A Song’s Rhapsody: Young rural dreamer’s encounter with Lewis Hamilton, PETRONAS leaders after BeDigital Bootcamp

A twist of luck leads Dellon to join PETRONAS BeDigital Bootcamp and eventually wins the best camper recognition in Cohort 4 recently. (Aug 7, 2024)

By Marlynda Meraw

IMAGINE getting the chance to meet Formula One (F1) icon Lewis Hamilton and top corporate minds, on top of securing a job at the nation’s leading energy company.

For Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) graduate, Dellon Nelson, 24, who hails from Song district, this became a reality thanks to the PETRONAS BeDigital Bootcamp that he participated in last year (2023).

Dellon said it felt increasingly surreal to connect with many other charismatic people around the world and met with senior leaders of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) after the bootcamp. When he finally got to meet Hamilton in person at KLCC Tower last March, he was certain that it was just a dream. And yet it was not.

“The knowledge and experience I have gained in just nine months have been overwhelming in the best way possible. Thanks to this bootcamp, I have landed my first job at PETRONAS, and it’s been an unforgettable journey!”

He likened the experience at the bootcamp to an emotional rollercoaster ride driven by excitement, paired with the strong competitive spirits exuded by other participants. Everyone was determined to secure their place in the spotlight, but Dellon saw himself as a diamond in the rough. Thus, he sought to polish himself into his best version by pushing his limits every single day.

“For me, I took on a character or the best version of myself, pushing my limits every single day. It was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.”

All his hard work paid off when he was announced the Best Camper of the fourth cohort, held in Kuching last year. For him, there was no greater accolade to recognise the many late nights and his unwavering dedication during the bootcamp. His efforts were not in vain.

“The BDB not only shaped me professionally, but also taught me so much about resilience, determination, and the power of giving your all. It was an unforgettable journey that prepared me for my career in the most amazing way.”

Dellon and his colleagues at PETRONAS’ meet-and-greet session with Lewis in March 2024.

A fortunate twist of fate

None of this would have been possible without a twist of fate that opened the door of opportunities for him.

Initially, Dellon had missed the opportunity to join the BDB programme, but when a participant withdrew, he immediately signed himself up.

“I joined on the second day (of BDB), and from there, things took an exciting turn. I put in my best effort, I won the Best Camper Award and secured a job at PETRONAS. It was indeed a remarkable twist of fate.”

Since joining PETRONAS as a Software Engineer, he has embarked on a remarkable journey, filled with opportunities that he had once only dreamed of.

BeDigital Bootcamp, now in its eighth cohort, is currently held in Swinburne University of Technology, Kuching.

In the spirit of giving back to the programme that has been life-changing for him, Dellon enrolled himself as one of the facilitators, to help the hopeful campers achieve their utmost potential.

PETRONAS BeDigital Bootcamp is insightful and engaging.

The digital epiphany

Dellon had doubts on the best degree to pursue as there has been a perception that Software Engineering and Digital Engineering were not as marketable. Nonetheless, he held a steadfast belief in the promise of technological advancement.

His conviction paid off, as everything changed when the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, which forced individuals and corporations to embrace digitalisation and change the way of work.

“The pace of (technological) change has been incredible, far exceeding my initial expectations, and it’s been both challenging and exciting to keep up with the rapid developments in the digital world.”

Driven by an intense desire to expand his digital literacy, Dellon aims to expand into a more complex and high-end industry, pushing his personal and professional boundaries to engage with a more sophisticated audience.

Dellon’s passion and determination fuels his relentless pursuit of greater knowledge and expertise.

Reflections from another journey

It is not just Dellon whose dreams were realised after the BeDigital Bootcamp. Another bootcamp alumni, Abang Mohamad Adeeb Abang Sulaiman said the 12-day curated programme has allowed him to turn his aspirations into reality.

Life has been extraordinary for Adeeb since getting an offer of employment from PETRONAS in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This bustling international hub is the perfect environment for his personal and professional growth.

Adeeb firmly believes that when opportunity knocks, one must seize it, even in the face of uncertainty as growth rarely occurs in one’s comfort zone — it is only by stepping into the unknown that one can truly flourish.

“Oftentimes, growth is born out of discomfort. Whether you can or can’t do it, that’s another story, but take it (the chance) and learn.”

To Adeeb (right), PETRONAS BeDigital Bootcamp is a lifechanging experience that not only nurtured him with digital skillsets, but also landed him a role in PETRONAS.

Adeeb had a revelation about the importance of digital literacy skills when he realised that modern living is intricately woven with data consumption. This realisation illuminated his understanding that the true value of data lies not merely in its existence, but in how individuals choose to utilise it.

“Our daily life is consumed with data, and what the data offers depends on what you do with it.”

Though Adeeb has not yet had the opportunity to collaborate with his fellow bootcamp alumni, he has made a conscious effort to maintain contact and nurture an expansive network.

To him, these connections are invaluable as they may lead to future collaborations where not only can he share his skills and insights but also give back to the community that has supported him.

“Who knows, there are going to be initiatives that we can explore and seek collaboration to give back to the community”. – DayakDaily