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Developing the next wave of oil and gas leaders

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Oilfield Technology,


How the Asian oil and gas industry can continue attracting graduates in relevant disciplines into the industry, as well as nurturing young professionals in the initial years of their careers, was a focus of discussions today at the Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC Asia) 2016.

In the panel session Next Generation Workforce – Knowledge Transfer and HR Strategies, respected oil and gas figures explored the initiatives currently being undertaken to transfer and retain the knowledge and expertise held by the industry’s leaders and experts before they retire, as well as strategies to attract students into the industry and develop the right competencies to meet future demands.

The current downturn should not be a reason to scale back in this area, as highlighted by Datuk Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, “If you don’t hire on a continuous basis, you will see a talent gap…along the line”.

New market realities have had a number of effects at an individual level for young oil and gas professionals, sharpening the need for knowledge transfer, lifelong learning and strong professional networks. An increased focus on innovation and efficiency – and leveraging technology to drive these - has also created a need and opportunity for those with new skill sets.

Young energy professionals gained insights from industry veterans and emerging leaders earlier in the week, during the inaugural Next Wave Asia programme. Under the theme “Addressing Career Challenges in a Dynamic and Uncertain Energy Landscape”, senior executives from PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, Hess, Shell and Wood Mackenzie gave their thoughts on the personal qualities needed to succeed in the industry: perseverance, resilience, a focus on goals and results, passion and a desire to make a difference.

Dato’ Wee Yiaw Hin, Executive Vice President & CEO, Upstream, PETRONAS had three pieces of advice for attendees “Deliver excellence, be aware of your impact on others, and have respect for them”.

The High School Student STEM workshop which ran throughout the day was aimed at high-school students from grades 10 to 12, and provided 100 students and teachers the chance to gain valuable insight into the oil and gas industry, and engage with industry experts. The workshop programme included expert speakers, hands-on activities for students, an Industry Panel Session and an exhibition/technology tour. Students can use these opportunities to learn about how energy makes an impact on our everyday lives, emerging technology and career opportunities in the petroleum industry.

Today is the third day of OTC Asia 2016, with over 16 000 participants, sponsors and exhibitors from over 65 countries already registered to take part in this four-day event.


Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/24032016/developing-the-next-wave-of-oil-and-gas-leaders/

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