KUALA LUMPUR (July 21): Sustainability, growth and future aspirations of the oil and gas (O&G) industry are expected to be the dominant themes this year when energy professionals from across the globe gather here for Southeast Asia's largest merged O&G conference — the Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) X Malaysia Oil & Gas Services Exhibition and Conference (MOGSEC) 2022 — and the inaugural Petrochemicals Sustainability Conference (PSC) 2022, which will be held together from Sept 13-15 this year.

Announced on Thursday, the OGA X MOGSEC, together with the PSC 2022, is an all-inclusive event championed by three parties — The Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) , the Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA) and Informa Markets Malaysia — to further reinforce Malaysia as the region's O&G, energy and petrochemicals hub.

At a time when the world is striving towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the themes in focus are anticipated to provide fresh insights and innovative pathways for industry players to navigate implications from recent volatile markets, global energy transition ambitions, and net-zero carbon emission goals that will contribute towards nation building and the national economy through overall industry development.

MOGSC president Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad told reporters at a media conference on the upcoming OGA X MOGSEC and PSC 2022 that MOGSEC is delighted to make a strong comeback after 2018 — when the exhibition-cum-conference was last held — and that the timing could not have been better.

"Malaysia has unveiled its National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030 to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian companies in the global market in a sustainable manner. I expect a lot of intense conversations to take place on the next steps, new technologies and the resources that we can tap into."

He also shared that O&G equipment and services (OGSE) providers are on track for recovery, supported by better oil prices at the moment.

“We are in a better position now after the industry has had to, in the last 10 years, overcome two major crises — and probably another one in the next two years, in the form of a recession. But we are still in the midst of recovery.

“It helps that due to the improved oil price, there will be more capital expenditure (capex) spending by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), which is very important for the industry.

"The potential and future is always there for O&G despite the energy transition. Fossil fuels still have a major role in the future (despite) the energy transition. The OGSE industry wants to continue to help the country's economic recovery. Hopefully there will be a sustainable energy ecosystem, moving forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, MPA president Akbar Md Thayoob said petrochemical industry participants are now preparing themselves towards the energy shift, with each drawing up a plan to achieve that goal, and that the next 10 years will be the most decisive period in achieving the net-zero carbon emission goal by 2050.

"By bringing together key stakeholders, including that from the government, industry associations, petrochemical producers, technology and solution providers, brand owners and supply chain organisation, PSC 2022 is set to be an interactive platform that encourages conversation, knowledge sharing and engagement among industry players and key stakeholders, and prompt meaningful discussions on common strategies to support the journey towards net-zero ambitions.

"This knowledge cross-sharing platform will also provide opportunities for participants to acquire industry insights and keep abreast with the latest technology and solutions to address climate change challenges," he said.

Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh said the organisation and OGA 2022 are delighted to work with MOGSC and MPA, two prominent industry associations, for the upcoming event. "The strategic alliance has certainly elevated the shows to a new level and provides a productive and very inclusive experience to all participants," he said.