(From left) Azman, Mohd Azumi, Yatimah and Bacho checking out a machine at Oil and Gas Asia in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
THE latest technology, equipment and machinery in the fields of oil, gas and petrochemical engineering were showcased at the 19th edition of Oil and Gas Asia (OGA) exhibition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Some 2,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries took part in the three-day event.
Organiser Informa Markets Malaysia had anticipated 25,000 visitors to turn up at the exhibition reserved for oil and gas industry professionals and those from related industries.
Economy Ministry deputy secretary-general (Sectoral) Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman launched the event.
Also present were Informa co-chairman General (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Azumi Mohamed, Energy Industries Council (EIC) regional director Azman Nasir, ABB Group president (energy industries) Brandon Spencer and PETRONAS senior vice-president for project delivery and technology Datuk Bacho Pilong.
In his speech, Mohd Azumi said, “OGA has been one of the longest-running industry shows for the energy sector in Malaysia since its inception in 1985.”
He said it was more than just another gathering of energy professionals, as it was also a convergence of innovative minds and a one-stop platform to foster collaboration and investments.
“It has, and will, continue to play a critical role to bolster Malaysia’s position as a regional oil and gas hub, an industry that has fuelled economies, powered industries and provided resources to touch every facet of our lives.”
Running concurrently was an EIC-led conference comprising seven panel sessions with more than 30 expert speakers from the energy industry.
“It is hoped that the conversations here will help the industry find solutions on how to cut carbon emissions to meet net-zero targets by 2050, particularly in the Asia-Pacific,” said Azman.
Bacho said he was confident the event would advance solutions for more sustainable oil and gas operations to meet current energy demands.
“The cross-industry knowledge exchange as well as the sharing of best practices will also act to safeguard the well-being of generations to come.”
Yatimah said the exhibition was timely with the government’s unveiling of its National Energy Transition Roadmap targeted at uplifting gross domestic product (GDP) from RM25bil this year to RM220bil as well as generation of 310,000 jobs by 2050.
“The Economy Ministry is pleased to oversee the continued development of this industry, especially in the area of talent upskilling and certification.
“It is estimated that the industry requires approximately 60,000 high-skilled talents to ensure its sustainability,” she said.
Industry dialogues conducted by experts from the show’s supporting partners were another highlight as the sessions provided insights into Asean region’s energy landscape agenda, technological developments in cyber-physical systems and the downstream sector processes used in the petrochemicals industry.
