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Students, grads get oil and gas insight

Students, grads get oil and gas insight

Daily Express8 hours ago
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 Text Size: Anwarudin (third right) posing with SOGCE Organiser Dolly Jimayol (centre) and other. Kota Kinabalu: Students and recent graduates from Sabah gained invaluable exposure to the energy sector through interactive workshops and mentoring sessions during the recent Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE). The two-day programme equipped participants with practical knowledge of oil and gas exploration, production concepts and emerging career opportunities in the industry. Students from City University and SMK St Francis Convent (M) experienced real-world petroleum science through hands-on experiments that brought complex energy concepts to life. The sessions inspired curiosity and critical thinking while exposing students to practical energy applications they had never encountered before. Students and recent graduates benefited from direct mentoring by senior industry professionals, gaining insights into emerging opportunities, professional grooming and career development pathways. The programme also provided crucial upskilling opportunities to help participants stay ahead of industry trends and market demands. The initiative was organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Kuala Lumpur Section in collaboration with the SPE Sabah Section, reflecting their commitment to nurturing Sabah's future energy leaders. The partnership reinforced SOGCE's inclusivity goals and aligned with its theme Fostering Collaboration, Paving Sustainable Opportunities. Two specialised programs delivered these benefits, namely the Energy4Me STEM Bootcamp, which provided hands-on energy education to school children and the Energy Career Aspiration Networking Series (ECANS), which offered mentoring for university students and young professionals. SPEKL Chairman Anwarudin Saidu Mohamed said the society has been developing industry-ready talent since 1980. With some 2,000 members across the upstream value chain, SPEKL conducts around 50 programs annually targeting diverse communities. 'SPEKL has dedicated significant resources to community outreach and empowerment, particularly in education and energy-related community projects,' Anwarudin said. The Energy4Me programme was led by Energy Education Chairpersons Eur Ing, Harvin Kaur and Badrul, with essential support from volunteers from the SPE Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Student Chapter, who guided students through each activity. ECANS was coordinated by Syafiq Jalis, Sulaiman, Niqmatullah, Ikhwan Sunoto and Hazwan Hairollah, connecting young Sabahans with experienced industry mentors. Both programs received sponsorship from Midas Events Management, showing private sector commitment to developing Sabah's energy workforce and ensuring sustainable growth in the region's vital energy industry.
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Students, grads get oil and gas insight
Students, grads get oil and gas insight

Daily Express

time8 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Students, grads get oil and gas insight

Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 Text Size: Anwarudin (third right) posing with SOGCE Organiser Dolly Jimayol (centre) and other. Kota Kinabalu: Students and recent graduates from Sabah gained invaluable exposure to the energy sector through interactive workshops and mentoring sessions during the recent Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE). The two-day programme equipped participants with practical knowledge of oil and gas exploration, production concepts and emerging career opportunities in the industry. Students from City University and SMK St Francis Convent (M) experienced real-world petroleum science through hands-on experiments that brought complex energy concepts to life. The sessions inspired curiosity and critical thinking while exposing students to practical energy applications they had never encountered before. Students and recent graduates benefited from direct mentoring by senior industry professionals, gaining insights into emerging opportunities, professional grooming and career development pathways. The programme also provided crucial upskilling opportunities to help participants stay ahead of industry trends and market demands. The initiative was organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Kuala Lumpur Section in collaboration with the SPE Sabah Section, reflecting their commitment to nurturing Sabah's future energy leaders. The partnership reinforced SOGCE's inclusivity goals and aligned with its theme Fostering Collaboration, Paving Sustainable Opportunities. Two specialised programs delivered these benefits, namely the Energy4Me STEM Bootcamp, which provided hands-on energy education to school children and the Energy Career Aspiration Networking Series (ECANS), which offered mentoring for university students and young professionals. SPEKL Chairman Anwarudin Saidu Mohamed said the society has been developing industry-ready talent since 1980. With some 2,000 members across the upstream value chain, SPEKL conducts around 50 programs annually targeting diverse communities. 'SPEKL has dedicated significant resources to community outreach and empowerment, particularly in education and energy-related community projects,' Anwarudin said. The Energy4Me programme was led by Energy Education Chairpersons Eur Ing, Harvin Kaur and Badrul, with essential support from volunteers from the SPE Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Student Chapter, who guided students through each activity. ECANS was coordinated by Syafiq Jalis, Sulaiman, Niqmatullah, Ikhwan Sunoto and Hazwan Hairollah, connecting young Sabahans with experienced industry mentors. Both programs received sponsorship from Midas Events Management, showing private sector commitment to developing Sabah's energy workforce and ensuring sustainable growth in the region's vital energy industry.

Sabah's energy shift must be inclusive: Sabah Energy Corporation
Sabah's energy shift must be inclusive: Sabah Energy Corporation

Daily Express

time4 days ago

  • Daily Express

Sabah's energy shift must be inclusive: Sabah Energy Corporation

Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Annuar said SEC's strategy goes beyond corporate social responsibility-it is about embedding ESG values into every layer of decision-making. Kota Kinabalu: A just energy transition must ensure that the shift toward cleaner energy does not leave communities behind, said Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) Chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub. He said that while the world is undergoing a major energy transformation, progress must be inclusive — one that protects livelihoods, enhances quality of life, and empowers communities across Sabah. 'We all agree that the world is transitioning. But a just energy transition must ensure that, as we shift towards cleaner energy, it does not leave communities behind,' Annuar said. He said this in his keynote address at the recent 12th Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE), held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). As the largest natural gas supplier in Sabah, and one of the largest in Malaysia, SEC plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation. According to Annuar, the Corporation powers 86 percent of Sabah's electricity, supports over 45 industrial customers, and serves more than 500,000 households. Yet, he said SEC's impact extends beyond statistics — to powering the potential of youth, rural towns, and rising cities. Annuar stressed that natural gas remains a crucial transitional fuel in ensuring a stable and cleaner alternative to coal and diesel. It is especially vital in maintaining essential services such as hospitals, schools, and homes. He cited Esteel's green steel complex- an anchor project enabled by natural gas- as an example of how energy resources can catalyze large-scale industrial development and job creation. 'But we must be honest: this bridge cannot be long. It must lead us forward,' he said, adding that SEC is aggressively reinvesting gas-derived value into renewable energy. Annuar outlined several renewable projects currently spearheaded by SEC: A 15MW solar project in Tuaran is in advanced stages, A RM4billion hydroelectric project in Ulu Padas, Tenom, expected to contribute 15 percent to Sabah's grid capacity, integrates biodiversity offset plans such as floating solar and nature-positive engineering. Moreover, a 100MW utility-scale wind power project in Kudat is nearing the end of a detailed feasibility study. Once operational, it would mark Malaysia's first wind energy source, significantly reducing fossil fuel reliance. SEC is also the lead proponent of the wind energy initiative and is working closely with technical partners to ensure that development aligns with the interests of local communities. 'We prioritise respectful engagement and work collaboratively with village is not mere compliance. This is commitment,' Annuar said. These initiatives align with the SE-RAMP 2040 goal of having 35 per cent of Sabah's energy from renewable sources by 2035. Annuar said SEC's strategy goes beyond corporate social responsibility-it is about embedding ESG values into every layer of decision-making. The corporation has built partnerships with major entites including Petronas, Maybank, Cimb, Ambank, and Sabah Development Bank, as well as NGOs and civil society. On the ground, SEC is actively empowering Sabahans through the Skill Enchancement and Career Advancement (SECA) programme. The initiative targets underprivileged youth from B40 backgrounds, providing them with real work experience and allowances, with many securing employment post-training. 'Energy must empower. Otherwise, it is incomplete,' he said. SEC also supports local schools, clinics, and disaster preparedness efforts, reinforcing its commitment to equitable development. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, SEC holds a 30 percent stake in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve initiative. This partnership supports rewilding efforts and the conservation of ecological corridors. 'We believe that energy development and ecological preservation can and must coexist,' he said. Annuar said Sabah's energy transition must not mirror Western Models, but instead be localized, just,and inclusive to ensure every village and community shared its benefits. 'At SEC, we believe we are not just powering homes. We are powering heart and hope. 'The future is not something we wait for. It is something we engineer with care, courage and collective purpose,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

4 million employed in oil and gas sector
4 million employed in oil and gas sector

Daily Express

time5 days ago

  • Daily Express

4 million employed in oil and gas sector

Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The importance of oil and gas to Malaysia's economy cannot be overstated. The sector employs four million people nationally, with 160,000 specifically in oil and gas operations. Most significantly, 40 per cent of government income comes from oil and gas activities. 'With 160,000 people, with a notable contribution of GDP, we are 20 times multiplier than national average,' said Anwarudin Saidu Mohamed, Reservoir Link Energy Berhad Chief Technology Officer. 'That simply means 40 per cent of cost required to build schools, hospitals and infrastructure is all coming from oil and gas,' he said during a panel discussion at the recent Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition 2025 (SOGCE) Executive Plenary Session. Shell's presence in Sabah exemplifies the long-term commitment that builds sustainable energy sectors. 'Shell has been in this country for over 130 years. Starting to mobilise the oil and gas industry first in Miri, Sarawak and then also in developing the nation through the years in collaboration with Petronas,' said Shell Malaysia Upstream Sabah Deepwater General Manager Wong Kim Mun. The company's experience reflects three key realities namely growing global energy demand, the gradual pace of energy system changes and the continued importance of oil and gas well into the 2050s and beyond. Modern oil and gas development in Sabah emphasises environmental responsibility alongside economic growth. Companies are implementing strict environmental standards and carbon reduction technologies. 'If there is a lot of flaring, then the carbon footprint will be very high,' Yinson Energy CEO Datuk Mohamed Sabri Mohamed Zain said. 'Anything for us more than 11 tons per Barrel of Oil Equivalent (BOE), we do not touch. Because it will cause a big problem for our borrowing,' he said. Smaller companies are also leading environmental initiatives. Hibiscus Petroleum is pioneering carbon capture and storage technology in Malaysia, planning to become one of the first companies to inject CO2 back into the ground by 2028. Sabah's strategic location positions it perfectly for regional expansion into Southeast Asia's growing energy markets. 'As a Malaysian company, you should be focusing on Southeast Asia, you got lots of activity in Indonesia, Vietnam is picking up again, Thailand's got plenty,' said the company's Country Manager Dr Pascal Hos, pointing out the regional opportunities. 'If you can develop something like that, then as a regional company, I would say you probably get more priority than a big international company,' he said. Panel speakers also pointed out the importance of attracting high-quality investors rather than those seeking only cheap labour and energy. 'The mistake that we do sometimes is that some investors, they come to Malaysia. They want cheap labour. They want cheap energy. So you have to get investor, a high-quality investor. Bring the right industry who can pay the Malaysians well,' said Senior Vice President of Malaysia Assets and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd CEO Hazli Sham Kassim. Ian Lim, ConocoPhillips Malaysia General Manager, noted that ConocoPhillips Malaysia identifies the Kebabangan (KBB) area as potentially becoming the heart of the State's gas and energy infrastructure to support all these growth and revisions. In the oil and gas industry, KBB typically refers to the Kebabangan oil and gas field located offshore Sabah. 'These are 15, 20 year horizons. So, stability, fiscals and the supporting environment is needed,' Ian said, pointing out that the company believes future energy development requires long-term thinking and stability. Looking ahead, Sabah's potential extends beyond traditional oil and gas operations. The State is positioned to play an important role in Malaysia's environmental goals, with opportunities in carbon capture, renewable energy and sustainable development. 'Sabah is not only the reservoir of hydrocarbon, it is a reservoir of opportunity,' said Anwarudin. 'With strong fundamentals as we are today and political will and growing infrastructure, Sabah is positioned to bridge the legacy of hydrocarbon with the promise of new energies, empower local content and community-driven development, serve as a regional launchpad for Malaysia's net zero aspiration too,' he said. As Malaysia implements its national energy transition roadmap toward 2050, gas is expected to play an increasingly important role. Sabah's position as a major gas producer and its potential for renewable energy development make it central to these plans. 'The future does not belong to the fastest and the strongest, but it belongs to those who choose to grow together, responsibly, equitably and boldly,' Mohamed Sabri said. 'The question is no longer why Sabah. It is what more can we do with Sabah and Sabahan and to shape Malaysia energy destiny,' Anwarudin added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

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