Since the first commercial oil production in 1929, the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam has seen major developments and contributed significantly to the country’s economy. At present, the oil and gas industry employs more than 19,000 Bruneians and contributes to 60% of the total value of goods and services produced in Brunei Darussalam. With the advancement in technology, significant efforts are currently being planned and executed to increase the recoveries from the existing oil and gas fields, whilst effective guidelines and regulation being enforced to achieve a sustainable oil and gas production.
In recognizing its importance, Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam (PA) organized a one-day Energy Symposium on Thursday, 16 June 2022 at the Musyawarrah Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) during the Energy Week. The Energy Symposium was held in a hybrid format and attended by government agencies, oil and gas operators, service providers as well as higher educational institutions. Present to officiate the event as the Guest of Honour was Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw, Deputy Minister, Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Energy Symposium was divided into four sessions namely:
- CEO Dialogue on Future Energy Sectors in Brunei Darussalam;
- Resilience to the New Norm;
- Venturing to Energy Transition; and
- Gearing Up Locals for Employment Opportunities in the Energy Sector.
Professor Hidetoshi Nishimura, the President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) delivered a keynote address during the opening session. The speakers discussed and shared views on how to shape the new future of the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam including digital transformation, energy transitions, local employment opportunities as well as challenges faced by the oil and gas sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interactive discussion during the Symposium underscored the importance of the collective efforts by local, regional and international agencies in promoting the fundamental and applied approaches in progressing towards a more resilient energy future.
A total of 230 participants joined the Energy Symposium. Those physically present had the opportunity to establish networking ties and exchanging of ideas with professionals, subject matter expert speakers and leaders of various field. The Energy Symposium also welcomed attendees virtually through live broadcast and online participation.
Also in attendance were Yang Mulia Awang Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary, Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office and PA Interim Managing Director; Yang Mulia Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office; senior government officials; directors and officers from the private and public sector.
