? The fact is that these were not just ordinary dirt clumps. They were made from a unique concoction of microorganisms, soil, husk, brown sugar, and rainwater, ingredients that work together to break down pollutants. The microbes within the mudballs digest harmful substances, contributing to a cleaner, healthier river over time.

At PLC, students from SMK Dato Abu Bakar Baginda, SMKA Maahad Hamidiah, and Institut Penilaian Negara (INSPEN), as well as PLC staff and their children, didn’t just learn about facts on mudballs, they also rolled up their sleeves and made their own mudballs. Over 600 of these “little environmental warriors” were made for future river revival.

Students from neighbouring schools and PLC staff bonding over the fun and messy process of making mudballs.
Hassina Bibi Gulam Nabi, Head of Learning Campus & Experience, joined by PLC staff and enthusiastic school students tossing mudballs into the PLC lake.

Meanwhile, at Sungai Air Hitam, volunteers from neighbouring organisations and local authorities, such as TNB Integrated Learning Solution (ILSAS), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Majlis Perbandaran Sepang (MPS), Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Sepang (JPS Sepang), Institut Semarak Felda (ISEF), and the Department of Environment Sepang (DOE Sepang), joined the effort. Together with PLC staff and the villagers of Kampung Dato Abu Bakar Baginda, the day was spent cleaning the river, plogging—picking up litter while jogging, and tossing the EM mudballs into the river and retention pond. Beyond the physical act of cleaning the river, the event also aimed to foster a sense of community, uniting people from all walks of life for a common cause.

The beam of excitement on participants as they toss mudballs into Sungai Air Hitam and the nearby pond.

While the mudballs were working their magic, there was also a big focus on learning and raising awareness on sustainable practices. EcoCare, the environmental experts behind the EM mudballs, gave participants a deep dive into how these tiny balls help clean our waterways. Additionally, our friends from PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad shared some lesser-known facts about the benefits of used cooking oil and how to manage it responsibly, proving that sustainable practice is all about the small things that add up to big change.

It wasn’t all work and no play. The atmosphere was filled with energy as participants connected with nature and each other. The event turned into a day of bonding, not just within the walls of PLC, but with the wider community—a chance to get a little muddy and have fun while making a meaningful difference.

Participants bonded through river cleaning and plogging, connecting with each other as they contributed to the wellbeing of the community.

This Sustain-A-Ripple: Mudball River Revival may have been just one event, but it is a small step towards lasting impact through collective actions. Whether you are a student, a teacher or a commoner, everyone had a role to play. PLC believes that every tossed mudball, every piece of trash collected, created ripples that will continue to spread.

#SmallActsBigImpact #SustainablyPLC