SUPPORTED BY
STRATEGIC PARTNER
ORGANISED BY
13th SOGCE 2026 Speakers & Moderators
Day 1 - Thursday, 25 June 2026 @ Sipadan Hall 1, Level 4
Guest of Honour
The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Works and Utilities of Sabah
Datuk Hajah Siti Ayu Haniza Abdul Wahab
Keynote 1
General Manager
PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office
Datuk Siti Ayu Haniza Abdul Wahab is the appointed General Manager of PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan Regional Office since 1st July 2021. In this role, she spearheads PETRONAS’ effort to foster positive relationships with key government and nongovernment stakeholders critical to PETRONAS operations and business growth in Sabah and Labuan. With over 28 years of experience in PETRONAS, her journey began in 1998 as a Technical Systems Executive at Group Information & Resource Management. She then broadened her knowledge and experience when she joined the Gas Business Unit, executing various roles in capability development, business development and strategic planning. In 2014, she joined PETRONAS LNG Sdn Bhd, where she was initially responsible for the planning and optimisation of the LNG fleet chartered by PETRONAS, before being promoted to Head of Fleet Commercial & Contract Management under the Fleet Management Department. After five years in the LNG business, she took on a new challenge leading the Strategy Malaysia team, where she was responsible for developing and charting the long-term strategies for the Gas and New Energy business prior to assuming her current role at PETRONAS Sabah & Labuan Regional Office. She also serves as a Board Member of Kimanis Power Sdn Bhd since her appointment in July 2021. Datuk Siti Ayu, from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is a PETRONAS scholar. She graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Communication Engineering. She was conferred the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK) in 2023 and subsequently the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) in 2026, a state honour that carries the title "Datuk", in recognition of her contributions and achievements.
Uday Vir Singh
Managing Director & Partner
Boston Consulting Group
Keynote Address 2: The New Energy Leadership Agenda: Resilience, Diversification, Energy Security, AI-enabled Operations, and Capital Allocation in an Era of Volatility
Uday Vir Singh is a Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group. He partners with global and regional energy companies, investors, and governments on large-scale value creation programs, and helps them navigate the opportunities and risks arising from shifts in energy markets, technology, and geopolitics. In response to the ongoing transformation of energy businesses, Uday is working closely with several clients on critical topics such as growth in both conventional & new energies businesses, operational performance turnaround, capital projects as well as deploying AI at scale in high value areas. He has recently authored BCG’s publication on upstream oil and gas growth in Southeast Asia, which explores the region’s evolving investment landscape, execution challenges, and strategic priorities for operators.
Ts Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad
Regional Director, Asia Pacific
Energy Industries Council
Keynote Address 3: Energy Reality - How APAC players can capture emerging energy opportunities
Syed Saggaf currently heads the Energy Industries Council’s (EIC) activities across the Asia Pacific region from the organisation’s Kuala Lumpur office. In this strategic role, he supports EIC members and strengthens the Council’s presence and influence across one of the world’s most vital and dynamic energy markets. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Oil and Gas Division at Shapadu Group, overseeing operations across both upstream and downstream sectors, including the management of marine assets. He also held the role of Executive Director at Shapadu Energy Sdn Bhd and Shapadu CR Asia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary focused on downstream maintenance and turnaround services.. He got his early education in English College, Johor Bahru and Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar, Johor. Subsequently, he graduated from Universiti Tenaga Nasional in 2002 with Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering (Hons). Upon graduation, he started his career as Mechanical / Piping Engineer with Haven Engineering and continued his career with stints at Ramunia Fabricators Sdn Bhd in 2004, and Coral Intoil Sdn Bhd in 2008. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated unparalleled leadership and management excellence, supported by superior communication and interpersonal skills that have propelled his career forward. He was the driving force behind securing Contracts worth RM 2b and spearheading the strategic diversification of the company’s portfolio. Moreover, he played a critical role in attracting high-value investors and launching the SCRA with a modest paid-up capital of RM100K successfully scaling its value to an impressive RM50 million He served 2 consecutive terms as President of MOGSC, Malaysia’s largest oil & gas trade association, until April 2026. During his tenure, he helped elevate the OGSE sector through continuous engagement with key stakeholders to foster a conducive energy ecosystem. He continues to contribute to the local OGSE industry in his current role as Advisor to MOGSC. In addition to his executive roles, he also served as the Ambassador of UNITEN, Vice and VISTA Advisory Council Member, OGSE Roundtable (ORT) Committee Member, Main Committee Member of the Energy Industry Malaysia (EIM), and Advisory Committee Member of the Pipeline Technology Conference Asia (PTC).
Ir. Ts. Ahmad Jaafar
Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer, Sabah Energy Corporation
Managing Director, SEC Gas (a subsidiary of Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd)
Special Address: Energising Sabah’s Next Chapter
Ir. Ts. Ahmad bin Jafar, a graduate of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Mechanical Engineering, is a seasoned engineering leader with over three decades of experience in Sabah’s power generation sector. He specialises in plant operations, maintenance, and large-scale project management. He began his career with Sabah Electricity Board, where he developed strong ground-level expertise across generation, rural electrification, and project development. Rising through roles from Mechanical Engineer to Plant Manager and Project Engineer, he was directly involved in the development, installation, and commissioning of several of Sabah’s early power plants, working closely with international consultants and contractors. He later joined Ranhill Powertron Group, where he spent over 15 years and rose to Senior General Manager and Head of Technical and Operations. In this role, he oversaw major facilities including the Teluk Salut and Rugading power plants, ensuring high standards of performance, efficiency, and compliance with key agreements involving SESB, PETRONAS, and Shell. Today, he serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn. Bhd., and concurrently as Managing Director of SEC Gas, a subsidiary under Sabah Energy Corporation driving the state’s gas initiatives. He leads operational strategy and the execution of critical energy infrastructure, continuing to play a central role in Sabah’s energy development. A registered Professional Engineer with a Practising Certificate, a Professional Technologist, and a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Ir. Ts. Ahmad Jafar is a cornerstone figure in Sabah’s power generation sector
Ts Anwarudin bin Saidu Mohamed
Chaiman, Society of Petroleum Engineers - Kuala Lumpur Section
Executive Director & Chief Technology Officer, Reservoir Link Energy Bhd
Moderator for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
Ts Anwarudin is currently the Executive Director at Reservoir Link Energy Bhd spearheading the business growth in key areas building progressive Malaysian corporation providing global solutions in upstream O&G and Energy market. Previously he had served various Multinational and National organizations both in Service Segment and Hydrocarbon Producer. He had been an active member of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) since 2004. He is the recipient of the 2014 Asia Pacific Region Outstanding Young Member Award, 2018 Regional Service Award, 2020 Public Service Award and 2021 Technical Award for Production Operations. He is the member of SPE Asia Pacific Regional Technical Advisory Committee. He served as Honorary Secretary of MOGSC from 2022-2026 and had held various roles since 2016. He actively advocates for prosperity & sustainability of OGSE ecosystem, spur innovation and commercialization culture among OGSE players and founded a platform for various stakeholders to elevate local innovators via OGSE innovation Award (OIA) in 2018. He had been spearheading various missions through MOGSC in relation to addressing pain points and challenges faced by OGSE sector in collaboration with PETRONAS, PAC’s and Government agencies to create conducive business environment for OSGE segment. He had led various industry wide initiatives along with stakeholders including instigating OGSE RoundTable (ORT) in Nov 2023. He is a Professional Technologist and assessor registered with MBOT (Malaysia Board of Technologists). He is also board member of Trustee of PETRONAS University of Technology. Ts Anwarudin plays active roles through government agencies to promote for equitable access and assistance for public for TVET education as the chairman of Work Committee, National Skill Development Council. He also steers several national level initiatives to meet industry relevant skilled and semi-skilled workers by upskilling programs as the chairman of Sectorial Training Committee for Oil, Gas & Energy Sector under Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDCorp) and Council of Experts for Government- Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) amongst others. He advocated for Industry Levy sharing initiative, lifting the allowable training matrix limit to the employees and assistance to trainer’s ecosystem to benefit SME’s who dealt with limited fund to train their staff and to increase the quality of the training. Some of these initiatives had been already introduced to the industry in recently by KESUMA. He was accorded the distinguished honour of serving on the Advisory Council for Labour Law Reforms under Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources, where he continues to advocate for the tabling of key reforms and amendments to relevant Acts. Ts Anwarudin holds B.sc (Hons) Mechanical with minor in petroleum from UTP (Rector Award) and was conferred the prestigious Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship to pursue Msc & DIC in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College London in 2009. To demonstrate his personal commitment to advancing wider acceptance of TVET education as a mainstream pathway, he obtained the National Skills Certificate Level 5 in Corporate Stewardship from JPK, as part of its pioneer cohort. Ts Anwarudin strongly believes that hydrocarbon Industry is an industry of future that holds promising opportunities for future generations. He advocates through various platform and podcasts on the importance of the industry in enriching lives and provide livelihood. He regularly communicates and lecture on the reality of energy mix and break the misconceptions and delusions associated with the future of hydrocarbon industry. He also champion through various platforms on OGSE segment as the crucial component of the ecosystem that safeguard socio-economic interest of nations. He has represented the industry on international stages, advocating Collective Positioning to humanize the energy transition and advancing the narrative of #EnergyExpansion—positioning the sector as a compelling path for careers, investment, and global reliance. As an Adjunct Professor at UMK, he continues to educate and inspire students to step up and solve critical challenges in the oil, gas, and energy sector. Throughout 22 years of his experience in Oil and Gas industry, he had developed various technologies and solutions. He had published numerous technical papers, articles, and journals on application of technologies. His career experience spans across operation management, R&D, application engineering, Sales & Marketing, Corporate strategy, and Business Development.
Panel Speaker for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
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Tuan Haji Eruwan Gerry Norsen
Head of Sabah Asset, PETRONAS Carigali Sabah Sdn Bhd
Panel Speaker for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
Eruwan Gerry Norsen is currently the Senior General Manager of Sabah Asset – PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd. He started his career with PETRONAS in 2002, as an Inspection Engineer at Peninsular Malaysia Operations in Kerteh, Terengganu. Over a 24 years career span in PETRONAS, he has diligently served the company in numerous assignments both domestic and international as well as onshore and offshore operation which includes Head of Integrated Facilities for Sabah Operations, Head of Technical Services for Sabah Operations, President for Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC) in South Sudan, General Manager for Production & Operation SPOC, Field Manager for Angsi Field, Field Maintenance Manager for Terminal Operations and Inspection Manager in Peninsular Malaysia Operations. His current role requires him to oversee the overall business dimension for PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd in Sabah and Labuan. Eruwan graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).
Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser bin Abdul Wahid
Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Sabah
Panel Speaker for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid stands at the forefront of Sabah's energy transformation, bringing over 30 years of distinguished service and leadership in the sector. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Nottingham, his career began in 1990 as an Operations Engineer at the Sabah Electricity Board, and has since evolved into a legacy of visionary leadership in regulatory and operational excellence. Appointed CEO of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) in 2023, Datuk Nasser previously led the Sabah Energy Unit, where he played a pivotal role in the historic devolution of regulatory powers from the federal to state government under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). As former CEO of Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (SESB), he oversaw a customer base of over 650,000 and steered operations generating over RM2 billion in annual revenue. His strategic foresight led to the development of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Masterplan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) - the state's first comprehensive energy blueprint designed to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for generations to come. Under his stewardship, Sabah recorded several national firsts in the energy sector. In 2023, the state saw the establishment of Sabah's first Gas Competency Training Centre at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a major milestone in developing local technical expertise. He also spearheaded the implementation of strategic pathways aimed at achieving 100% rural electrification, ensuring inclusive energy access for all communities. In parallel, local industry participation was significantly boosted through the tripling of registered local gas contractors and the introduction of a new contractor category for solar energy, supporting the growth of Sabah's renewable energy ecosystem. During his tenure at SESB, Datuk Nasser led a series of transformation initiatives that delivered unprecedented outcomes. Under his leadership, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) was reduced to below 300 minutes - marking a record low for Sabah's power reliability. He also oversaw SESB's first-ever Zakat contribution of RM7 million, alongside its inaugural dividend payment of RM17 million to the State Government, demonstrating strong financial stewardship. Additionally, SESB achieved a Net Current Asset position on its balance sheet and successfully settled legacy debts with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) - a major step forward in strengthening the organisation's fiscal sustainability. His leadership in integrity and governance set new benchmarks in Sabah's private sector, including the rollout of the first Organizational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) and Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS).A registered Professional Engineer with Practicing Certificate from the Board of Engineers Malaysia, and holder of the ASEAN Engineer Certification, Datuk Nasser also specializes in Internal Combustion Engine systems. His enduring commitment to local talent development is reflected in his appointment of 90 Sabahans to key positions within ECoS, reinforcing his reputation as a champion of local empowerment and sustainable regulatory advancement. Datuk Nasser's visionary leadership continues to reshape Sabah's energy future— anchored on the pillars of excellence, innovation, and integrity.
Jerome Saniez
Managing Director & Country Chair, TotalEnergies EP Malaysia
Panel Speaker for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
Jerome Saniez is the Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Malaysia and serves as the Country Chair for TotalEnergies in Malaysia. With more than 20 years of international experience in the energy sector, Jerome has led projects and teams across multiple regions, including Europe and Central Asia, before taking up his current leadership role in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. He is actively engaged in fostering cross-border collaboration, serving as a Board Member of the French Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CCIFM) and as a French Foreign Trade Advisor (CCE Malaysia). His dual focus on operational excellence and international partnerships position him as a strong advocate for innovation and sustainable energy solutions. Jerome holds a Master’s degree from CentraleSupélec and has completed executive training at HEC Paris, equipping him with both technical expertise and strategic leadership skills.
Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar
Chief Executive Officer, Sabah Electricity Board
Panel Speaker for Executive Plenary: Fueling the Future – Navigating Sabah’s Integrated Energy & economic Future
Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Hj. Jaafar is a distinguished Malaysian engineering professional and corporate leader currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Electricity, the principal electricity utility provider for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Appointed as CEO in March 2022, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Sabah’s electricity infrastructure, driving energy transformation initiatives, and advancing sustainable power development across the state. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Power) from Universiti Teknologi MARA and is certified as a 275kV Competent Electrical Engineer by the Energy Commission of Malaysia. Professionally, he is a registered Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and a registered Professional Technologist with the Malaysia Board of Technologists. He has also been actively involved in the engineering fraternity as former Chairman of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia Sabah Branch and as an Executive Committee member of CIGRE Malaysia. Under his leadership, Sabah Electricity has embarked on major initiatives aimed at improving grid reliability, renewable energy integration, and energy security in Sabah. Among the notable projects championed during his tenure is the development of a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), regarded as one of the largest in Southeast Asia, designed to enhance grid stability and support the expansion of renewable energy generation in Sabah. Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob is widely recognised for his commitment to engineering excellence, sustainable energy development, and industry-academia collaboration. In 2026, he was appointed to the CEO@Faculty Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, reflecting his continued contribution toward talent development, research collaboration, and the advancement of energy technology in Malaysia.
Mohd Zamri Abdul Ghani
Vice Chairman and Board Member, Energy Dot Com Sdn Bhd
Moderator for Panel Session 1: Driving Excellence in Asset Management & Operations
33 years across PETRONAS including 15 years international portfolio covering Development, Decarbonisation , wells P&A, Decommissioning, Digitalization, Techno Com, O&M, Governance, Risk, Assurance and Enterprise Quality Mohd Zamri bin Abdul Ghani is a senior energy industry leader with over 36 years of professional experience, including 33 years with the PETRONAS Group across upstream, downstream, and central corporate functions. A PETRONAS scholar, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Oregon, USA, and began his career with Malaysia Shipyard & Engineering (MMHE), Tenaga Ewbank Preece, and Brown & Root before joining PETRONAS in 1992. His career progression reflects deep exposure to asset operations, project execution, joint venture management, and enterprise governance, spanning both domestic and international portfolios. Throughout his PETRONAS career, Zamri held senior leadership roles including Senior General Manager of PETRONAS Carigali Integrated Value Assurance (IVA), the central Operations & Maintenance execution arm for PETRONAS Carigali. He was later re-engaged by PETRONAS on a special two-year assignment as Head of Quality & Assurance (Enterprise Quality) under Project Technology & HSSE, reporting directly to Senior Vice President level. In this capacity, he led the establishment of central governance and quality operating models, corporate Quality Management Systems, Quality Index frameworks, and industry collaboration initiatives. He is a certified ISO 9001 and ISO 29001 practitioner and a recognised Technical Professional Principal of Project Management within PETRONAS. Zamri’s experience spans the full upstream E&P lifecycle, including exploration leadership, field development, FID processes, FEED, EPCC, commissioning, production operations, asset integrity, wells P&A, and facilities decommissioning. He has represented PETRONAS in multiple non-operated and joint ventures with partners such as PTTEP, Repsol, Hibiscus, Shell, PetroChina, and Total, leading high-value commercial negotiations, contract restructuring, and successful exits. His international experience exceeds 15 years, with assignments and leadership exposure in Japan, China, Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and a secondment with ExxonMobil in Houston, USA. Beyond operations, Zamri has been a recognised industry leader and thought contributor. He has led landmark initiatives such as the largest Wells P&A campaign in PM9, central asset integrity recovery programmes, operating model resets, and major cost-efficiency transformations within PETRONAS. He has also played prominent roles in international and regional forums including ADIPEC, SPE, RESET Conferences, Euro Conference Aberdeen, and Oman Quality Conference, and served as an alternate chairman for the PETRONAS OGSE Roundtable. He completed the Senior Management Program at Duke University, USA, further strengthening his leadership and strategic credentials. As Vice Chairman of Energy Dot Com, Zamri brings unparalleled depth in operations, governance, project execution, and international energy leadership, ensuring structured planning, coordination, and execution follow-through between board direction and management action. This combination of seasoned leadership and structured support positions EDC with strong institutional credibility, governance discipline, and execution confidence from its inception
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Ismail Omar
Director Asset, Subsurface and Planning, TotalEnergies EP Malaysia
Speaker for Panel Session 1: Driving Excellence in Asset Management & Operations
Ismail Omar is an energy professional with over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, currently serving as Director – Asset, Subsurface and Planning at TotalEnergies EP Malaysia. His expertise spans asset management, corporate strategy, engineering design, field operations, and joint venture management. Ismail began his career with ExxonMobil in 2004 and has since held key roles at MPM, PETRONAS Carigali and SapuraOMV, contributing to major upstream developments and national energy planning initiatives. He has led multidisciplinary teams across Malaysia and internationally, negotiated PSCs, and played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s future energy landscape through the TN50 Oil & Gas, Energy and Environment white paper for Malaysian Government. A Royal Scholar and University of Malaya graduate, Ismail is also an active industry contributor. Outside of work, Ismail enjoys exploring new places and challenging himself through endurance sports such as marathons and triathlons. In April 2025, he qualified for the Boston Marathon and completed the 6-Star World Major Marathon series, a journey he’s truly grateful for.
Conrad Thomas
Sr Project Manager Offshore Brownfield, Shell Malaysia Upstream
Speaker for Panel Session 1: Driving Excellence in Asset Management & Operations
Conrad is Head of Projects for Brownfield and Shell’s Sabah Deepwater within Shell Malaysia Upstream, leading the maturation and delivery of key projects supporting upstream operations in Sabah. His portfolio spans Shell’s deepwater assets, including Gumusut‑Kakap FPSO and Malikai TLP, with a strong focus on safe, disciplined execution and value delivery in Brownfield environments. With over 32 years in Shell, Conrad brings extensive experience across operations, maintenance, project execution, concept and design engineering, and field development planning. He previously served as Head of Project Engineering and Non‑Operated Ventures, providing enterprise-wide leadership in governance, assurance, and capability development for project delivery. Conrad has done international assignments in Aberdeen, UK, and Sakhalin, Russia, strengthening his expertise in complex, multicultural project settings. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Southampton, is a Chartered Engineer (I‑MechE), and serves as Technical Authority Level‑1 for Shell Malaysia projects.
Shahrul Nizar
Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Velesto Energy Berhad
Speaker for Panel Session 1: Driving Excellence in Asset Management & Operations
Shahrul Nizar Ahmad is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Velesto Energy Berhad. With more than 25 years of experience in the energy industry, Shahrul spent 22 years with SLB. where he held various roles across operations, business development and support functions, including 13 years of international assignments in the Middle East and West Asia. Since joining Velesto in 2022, he has played a key role in advancing the company's strategic growth, sustainability agenda, partnerships and capability-building initiatives. Drawing on his experience across the energy value chain, he brings perspectives on operational excellence, technology adoption and long-term value creation in the industry. Shahrul holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He serves on the Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) of the Petroleum Engineering Department at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC).
Ahmad Fazmee Baharuden
Head of Sabah Assets, Hibiscus Petroleum
Speaker for Panel Session 1: Driving Excellence in Asset Management & Operations
Fazmee brings over 17 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with extensive leadership, technical, commercial, and operational experience from in managing both greenfield and mature field assets. As Head of Operated Asset Sabah, he manages offshore operations at North Sabah and Kinabalu, LCOT Terminal and the Support team in Kota Kinabalu. Prior to Hibiscus, he worked with ExxonMobil Malaysia and PETRONAS Carigali. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, USA.
Faiz Latip
Founder & CEO of SEMARAK Training
Moderator for Panel Session 2: Building an Energy-Skilled Sabah: Talent, TVET, Certification & Workforce Transition
Faiz Latip is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, dedicated to empower talent and business performance in Oil, Gas & Energy industry. He is the Founder & CEO of SEMARAK Solutions Sdn. Bhd., an independent company specialising in training, consultancy and technology solutions. The organisation is a PETRONAS-licensed company and a HRD Corp-registered training provider, currently offering more than 120 professional courses through a global network of 30 subject matter experts. Since 2020, the company has served over 80 corporate clients across 9 countries, supporting organisational capability and talent development initiatives. Faiz was elected as an EXCO Member of The Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC), the largest industry association representing the interests of the Oil, Gas & Energy industry in Malaysia for the term of 2024/2026. He also served as the focal point for the Competency & Capability Development Working Group (CCWG), after previously serving as the Chairperson of CCWG for two terms since 2021. Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Faiz gained technical industry experience with Halliburton as a Completions Tools Trainee Engineer and with Baker Hughes as a Wireline Services Field Engineer in Malaysia and the U.A.E. Faiz graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where he also served as President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers UTM Student Chapter and led the chapter to win the 2013 Global Outstanding Student Chapter Award. Beyond his professional roles, Faiz is an active speaker, moderator, and host at both local and international industry events. He is also a HRD Corp Accredited Trainer, a registered Professional Technologist (Ts.) with the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), and a member of the Energy Institute (EI) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
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Nazliyah Mohd Ali
Vice President, Sector Development, MyMAHIR, TalentCorp Malaysia
Speaker for Panel Session 2: Building an Energy-Skilled Sabah: Talent, TVET, Certification & Workforce Transition
Nazliyah Mohd Ali currently leads key portfolios in Oil and Gas, Energy and Power, ICT, Communications and Multimedia (Telco & Broadcasting) under Sector Development, MyMAHIR at TalentCorp. She has cultivated strong relationships with leading industry players and associations, driving impactful collaborations to advance national talent development. With over 20 years of experience spanning client management, business development, and sales across property development, advertising, and banking, Nazliyah joined TalentCorp in 2012, initially overseeing Malaysian diasporas engagement and industry partnerships. She he later moved to Sector Development, where she continues to lead strategic engagement with employers to address mismatches between talent supply and market demand. Prior to TalentCorp, she served as Client Management Manager at a public relations agency, managing high-profile corporate accounts across diverse sectors. Nazliyah holds an Honours Degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from Universiti Teknologi MARA.
Ahmad Munir Akram Ahmad Faiz
Head of Human Capital Investment, PETRONAS
Speaker for Panel Session 2: Building an Energy-Skilled Sabah: Talent, TVET, Certification & Workforce Transition
Munir Faiz is currently heading the Human Capital Investment in PETRONAS. He oversees three key portfolios namely; creating STEM interest amongst school children, supporting the development of TVET talents for oil and gas and managing the prestigious PETRONAS scholarship program. Prior to this role, he was the CHRO for PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad. He has over 25 years of experience in both business and HRM, including a third of his career as an expatriate in three countries; Egypt, Canada, and India, where he served as CEO of a new PETRONAS venture. Munir is passionate on talent development and empowering his team to greater heights. He holds a Masters in Business Psychology from Heriot Watt University and a Chartered Fellow, CIPD.
Noor Azura Hasran
Head of OGSE Talent & Bumiputera Unit
Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation
Speaker for Panel Session 2: Building an Energy-Skilled Sabah: Talent, TVET, Certification & Workforce Transition
Noor Azura Hasran currently leads the OGSE Talent & Bumiputera Unit, Operations Department for Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), an agency under the Ministry of Economy. She manages talent development strategies, the Industry Talent Framework(InTAF), capability-building programmes, and career promotion initiatives to strengthen Malaysia’s Oil & Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) industry workforce, in line with one of the key targets in the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030 (OGSE Blueprint) of 60,000 skilled and semi-skilled talents by 2030. With over 17 years of experience in human capital and industry development, she has held a key role at Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp.), where she contributed to national human capital strategies and policy under the National Human Resource Centre (NHRC); SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp.), where she supported small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) development through financial assistance, entrepreneurship programmes, and international partnerships; and Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB Malaysia), where she was involved in G2G collaborations, inter-ministerial coordination, and trade missions to promote Malaysian construction capabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (International Business) from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
Professor Dato’ Sr. Dr. Azimuddin Bahari
Vice Chancellor, North Borneo University College
Speaker for Panel Session 2: Building an Energy-Skilled Sabah: Talent, TVET, Certification & Workforce Transition
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Azimuddin Bahari is a highly experienced professional with extensive expertise in Land Administration, Property Management, Environmental Management, and Sustainable Development. He holds a PhD along with multiple academic and professional qualifications in surveying, public administration, information systems, and law. He currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor of North Borneo University College, Chief Executive Officer of AB Property Management Solution, and Director of UDA Holdings Berhad, while also holding leadership roles in professional bodies. With over three decades of experience in both public and private sectors, he has held senior positions in government, including Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and CEO of Kumpulan Semesta Sdn. Bhd. Internationally, he has represented Malaysia as a lead negotiator in environmental agreements, including FTAs and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He has also contributed significantly to national policies and legislation related to land, environment, and biodiversity. In academia, he is actively involved in teaching, research, publications, and postgraduate supervision. He has authored books and journal papers, particularly in property and land management. His contributions have been recognized through multiple public service excellence awards and state honours.
Day 2 - Friday, 26 June 2026 @ Sipadan Hall 1, Level 4
Ts. Mohammad Nur Ikhwan Sunoto
Executive Committee, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council
Moderator for Panel Session 3: Local Vendor Empowerment: Strengthening the Sabahan Energy Supply Chain
Ikhwan Sunoto is a strong advocate for smarter, transparent, sustainable, and fair business practices. Currently serves as an Executive Committee (Asset Integrity & Sabah Region) for the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), and as the Community Outreach Chairperson for the Society of Petroleum Engineers Kuala Lumpur (SPE KL), he believes that business should contribute meaningfully to the community, environment, and social development - not just profits. Ikhwan holds a degree in Quantity Surveying from Universiti Teknologi MARA and has completed executive education at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. He is a Chartered Professional Technologist (Ts.) with the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registered with the UK Engineering Council through the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Born and raised in Sabah, his career spans both domestic and international markets, covering roles in operations and business leadership. He has held key positions at Tidal Group of Companies, EPOMS, Bumi Armada, bp, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, PETRONAS, and Sapura Energy. Ikhwan is currently the Managing Principal of Synergene Sdn Bhd, a venture builder and strategic investment company focused on sustainable and equitable technologies in diversified industries, with focus on the energy sector.
Masnahwi Nawe
Chief Executive Officer, Nawie Oilfields Services
Speaker for Panel Session 1: Local Vendor Empowerment: Strengthening the Sabahan Energy Supply Chain
-CEO Nawie Oilfield Services Sdn.Bhd (NOS) -Chairman of Oil & Gas Industry Bureau Labuan Chamber of Commerce (LCC) -Featured by a British Publishing House as One of the Successful Business Leaders in Malaysia and Singapore Manage and lead the company as a First Thru-Tubing in oil and gas Malaysia and Pioneer Sabahan company. Focusing in well intervention and sub surface operation in upstream division is strategic Direction, operational excellence and long-term business expansion with high standard HSE followed in oil and gas industries. Holding a Diploma Mechanical Engineering and graduated from Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu Sabah and started the career in oil and Gas industries. Gain the experience through international company and international working exposure. With this lead myself participate with successfully complex operation and Confidence lead the company development and participate the complex operation as well. More than 25 years with various role and supervise operation in multinational companies with big Players in oil and gas Industries. With experience in well intervention, P&A, Manufacturing, and Innovation. With extensive technical knowledge and hands on in oil & gas operation (Downstream and upstream) And successful graduate training for oil and gas division in Houston, Oklahoma USA for level 2 and build the confidence To participating giving exposure and development in oil and gas for Sabah and Labuan. As a strong advocate for local industry participation, committed to developing Sabah based capabilities and empowering local talents within the oil and gas sector. Under my leadership NAWIE OILFIELD SERVICES SDN.BHD continue expand its role as a competitive Bumiputera contractor focusing in well intervention, P&A, Drilling, conveyors, R&D and innovation also manufacturing. Masnahwi Nawe has further demonstrated that a local Sabahan company can successfully compete and expand beyond Malaysia’s borders within the oil and gas sector. Under his leadership, Nawie Oilfield Services has achieved significant milestones in international markets, particularly through the successful execution of operations in Indonesia. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the capability, expertise, and competitiveness of Sabahan-owned companies on the regional stage. It reflects a commitment to pursuing growth beyond traditional boundaries and reinforces the potential of local industry players to establish a strong presence in international markets. Driven by a vision of continuous growth and excellence, Masnahwi remains committed to positioning Nawie Oilfield Services as a recognized regional oil and gas service provider across the Asia-Pacific region. With NOS vision are to be globally recognizes by all oil and gas players. In driving NOS into more venture environment, we also perform a good strategic partner with few big players company, Sabah State Stakeholders, government agencies and others. By that we will ensure that the benefit will be receive are not merely for NOS but for all Sabahan people.
Sharki S. Hussin
Chief Executive Officer, Puncak Kinabalu Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd
Speaker for Panel Session 2: Local Vendor Empowerment: Strengthening the Sabahan Energy Supply Chain
Sharki S. Hussin is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Puncak Kinabalu Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd, leading the company’s strategic direction, operational excellence and long-term business expansion within the Oil & Gas industry. With more than 20 years of experience in Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC), he possesses extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in upstream, midstream and downstream Oil & Gas developments, covering fabrication, piping systems, maintenance, shutdown activities and offshore engineering services. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Linton University College and started his professional career as a Piping Engineer, where he gained valuable international exposure by working on overseas Oil & Gas projects. His technical competency and project management capabilities enabled him to contribute to complex engineering and construction works involving multinational companies and large-scale industrial developments. After returning to Malaysia, Sharki S. Hussin became actively involved in numerous mega EPCC projects across the country, particularly in Sabah and Labuan. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with major industry players including SBM Offshore for EPCC Siakap north-Patai development Project in Labuan. His experience includes Maintenance, piping installation, structural works, fabrication management, project coordination and execution of critical Oil & Gas operations. As a strong advocate for local industry participation, he is committed to developing Sabah-based capabilities and empowering local talents within the Oil & Gas sector. Under his leadership, Puncak Kinabalu Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd continues to expand its role as a competitive Bumiputera contractor focusing on gas pipeline construction, EPCC services, fabrication yard development, plant maintenance and offshore support services. Sharki S. Hussin also plays an important role in driving the company’s vision towards becoming one of Sabah’s leading Oil & Gas service providers with strong emphasis on safety, quality, operational integrity and sustainable growth. He believes in building strategic collaborations with industry stakeholders, government agencies and international partners to strengthen local participation in the nation’s energy industry. With his combination of technical expertise, operational experience and leadership capabilities, he continues to lead Puncak Kinabalu Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd towards greater achievements in supporting Malaysia’s growing Oil & Gas and energy sector.
Is. Omar Suhaimi Abu Hassan, FCILT
Business Advisor, Unsur Hebat Sdn Bhd
Speaker for Panel Session 3: Local Vendor Empowerment: Strengthening the Sabahan Energy Supply Chain
Omar Suhaimi is an acknowledged industry specialist (Is.) in SCM and Logistics Management. A Chartered Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Malaysia, CILTM. An Associate Member of Malaysian Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (MIPMM). A Past Vice Chairman of CILTM Selangor Section, A Past Member of Warehousing Education & Research Council (WERC), USA. He attended the Strategic Procurement Executive Management Program at PENN State University, Pennsylvania, USA. Over four decades in45 years in O&G industry, of which 25 years was in PETRONAS Group. Started with PCSB’s Project Procurement for Duyong Offshore Gas Development Project in 1982 and then for Dulang Oilfield Development in 1986. Became the Manager of Materials and Services for PCSB’s Peninsular Malaysia Operations in Kerteh and then the Senior Manager, Procurement Management at PCSB’s HQ. Was in the team evaluating the capabilities of local vendors in PETRONAS VDP program. Was in PCSB’ pre-operations teams for Vietnam and Turkmenistan and then in the Task Force for PETRONAS entry into Sudan, before being appointed as PCSB’s General Manager of Sudan Operations in 1997 and concurrently becoming the first PETRONAS Country Manager in Sudan, looking after PETRONAS Group’s business interests as well as the welfare of PETRONAS employees and their families residing in Sudan. Seconded to MISC Berhad in 2000, appointed as Head of Shared Warehousing Operations providing logistics support to a number of petrochemical plants in Kerteh and then back to Sudan in 2004-2005 as MISC’s Country Representative in Khartoum, overseeing two JVs, i.e., the Sudan-MISC International Shipping Line and the MISC-KIR Project Transport providing services to the United Nation’s World Food Program. Joined EPIC Berhad in 2006 and became its Group CEO in 2007-2008. Helped expanded EPIC’s business coverage to include a number of support services in addition to being the owner-operator of Kemaman Supply Base, KSB. Joined JX Nippon Oil & Gas Explorations in 2010-2016 (now ENEOS Xplora) as its Senior GM of Administration supervising Procurement, Materials & Logistics Management, HRM, Finance & Accounts, and General Administration. Concurrently as the Senior Executive Advisor to the MD. In 2018-2022 was with WHA an engineering consultancy company contracted to undertake slope inspections for the civil maintenance of the SSGP – Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline. Became the MD/CEO of WHA Oil & Gas in 2019 an OGSE involved in engineering services and equipment supplies. In 2023-2024 was with Faazmiar Technology, an ICT Service provider as Advisor, Materials & Logistics Solutions. In 2025 was with EPOMS Sdn Bhd as Principal, SCM & ESG where he assisted the management in restructuring its SCM from O&M to also expand into SCM for its E&P activities, and provided leadership in its Sustainability Journey and the development of its Annual ESG Reporting. Omar Suhaimi is currently an independent business advisor to a number of companies which include Barretto Business Development as well as an advisor on SCM and Logistics Management to Unsur Hebat Sdn. Bhd. a local Sabah OGSE.
Sharmilee Sagadavin
CETCO Energy Services
Moderator for Crystal Ball: Driving Energy Innovation through Technology
Sharmilee brings over two decades of leadership experience across oil & gas, technology commercialization, and Islamic finance. An active contributor within MOGSC, she supports the advancement of Malaysian innovators and drives industry collaboration on high‑impact technology initiatives. She works closely with PETRONAS on the integration of advanced solutions to enhance operational performance and sustainability, while partnering with universities to strengthen applied R&D and commercialization pathways. Known for bridging industry, government, and academia, she combines strategic insight with strong commercial acumen to accelerate the development and global readiness of home‑grown technologies.
Priscilla Ujang
MTAC & Engineering Manager, Sabah Deepwater, Shell Malaysia Upstream
Panel Speaker for Crystal Ball: Driving Energy Innovation through Technology
Priscilla brings close to two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, spanning flow assurance, business strategy, and asset maintenance leadership. She currently leads the development and execution of integrated maintenance, integrity, and engineering strategies for deepwater operations in Sabah. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of driving operational excellence through structured maintenance practices, digitalisation, and the deployment of new technologies. Priscilla has successfully led large-scale maintenance transformations, achieving sustained improvements in preventive maintenance compliance, reducing corrective backlogs, and unlocking significant cost efficiencies through data-driven approaches. Her experience includes strategic planning, production optimisation, and business transformation, alongside managing complex, high-value contracts and building multidisciplinary teams. With a PhD and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, Priscilla is a strong advocate for leveraging digital innovation to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency in oil and gas operations.
Ts. Izwan Adnan
Vice President - Malaysian Business Council - UAE
Chief EOR, Strategy & Commercial, Energy Dot Com Sdn Bhd
Panel Speaker for Crystal Ball: Driving Energy Innovation through Technology
Ts. Izwan Adnan is a trilingual Malaysian upstream professional with over 21 years of international upstream experience across Malaysia, the Middle East, Latin America, Sudan, and the Caspian region. He blends deep technical expertise in reservoir engineering with corporate strategy, M&A advisory, and governance. As former Technical Head at Dragon Oil, he delivered major appraisal and development campaigns. Izwan is the first Malaysian Chairman of the SPE Dubai & Northern Emirates Section and currently serves as Vice President of the Malaysian Business Council UAE. Founder of IACS International LLC, he advises cross‑border market entry and energy transition strategies, and currently as the Chief EOR , Strategy & Commercial for Energy Dot Com Sdn Bhd. Recognised as Energy Leader of the Year at Tech Horizons 2030 Awards, he mentors international professionals and is a sought‑after panelist on AI and digitalisation in energy. He holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS.
Dr Madhu Krishna Menon
Principal Engineer
Rockfield Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Panel Speaker for Crystal Ball: Driving Energy Innovation through Technology
Dr Madhu Krishna Menon has extensive experience in the Hydrocarbon, Mining and Utility industries. He currently works in the field of Engineering Asset Management, specialising on data-driven solutions for industrial problems. His recent work with mining and utility clients has been in maintenance strategy evaluation and optimisation, life-cycle asset management and facility downtime reduction. He teaches subjects in Asset Management, Risk Engineering and Systems Safety at a public university in Australia as an Engineering Academic. Madhu is enthusiastic in developing pathways for asset-intensive organisations to implement Predictive Maintenance without making significant infrastructure investments, thereby accelerating the digital transformation of asset management function. His focus is on value creation by applying domain knowledge-grounded AI techniques on existing industrial data sources like machinery vibration signals, SCADA systems and unstructured technical text. The solutions are centred around the practical requirements of asset state estimation, anomaly detection, degradation modelling and Remaining Useful Life estimation. By shifting the focus from reactive responses to evidence-based intervention decisions for critical systems and machinery, this approach generates practical pathways for clients to leverage AI-enabled asset condition monitoring. From 2004 to 2016, Madhu held the positions of Senior Engineer and later Staff Engineer for Rotating Machinery at the Sabah Operations of PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd. In this role, he evaluated plant modification proposals, conducted feasibility studies, led multi-disciplinary start-up readiness audits for greenfield oil and gas processing facilities and drove root cause failure analysis for high-impact asset failures. He also developed and implemented maintenance strategies, reliability plans and asset integrity frameworks for critical rotating equipment including gas turbines, compressors and pumps. Madhu formerly worked as Machinery Engineer with Larson & Toubro-Chiyoda (India), where he contributed to Detailed Engineering to the Ras-Laffan LNG project in Qatar. He has also worked as Mechanical Engineer in downstream facilities including polymer and fertilizer plants in India. Qualifications and Professional Registrations Madhu holds a PhD in Data-Driven Decision-Making for Predictive Maintenance, a Master of Maintenance and Reliability Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia, Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers UK, Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers India.
Ts Daniel Doughty FCILT, APR
Industry Strategist
President, Labuan Chamber of Commerce
Chairman, CILT Malaysia Sabah Section
Moderator for Panel Session 4: Industrial Development & Investment Opportunities in Sabah’s O&G & Clean Energy Sectors
Ts. Daniel Doughty, FCILT, APR, is an industry strategist, technologist, and Accredited Public Relations Practitioner with over two decades of leadership experience spanning logistics, transportation, maritime services, oil and gas, investment facilitation, economic development, tourism, marine conservation, and public policy. He currently serves as President of the Labuan Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia Sabah Section. In these capacities, he works closely with government agencies, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance regional competitiveness, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, transportation efficiency, and supply chain resilience across Sabah, Labuan, and the wider BIMP-EAGA region. Daniel previously served as a Board Member of Labuan Port Authority and Asian Supply Base, contributing his expertise in industry development, governance, and strategic planning. Recognize for his analytical mindset, adaptive leadership, and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, he was appointed Lead Strategist and Facilitator of the Labuan Economic Action Coalition (LEAC), a multi-stakeholder platform established during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, he successfully championed policy reforms that addressed issues affecting multiple industry players and the wider community, while facilitating the development of practical, industry-driven solutions to support economic resilience and recovery. He also serves as an Industry Advisory Panel Member to Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus, contributing industry perspectives to academic programmes, research initiatives, talent development, and industry-academia collaboration. Beyond his institutional appointments, Daniel has been actively involved in initiatives relating to Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations, maritime energy logistics, transshipment development, and regional maritime connectivity. Daniel is also actively engaged in the application of blockchain in supply chain management. He led the conceptual development of a blockchain-based transshipment protocol for Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations, focusing on improving transparency, traceability, and trust across complex maritime supply chains. The initiative later evolved into DGSWIFT.io, a Web3 trade facilitation instrument designed to support digital trade documentation, transaction verification, and cross-border trade efficiency. As Founder and Director of North Gate Consulting, he advises both public and private sector organisations on strategic planning, logistics infrastructure, maritime operations, industrial development, investment promotion, public affairs, and regional trade connectivity. Widely recognised for his ability to bridge government, industry, academia, and investors, Daniel is known for translating complex challenges into practical strategies and collaborative solutions. His professional engagements span boardrooms, policy forums, industry dialogues, and investment platforms, where he advocates for sustainable economic growth, stronger connectivity, and greater regional integration.
Dr Firdausi Suffian
Associate Professor, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah
Speaker for Panel Session 4: Industrial Development & Investment Opportunities in Sabah’s O&G & Clean Energy Sectors
Associate Professor Dr. Firdausi Suffian is a political economist at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Sabah Berhad, the Investment Promotion Agency for the State of Sabah under the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport. His research and professional work focus on political economy, industrial policy, and institutional reform. Drawing on his experience as both an academic and former CEO, he bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world governance and policy implementation, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping economic development. His work examines how state institutions, public investment strategies, and policy frameworks influence structural transformation and regional economic competitiveness. During his tenure at Invest Sabah Berhad, Dr. Firdausi spoke as a keynote speaker and panellist at high-level global forums, government engagements, and business chambers on investment, economic development, and sustainability. He played a role in shaping several strategic initiatives for the Sabah government, including the Blue Economy framework, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) development strategies, and industrial park development. He also facilitated collaborations with Petronas to promote oil and gas development in Sabah’s East Coast.while advising the state government on various aspects of investment promotion, industrial strategy, and economic development policy. Dr. Firdausi is a visiting lecturer at Mondragon University, Spain, and serves on the Industry Advisory Board at the University of Nottingham Malaysia and Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol (UK), a Master of Public Policy from the Australian National University (ANU), and a First-Class Honours degree from UiTM, Malaysia.
Vincent Soh
Founder & CEO MoneySave P2P Crowdfunding Malaysia
Speaker for Panel Session 4: Industrial Development & Investment Opportunities in Sabah’s O&G & Clean Energy Sectors
Speaker for Industry Insight Session:
RM1 Billion in Oil & Gas Financing: Lessons from 3 Successful Case Studies
Vincent Soh is the CEO & Founder of Moneysave, a leading P2P Crowdfunding Platform that is regulated by Securities Commission Malaysia. Todate, Moneysave has Crowdfunded >RM400m to more than 100 SMEs in Malaysia in various industries such as Semicon, Oil & Gas, Electronics, Education, Water Tech, Food Manufacturing and even Listed Companies. Moneysave specialises in Project and Contract Financing, Factoring, CAPEX Investments and can finance up to RM25m per SME without Collateral. Prior to founding Moneysave, Vincent has held key roles in Hong Leong Group, Eastspring Investments,KPMG and Kenanga Investment Group. For the next 3 years, Moneysave targets to Crowdfund another RM1bil to 1,000 Malaysian Companies and empower 100,000 families.
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Ts. Sharifah Zaida Nurlisha Syed Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer, MMC Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd
Moderator for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry - Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Ts. Sharifah Zaida Nurlisha Binti Syed Ibrahim is the Chief Executive Officer of MMC Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd, bringing over 36 years of extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise spans the full project lifecycle, from conceptual design through Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning (EPCIC), across both domestic and international projects. She began her professional career in 1990 as an Instrument Engineer with Sime Engineering. In 1995, she joined MMC Oil & Gas Engineering, where she progressively advanced through various project management and leadership roles before assuming her current position as Chief Executive Officer. Sharifah Zaida holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nottingham, England. In addition to her corporate leadership, she has made significant contributions to industry governance and professional development through numerous leadership appointments. These include: · Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) President (2016–2022); Advisor (2024–2026) · Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Engineering Council (MOGEC) President (2025–2027); Vice President (2021–2025); Executive Council Member (2019–2021) · Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT) Board Member (2018–2020); Chair, Women Technologist Chapter (2022–2026) · Centre for Women Advancement and Leadership (CWAL), Universiti Kuala Lumpur Cluster Head for Engineering & Energy (2022–2024) · Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC) Council Member (2022–present) · Majlis Penasihat & Perunding Wanita (MPPW) Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Council Member (2018–2020), providing advisory input and promoting women’s empowerment in Malaysia. She also serves on the boards of Doris MMC Sdn Bhd and the Government–Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC). Most recently, she was appointed Chairperson of the MyMahir Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) for the Oil & Gas sector. Sharifah Zaida has been actively involved as a judge for several prestigious industry awards, including: 1. Bentley Systems’ Global “Be Inspired” Awards (2012–2014) 2. CIDB “CEO of the Year” Awards (three consecutive years) 3. MBOT “Woman Technologist of the Year” Award (2024) 4. Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025 Her leadership and strong advocacy for women in technology and engineering have earned her widespread recognition, including being named among the Top 50 Women Energy Leaders in Developing Economies (2017), receiving the MBOT Woman Leadership Award (2023), and being featured in “Women in Energy: Pioneers, Innovators, and Change Makers in Malaysia” (2025).
Mohammad Zaid Bin Yusof
Principal Assistant Secretary, State Home Affairs & Research Office, Chief Minister's Department, Sabah
Panel Speaker for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry - Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Mohammad Zaid bin Yusof is the Principal Assistant Secretary at the State Home Affairs and Research Office, Chief Minister’s Department, The State Government of Sabah, with more than 10 years of professional experience spanning the public sector, Government-Linked Company (GLC), policy research, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Administrative Management) from the University of South Australia and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Graduate School of Business, National University of Malaysia (UKM). His academic and professional background has equipped him with extensive expertise in governance, organisational management, public policy and strategic development. Prior to joining the civil service, Zaid gained valuable industry experience with a State Government-Linked Company (GLC) under the Sabah Ministry of Finance, where he was involved in corporate operations, business development, stakeholder engagement and strategic initiatives. This experience provided him with practical insights into industry expectations, investment dynamics, workforce development and the importance of effective public-private partnerships. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive experience in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policies at both level of the Federal Government of Malaysia and State Government of Sabah. His areas of expertise include immigration, labour, security and home affairs, where he has been actively involved in policy coordination, strategic planning, inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement on matters of national and state significance. He also engages regularly with government agencies, industry stakeholders, academic institutions and community leaders to strengthen policy outcomes and promote sustainable development. A strong advocate for innovation, talent development and cross sector collaboration, Zaid believes that effective partnerships between government, industry and academia are essential to driving long-term economic competitiveness and sustainable growth. His professional interests include strategic governance, public sector transformation, human capital development, security policy and evidence based policymaking.
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Ir Firouz Asnan
President, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (TBC)
Panel Speaker for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry- Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan became Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)’s first President on May 1, 2025, following six years of strategic stewardship on the university's Board. He brings with him over 35 years of industry experience at PETRONAS, where he held several senior leadership roles across the energy value chain — from upstream to downstream — as well as pivotal positions at the corporate centre. His extensive international experience across diverse cultures has equipped him with a unique perspective and the ability to lead in dynamic, complex environments. Over the course of his distinguished career, Ir. Firouz served as Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) — the regulatory arm of PETRONAS — where he was entrusted with the national mandate to maximise the long-term value of Malaysia’s hydrocarbon resources. During his tenure at MPM, the upstream sector in Malaysia experienced a renaissance with the revitalisation of exploration activities. By the end of 2023, Malaysia not only reversed the production decline trend but also established itself as a leading oil and gas producer in the region, successfully achieving its 2025 upstream ambition target of 2 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day ahead of schedule. Additionally, the upstream sector has significantly reduced its carbon footprint. In addition, Ir. Firouz held the position of Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and was a member of PETRONAS’ Executive Leadership Team, developing long-term strategies to futureproof the organisation. His appointment as President marks a transformative chapter for UTP as it launches the Full Potential Program (UFPP) to become a world-class institution. Ir. Firouz combines strategic vision, business acumen, and hands-on leadership with a passion for building capacity and driving research, innovation, and societal impact. He advocates a whole-industry approach, leveraging technology, partnerships, and collaboration with academia to transform industries and societies, shaping a better future. Ir. Firouz is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Sloan Fellow. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Recently, he was elected as an Executive Board Member of the Vice-Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities.
President, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council
Panel Speaker for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry- Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Zahris is currently the President of the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC). He is also the Director of Schlumberger WTA (M) Sdn Bhd (now known as SLB). Zahris brings 34+ years of global oil and gas experience. Starting as a Field Engineer in Miri and Aberdeen, he had led operations, commercial, marketing and HR across Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East. A Columbia University Mechanical Engineering graduate, he had completed executive programs at IFP, Imperial College London, INSEAD and UC Berkeley. He advises UTM’s Petroleum Engineering Department and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), as an Industry Advisory Panel member and the Asia Pacific Regional Technical Advisory Committee, respectively.
Khalisha Sharifah
Director, Fragomen, Malaysia
Panel Speaker for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry - Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Khalisha is a Director at Fragomen Malaysia with more than a decade of experience in Malaysia inbound immigration. Since beginning her career in 2012 at a prominent legal firm, she has built deep expertise in immigration processes and compliance, advising both multinational and local companies on all aspects of Malaysia immigration. In 2014, Khalisha joined Fragomen and was among the pioneers instrumental in establishing and growing the firm’s Kuala Lumpur office. She later played a pivotal role in expanding Fragomen’s presence to East Malaysia, further strengthening the firm’s footprint in the region. Today, Khalisha leads a team of immigration consultants and analysts, providing strategic guidance to organizations navigating complex immigration requirements. She actively engages with government stakeholders, offering constructive feedback to improve Malaysia’s immigration framework. Her commitment is to ensure that policies are streamlined, business‑friendly, and aligned with global standards, enabling Malaysia to remain competitive in attracting and retaining international talent.
Ts. Tung Chee Kuan, KMN, PKT
President, Technological Association of Malaysia
Panel Speaker for Special Industry Dialogue: Government–Industry - Academia Collaboration Roundtable: Aligning Policy, Industry Needs & Talent Pipelines to Accelerate Sabah’s Energy Ambitions Toward 2040
Ts Tung Chee Kuan is the President of the Technological Association Malaysia (TAM). He is also the Group President of Peninsula Higher Education Group, The Ship Campus, Penang. Graduated with First Class Honours in Engineering (UMIST) and MSc in Industrial Education and Technology, he has dedicated 38 years of service to the Ministry of Higher Education, in which he oversaw planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of large-scale physical facilities, spearheaded development in (TVET) when he directed Polytechnic Banting, and pioneered a sustainable academia-industry collaborative model as the Director of Industry Liaison and Employability. Beyond his leadership roles, he serves as the President of Technological Association Malaysia (TAM), a member of the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC), and an appointed assessor for the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT). A Professional Technologist and ASEAN Engineering Technologist, he frequently shares insights at regional and international forums. His recent professional contribution include Asean Higher Education Leadership Forum 2025, Asean-China AI Convention, Kuala Lumpur Engineering Forum including a featured appearance on TV3’s Money Matters discussing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on modern industry. His community involvement include being the Honorary Judge for the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award, organised by JCI Malaysia and Shortlist Judge for the 2021 Reimagine Education Awards, jointly organised by QS and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has also been invited as a guest speaker for MBOT ThursWeb where he shared his insights on TVET.