How We Started Inspiring the Next Generation with PETRONAS

In 2011, 21-year-old Afiq Noor arrived in Brackley as part of the first cohort of PETRONAS interns from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia.

Fast forward to today and Afiq is the Operational Assurance Manager at PETRONAS Canada, making sure the LNG Canada project – an industrial joint venture established to construct a liquefied natural gas export terminal – can be carried out safely and successfully.

Fourteen years later, we sat down with Afiq to hear all about his time at the team in 2011, and how that experience coupled with his Engineering degree at UTP has got him to where he is today.

What Made You First Want To Apply for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Internship Programme?

“I had heard a lot about Mercedes F1, who had just returned to the sport at the start of 2010. One of the HR managers came to UTP personally to interview us, and I remember being fascinated by the performance culture that was presented.

“F1 teams work so fast but stay so efficient and effective. I remember thinking how much this could help me in my future career, and that is what motivated me to apply.

“I had never considered working in motorsport before, but I believe you have to grab opportunities like this in life, because they are not going to wait for you. I knew it was a rare chance to learn new behaviours in a good culture.”

How Did Your Studies at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Help Prepare for You for Life at Mercedes?

“Being at UTP is not just about your degree, it is about creating a well-rounded graduate, who has had experience of lots of different projects, events and development potential. They wanted to build teamwork and encourage students to become leaders.

“That is exactly what I presented when I had my interview with the Mercedes HR manager, and it was definitely part of the reason I was accepted onto the internship programme.”

What Were Your First Impressions of Mercedes?

“It was my first time going out of Malaysia and working with people from a diverse background, so of course there were difficulties, especially as English was not my first language.

“But the team were so nice and really helped me to settle in and made me feel welcome. Everyone took time to understand my English and my manager was really supportive.

“The emphasis on diversity and inclusion back then really accelerated and improved my understanding of the team.”

What Projects Were You Involved In While at Mercedes?

“I was involved with the project management department. I learned that even the smallest of tasks, like counting stock for testing, are so important.

“If there is even the slightest delay, everything will get held back. A small task is like a gear, which helps to drive the larger gears to have a bigger impact later.

“In my current role I always tell the younger engineers to deliver every task no matter the size to its best – do not underestimate anything.

“Another project I was involved with was looking into improving the work process around manufacturing car parts likes the brake ducts. I had the full hands-on experience of all the different processes that go into manufacturing them. I was able to help my team develop a new type of process for making the brake ducts.

“They asked me to look at the current process, compile it, standardise it and then present it. That really made me feel part of the team. We started producing that part in a more structure manner, and we could hit out objectives of improving lead time, cost and quality.”

Are There Any Other Moments That Stand Out?

“There was a surprise visit from Michael Schumacher! I got the chance to explain my projects to him. It may have only lasted a few moments, but that really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a real highlight of my internship.

“I talked Michael through what I was doing, and he just said: ‘Good job’. That made my day.”

How Did the Programme Help You in Your Future Career?

“I returned to UTP for my final year after finishing at Mercedes. After graduating, I joined PETRONAS Floating LNG and stayed in the PETRONAS family on project and operational roles, before my current role at PETRONAS Canada in the assurance team, making the sure the LNG Canada project can be carried out safely and successfully.

“The most important thing I learned from being at Mercedes was how you can work with other people. My career means I need to work with colleagues from all over the world. Not everyone works the same and it is a skill to navigate how we can work as a team. This is something I picked up during my time at Mercedes in 2011.

“You need to make sure everyone feels included in the conversation and everyone feels part of the team. Only then can we complete the project as best as possible.”

Do You Keep in Touch with Your Fellow Interns From 2011?

“I do! We have our own WhatsApp group, and Mercedes have also arranged a reunion dinner for everyone. I also have one of my team-mates working with me here in Canada.

“We spent seven months together but have memories and friendships that will last forever. An internship is not for six months, it is for a lifetime.”