The University of Malaysia at Sabah has opened a new academy aimed at providing specialised training for students looking to work within the country's oil and gas industry.

The new institution comes on the back of an agreement made towards the end of last month between the university's commercial arm, UMS Link Holdings, and the private oil and gas firm Silver Kris.

Named the Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah Oil and Gas Academy after the governor of the Sabah region, and will offer course including a Level One Foundation Certificate in Oil and Gas Operation and Instrument Operation Technician training, as well as three advanced diplomas.

Commenting on the initiative, Silver Kris executive chairman, Datuk Iskandar Datuk Malik, noted: "The setting up of this academy is very timely because of major oil discoveries off the coast of Sabah. I believe with these new discoveries, the requirement for manpower to support the industries will be enormous."

It was also announced that the University of Malaysia' School of Engineering would offer support to the new training facility in the shape of providing lecturers and logistical support.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development