McDermott and Universiti Malaysia Sabah to Advance Talent Development and Regional Capacity Building

HOUSTON, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- McDermott and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) jointly announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) 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.

About McDermott
McDermott is a premier, fully-integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Our customers trust our technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott's innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure—empowering a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott's locally-focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
McDermott cautions that statements in this communication which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or credit or capital markets; our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog; changes in project design or schedules; the availability of qualified personnel; changes in the terms, scope or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders and other modifications and actions by our customers and other business counterparties; changes in industry norms; actions by lenders, other creditors, customers and other business counterparties of McDermott and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This communication reflects the views of McDermott's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Contacts:
McDermott International
Global Media Relations
Reba Reid
Senior Director, Global Communications and Marketing
+1 281 588 5636
[email protected]

SOURCE McDermott International, Ltd