McDermott and Universiti Malaysia Sabah jointly announce the signing of a Letter of Intent  to collaborate on academic and industrial initiatives to build local talent and strengthen regional capacity in Sabah, a key energy center in Malaysia.

The LOI outlines a framework for long-term cooperation with four UMS schools: Computing and Informatics; Engineering; Science and Natural Resources; and Business, Economics and Accountancy. The collaboration includes industrial placements for students, joint research, educational projects, and co-curricular development to support a more skilled and industry-ready workforce. The agreement was formalized during the 2025 Energy Asia Conference and Exhibition, held this week in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement counts with the support of the Malaysian Investment and Development Authority (MIDA), for the commitment to local content in the country.

“This partnership reflects our continued investment in Malaysia’s future by supporting academic-industry collaboration and strengthening capabilities in Sabah,” said Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott’s Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities. “We look forward to building on the local content and workforce development initiatives underway in the region and advancing opportunities where they are needed most.”

Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Investment Promotion and Facilitation at MIDA emphasized, “This strategic collaboration perfectly aligns with Malaysia’s aspiration to cultivate world-class talent in science and engineering. MIDA commends the partnership between McDermott and the Universiti Malaysia Sabah, which will contribute to strengthening our local workforce capabilities and create high-value job opportunities.” He added, “This initiative exemplifies how industry-academia partnerships can drive innovation and economic growth in Sabah, while supporting our national agenda of developing a knowledge-based economy. The collaboration’s focus on practical training and research will help create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the energy sector.”

“Through this collaboration, McDermott and UMS aim to align academic learning with industry requirements, bridging skill gaps and supporting sustainable growth,” said Ybhg. Datuk Seri Panglima Abd Rahman Dahlan, UMS Chairman. “It supports our goal of nurturing high-impact graduates equipped for the energy sector. McDermott’s industry leadership and clear focus on regional development make this a meaningful step toward expanding Sabah’s role in the national economy.”

The initiative also supports knowledge sharing, corporate social responsibility activities, and research aligned with industrial needs and contributing to Malaysia’s broader push for inclusive growth and innovation-led development.