Geology | Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Pioneering Geologist: From Sikuati Oil Seepage to Royal Education Award Recipient in Earth Science
“Hi everyone! My name is Lim Yan Ying, but I prefer to go by Hannah. I’m a recent geology graduate who has tons of passion and enthusiasm extending to hands-on geological fieldworks, mapping, resources exploration and the interpretation of geological data! My final year project during my undergraduate studies focuses on the oil seepage in Sikuati Kudat, where I conduct studies on the subsurface geological structure and the lithology of how the oil seepage occurs!”
Why you choose Geology?
“I have always been someone that is interested in nature and how does my surrounding works, I often question why is the Earth shape like it is? During my STPM studies, there was a career talk delivered by a geologist, and that’s how I landed on Geology! Geology is technically a branch of science that studies the Earth’s composition, structure and the process of how the Earth was formed, we actually do branch out to several fields as well, which includes geophysics (which I’m currently working in), petrology, geochemistry and also the study of fossils, paleontology!”
Any dream occupation, job, or company?
“To be honest, my dream was to work in a field that requires geophysics and geological knowledge, since I love how these works wonders, not just in the oil and gas industry but in our daily lives as well. So in the next 5 years, I’m looking forward in acquiring my Professional Geologist title and also to meet and work with all the geologist in various backgrounds all over the world. This way I could be able to learn not only the Geology of Malaysia but the world’s geology as well :)”
Do you think Geology can help the community?
“Yes indeed! Geology has now become something that people are actually curious about! Remember the incident of Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur? That was something that geologist covers! Truthfully, geology is all around us, the pencils that you use, the house that you lived in, the petrol your car pumps, that is all Earth’s resources and that’s when Geology comes in handy.”
What skills do you think are required for Geology?
“Observation Skills, Analytical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills, and of course Curiosity!“
Any advice for juniors who wish to pursue in Geology?
“All I would like to say is, stay curious and do not be afraid to take the first step! Stay curious, ask lots of questions and never be afraid to make mistakes. Last but not least, enjoy the journey while you’re there! And here’s a quote that I always hold on to, Do your best and let God do the rest! That’s all from me, Adios and don’t give up!!”
KATALYST 