Malaysia's PM Najib Razak Opens Inaugural OTC Asia in Kuala Lumpur

The Offshore Technology Conference Asia, or OTC Asia 2014, opened Tuesday in a spectacular ceremony in the presence of Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from March 25 to 28 March, OTC Asia 2014 looks set to become the foremost offshore oil and gas event in the region.

In his well-received keynote address, the Prime Minister said, “Malaysia, as an oil producing nation has embraced a new era of innovation, with unconventional extraction unlocking reserves previously thought to be too expensive.  This era of innovation has led to an increase in upstream Capex in the South East Asia region, with upstream Capex of sixty billion dollars in Malaysia alone over the next five years.”

The Prime Minister also referred to the human element, stating that, “Our people are equipped with technical and technological knowhow.  Technology and human capital are the keys to unlocking new energy supplies.  Here, in Malaysia, we are leading by example.

Finally, he praised the contributions of Petronas.  “In their fortieth anniversary year, as a Malaysian, I am immensely proud to see Petronas grow and develop into a leading global company.  Let us hope that life really does begin at forty!”

Gaining global recognition, the inaugural OTC in Asia has surpassed the 15,000 target for delegates and trade visitors with close to 18,000 registrants from over 80 countries.

Working in concert with Petronas, the Corporate Supporting Organisation for the first OTC Asia 2014, the conference also has the distinction of being the first OTC to stage an outdoor exhibition. Covering 43,055 square feet (4,000 square meters) and supported by Petronas Carigali, companies like Halliburton, SapuraKencana, Weatherford and WestStar Aviation will display their state-of-the-art technology and oilfield machinery, treating visitors to an up-close experience.

OTC’s expansion into Asia reflects the region’s increasing relevance in the global energy space and the appointment of Malaysia as host nation reaffirms its’ position as a prominent hub for oil and gas services in Asia, and its’ role as a centre for major international oil and gas corporations.