More than a decade ago, Nojuel JC Soluku would have never imagined that one day he would be studying abroad away from home, in a country and culture so different from his own.
Today, this young man from Penampang is studying civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, a journey made possible by the Shell Scholarship Programme that continues to change lives across Malaysia.
“If you had asked my 7-year-old self, he would have never imagined that one day he would be studying more than 8,000 miles away from home,” Nojuel said.
“Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to broaden my horizons in ways I never thought possible.
“I have had the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas with individuals from all over the world and immerse myself in cultures that have expanded my understanding of what it means to be a global citizen,” he said.
Beyond academics, one of the most invaluable lessons he has learned is the joy and fulfilment that comes with independence.
“Being far from home has taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, lessons that I know will stay with me for life.
“The Shell Scholarship Programme did not just support my education, it opened up the world to me and helped me grow into a more confident, capable and open-minded person,” he said.
The journey of empowering futures
Growing up in a close-knit community where his father works as a law enforcement officer and his mother as a clerk at the District Council in Penampang, Nojuel’s path to Berkeley was not guaranteed.
But his academic excellence, coupled with Shell Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing local talent, opened doors that once seemed impossibly distant.
The second of four siblings, Nojuel completed his secondary education at SM St Michael Penampang with stellar results.
Looking for opportunities after receiving his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, he discovered the Shell Scholarship Programme and decided to apply.
The application process, which included a personality test and interview, proved to be more than just an assessment, it was his first glimpse into Shell’s people-centered culture.
“The Shell Scholarship Programme journey was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking for me,” he said.
“The application process itself was very smooth, the website provided clear instructions and helpful guidance every step of the way.
“One of the highlights for me was taking the personality test, it gave me valuable insights about myself that I truly appreciated. Although I felt extremely nervous leading up to the interview, my anxiety quickly disappeared within the first ten minutes.
“The interviewers were incredibly kind and accommodating, especially when technical difficulties forced us to switch from a video call to an audio call.
“Despite the situation, they made me feel genuinely seen and heard, taking a real interest in my personal life experiences and how they have shaped who I am. That moment made me feel a strong connection to Shell’s values.
“When I received the call informing me that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with happiness, I could not hold back my tears and immediately shared the wonderful news with my family,” he said.
For Nojuel, the scholarship provided not only the financial means to pursue A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM before continuing to Berkeley but also opened doors to a global community that has expanded his worldview.
“I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without the Shell Scholarship Programme.
“This opportunity has been truly life-changing. It has allowed me not only to pursue higher education in a field I am deeply passionate about and to study at some of the world’s top institutions, but it has also provided me with experiences that have shaped me far beyond the classroom,” he said.
An enriching adventure beyond borders.
At Berkeley, Nojuel has formed friendships with students from diverse countries including South Korea, India, Bulgaria and France, each connection offering new insights into different cultures and perspectives.
Cultural adaptation has not always been easy. Faced with differences between Malaysian and American society, Nojuel managed to overcome these challenges.
“Although I am studying in the United States, Berkeley itself feels like a vibrant melting pot of cultures. The campus is home to a large international community, and because of that, I have not just been exposed to American culture I have had the privilege of experiencing pieces of the world.
“I have made friends from South Korea, India, Bulgaria, France and many other countries and it has been such a joy learning about their backgrounds and seeing how their cultures shape the way they live their lives.
“When I first arrived, it truly felt like stepping into a completely different world. Even though I had some expectations based on what I had seen online through my favourite influencers, living it firsthand was a whole new experience.
“The cultural differences were noticeable and at times challenging, especially compared to what I grew up with back home. However, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my time here is that adapting to a new environment does not mean you have to compromise your own values and beliefs.
“It is important and perfectly valid to engage with new cultures to broaden your worldview, while also honouring and holding onto the principles that define you. Finding that balance has been key to navigating my experience here.
“Day by day, I am learning, growing and making sure to surround myself with good, supportive people who make this journey even more meaningful,” he said.
Life at Berkeley is not all about academics. When not studying engineering principles, Nojuel pursues his passions for singing and dancing through Berkeley’s Artists in Resonance acappella group and Danceworx dance club, with end-of-semester performances becoming highlights of his academic year.
Perhaps most striking about Nojuel’s story is how his experiences have shaped his vision for the future.
Rather than focusing solely on personal advancement, he speaks about his desire to give back to the communities that supported him.
Creating impact together
“They are not lying when they say, “it takes a whole village to raise a child.” Looking back, I realise that if it were not for my parents’ unconditional love, my teachers’ patient guidance, my relatives’ unwavering encouragement and the endless support I received from my broader community in countless forms big and small I would not be where I am today.
“Every opportunity I have had, every milestone I have achieved, is built upon the foundation that they helped create. I stand on the shoulders of so many individuals who chose to believe in me, nurture me, and invest in my future, often at great personal sacrifice.
“Because of that, it feels only right that my future aspirations are deeply rooted in a desire to give back. I aspire not only to achieve personal success in my academic and professional life, but to extend the same support, belief, and encouragement that I received to others.
“Giving back, to me, means finding ways to uplift and empower my family, my hometown community and the wider circles I may one day influence whether through mentorship, educational initiatives, community development projects or simply by being a source of encouragement to those who may need it most.
“As I continue my journey, particularly in the field of civil engineering, I hope to contribute to building infrastructure that does not just serve functional needs but also strengthens communities and improves lives.
“I envision using the skills and knowledge I acquire to address real-world problems creating more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable environments, especially in areas that have historically been underserved.
“Beyond my technical career, I also aspire to be a mentor and a role model, especially for young students who may be unsure of their potential or who feel limited by their circumstances.
“I want to be part of the “village” for someone else helping them realise that with the right support, they too can achieve things far beyond what they might imagine today.
“At the heart of it all, my ambition is simple yet profound, to live a life of purpose, to never forget where I came from and to ensure that whatever successes I achieve are not mine alone but are shared with and multiplied across the communities that have made me who I am,” he said.
Shell helps transform dreams into reality
Stories like Nojuel’s reflect the life-changing effect of Shell Malaysia’s Scholarship Programme, which is now accepting applications for 2025.
The programme offers financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, books and other allowances for successful candidates pursuing undergraduate studies at top global universities.
“We need more highly qualified professionals who will contribute to the energy sector and play a part in achieving Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a high-income and sustainable economy,” said Shell Malaysia Country Chair and Senior Vice President for Integrated Gas and Upstream Malaysia, Siti Sulaiman.
Siti, herself a former Shell Scholar, said the programme aims to attract Malaysia’s brightest minds and develop them into inspiring and sought-after leaders and industry experts of tomorrow.
The Shell Scholarship Programme targets students interested in pursuing higher education in fields critical to the energy sector’s future.
These include various engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Petroleum, Electrical and Electronics, Environmental and Sustainable), sciences (Geology, Geosciences, Geomatics, Geophysics and Data Science) and commercial fields (Business and Management and Digital Marketing).
Eligible candidates must be 2024 SPM or 2025 O-Level leavers with a minimum of 8As (A/A+) in SPM or excellent O-level grades at IGCSE (A*/A).
Selected candidates will first pursue A-levels at designated boarding institutions before continuing to undergraduate studies at partner universities.
The scholarship offers placements at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. In the United Kingdom, these include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and King’s College London.
In the United States, scholars may attend Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Yale University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, University of Texas Austin, or Colorado School of Mines.
Australian options include the University of Melbourne and Australian National University.
After graduation, scholars will have the opportunity to begin careers in various fields within Shell’s operations, including engineering, geosciences and commercial disciplines.
For Malaysian students considering their post-SPM options, Nojuel offers perspective that reflects both ambition and wisdom.
“Be kind to yourselves. Your worth is not measured solely by grades and your future is not defined by a single exam. Life is a marathon, not a sprint and the most important thing is to move at a pace that allows you to thrive, not just survive,” he said.
Applications for the 2025 Class of Shell Scholars close on May 14 at 11.59pm, with applicants to be notified of the selection results by the end of July.
For more specific details on eligibility and to apply online, please visit:
https://www.shell.com.my/careers/students-and-graduates/scholarships.html
