Next generation keen to step up as IPTC came to a close in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Thailand -- The 10th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) came to a close in Bangkok today with an attendance of over 3,700 industry professionals from 51 countries. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand graciously presided over the Opening Ceremony. The event drew speakers from the highest echelons of government, operators, service providers, advisory and research firms, and academia. In addition, 67 undergraduates took part in Education Week, and 78 high school students and 36 teachers joined in the Education and Teachers鈥 Days program.
鈥嶩osted by PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) and under the theme 鈥淚nnovation and Efficiency Excellence for our Energy Future鈥, the event featured a ministerial address, high-level plenary and panel sessions, a comprehensive multidisciplinary technical program, exhibition, emerging leaders workshop and various educational activities.
How the global 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, has been a focus of discussions over the past three days at IPTC.
A record number of oil and gas young professionals gained exclusive insights from industry experts earlier in the week at the Emerging Leaders Workshop. Under the theme 鈥淓merging Leaders: The Catalyst for Innovation and Efficiency鈥, participants heard from senior industry executives from the PTT Group, BMT Mercury Technology International, Exxon Mobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc, PETRONAS Carigali Brunei Ltd, Schlumberger and PTTEP. Speaking during the workshop, Amirah Zakariah from PETRONAS, Emerging Leaders Workshop Subcommittee Co-Chair enthused: 鈥淭he 135 participants this year came from various countries and companies, which have sent their young professionals here to benefit from the learning and networking鈥.
Today saw the culmination of Education Week with the judging of group technical projects developed by international science, geoscience and engineering undergraduates. Meanwhile, Education Days and Teachers鈥 Day ran in parallel to the conference. The program introduced local high school students and teachers to the energy industry, its benefit to our everyday lives, emerging technologies and career opportunities. The students also participated in a science project that was presented, judged and displayed at the exhibition earlier in the week.
Bringing the conference proceedings to a close, Somporn Vongvuthipornchai, President and CEO of PTTEP and 10th IPTC Executive Committee Chairman thanked all participants, students, delegates, committee members, authors, exhibitors and sponsors for making IPTC 鈥渁 big success鈥. He said: 鈥淲e have heard executives share their perspectives, exchanged technical knowledge, made new friends and given the future generation an insight into the industry.鈥
The next edition of IPTC in Asia will take place in Beijing from the 26th to 28th March 2019.