Sabah reaffirms commitment to developing local talent for oil and gas industry

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 14): The Sabah government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing local talent for the oil and gas industry, describing human capital development as a top priority for the state’s long-term economic growth.

This was emphasised by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun in his speech at the 12th Convocation of TAS Institute of Oil & Gas on Saturday.

Masidi’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Ishak Ayub. A total of 53 graduates received their Diploma certificates at the ceremony.

“Today is not just about getting a certificate. It is proof of TAS Institute’s long-term commitment to train our people, and this is a top priority for the Sabah State Government,” Masidi said, adding that the oil and gas sector is seen as a powerful engine to grow the state’s economy and create good jobs through strategic collaboration with industry partners.

He said strong cooperation between the Sabah government and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) marked a turning point in opening opportunities for Sabah-based companies and strengthening efforts to develop local expertise.

“This means rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Take every opportunity to learn on the job, continuously sharpen your skills and build real competence through experience,” he said.

He added that the state expects them to become a skilled, reliable and trusted workforce that will serve as a critical driver of Sabah’s oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) industry and long-term growth.

Masidi also highlighted Sabah’s position in the national energy landscape, noting that the state is now Malaysia’s largest crude oil producer.

“As offshore activity accelerates and development moves into deeper waters, Sabah is well-positioned to lead the next phase of energy growth.

“To stay ahead, we must have long-term plans and training that meets international standards and fits what industry needs,” he added.

Masidi expressed appreciation to TAS Institute and its subsidiary, SEQU-TAS Offshore Safety, for pioneering local training long before it became formal policy, noting that many graduates come from B40 families and that the institute has helped uplift communities by providing world-class skills.

“I know many of you have used your success to help put your younger siblings through TAS Institute. That spirit, where individual progress helps lift the whole family and community, is exactly the kind of collaboration we want to see,” he said.

He also announced full state support for the upcoming OGSE Sabah Conference to be held from June 4 to 6, 2026, at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

The maiden event will be organised by the Sabah Oil and Gas Services Council (SOGSC) and Persatuan Kontraktor Petroleum Bumiputera Sabah (PKPBS).

“This conference sets a clear direction to significantly increase Sabahan participation in OGSE contracts,” he said, noting that local contract ownership reached nearly 40 per cent in 2025, with a target of 60 per cent by 2026.

Masidi said achieving the target would require strong collaboration from PACs and OPUs, as well as greater participation by Sabahan companies and training centres such as TAS Institute to build a skilled workforce that meets industry demand.

He also acknowledged the Sabah Local Content Council, chaired by SMJ Energy, for establishing an Industry Joint Task Force led by ConocoPhillips to strengthen Sabah’s OGSE workforce through technical and leadership development.

Masidi congratulated TAS Institute for training more than 2,000 skilled oil and gas graduates since its inception, encouraging it to accelerate its momentum and grow into a recognised centre of excellence for the industry.

He concluded by congratulating the graduates and their families, calling on them to remain committed, hardworking and willing to learn, and to play their role in building a stronger, more self-reliant and prosperous future for Sabah.