Shell and UNIMAS inks collaboration through MOU on research & talent development

KUCHING, 28 March 2016 – Shell Malaysia, through Shell MDS Sdn. Bhd. (“SMDS”), today strengthened its partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (“UNIMAS”), the state’s premier public university, through a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for research and talent development.

The MOU will see UNIMAS conduct product research for the use of SMDS-produced SARAWAX in 3D-printing as well as lightweight concrete. SARAWAX is a specialty wax developed by SMDS in Bintulu, sold both locally and internationally, and is widely used in industrial, commercial and consumer applications. The MOU will also focus on developing and upskilling undergraduates through programmes such as internships and pre-employment preparation.

UNIMAS has collaborated with Shell since the 1990s, when Shell contributed RM2 million for a Shell Research Chair at UNIMAS, focusing on biodiversity and environmental conservation. This next step in working together clearly demonstrates the strength of our research capabilities and Shell’s human capital development. Shell and UNIMAS have also partnered on a Dolphin Research Project with the Sarawak Forestry Cooperation and on an ecological study for the establishment of Piasau Nature Reserve in Miri, Sarawak.

Witnessing the signing ceremony was Sarawak State Secretary, YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Hj Abdul Ghani, who is a board member of UNIMAS’ Board of Directors, at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia. Signing of behalf of UNIMAS was its Vice Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim bin Suaidi, and Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Associate Professor Dr Othman bin Bojo. Also present are Deputy Vice Chancellors, Professor Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman and Professor Dr Kopli Bujang.

Tom Wong, General Manager of SMDS Sdn Bhd, and Jonathan Jolly, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Shell Malaysia, signed on behalf of Shell. Also in attendance from Shell Malaysia was its Managing Director, Liang Kok Siang.

SMDS Managing Director Mr said, “Shell celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, with the theme ‘Fuelling Malaysian Progress’. We are grateful for the opportunity to have built a strong legacy in Sarawak and in Malaysia – contributing greatly to both the state’s and the country’s growth and development. Today’s MOU is just one example of how we are looking forward with continued confidence in Sarawak and the country as a whole.”

In his welcoming speech, UNIMAS Vice Chancellor, Prof Dato’ Dr Mohamad Kadim thanked Shell for its trust to continuously choose to work with the university, and to become part of its team in developing research expertise and graduate employability for UNIMAS staff and students.

SMDS operates the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis in Bintulu, which was commissioned in 1993 and was the world’s first commercial gas to liquids plant of its kind. Expertise developed in Bintulu was eventually sent to help develop Pearl, the world’s largest GTL plant, based in Qatar. SMDS recently underwent a major plant turnaround at Q4-2015, rejuvenating the lifespan of the site for an additional 20 years.

For further Media Enquiries, please contact:

Leigh Wong, Head of Media Relations & Issues Management, Shell Malaysia

Email: leigh.wong@shell.com

About Shell – www.shell.com.my

Shell is a global leader in power, energy, and gas technology and is working to meet increasing energy demand and supply challenges by delivering smarter products and cleaner energy, infrastructure, and by developing new energy sources while addressing the impact on the environment. Malaysia is one of Shell’s heartlands. The history of Royal Dutch Shell in Malaysia started more than 120 years in Miri, Sarawak. Shell currently has a strong market presence in the upstream and downstream sector in Malaysia.