SPE News

SPE Asia Pacific Marks 3 Decades of Connection, Collaboration, and Community

Established in 1995, SPE Asia Pacific has grown to more than 25,000 members across 41 sections and more than 90 student chapters.

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Staff members gathered in Taman Tugu, a 66-acre urban forest in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, to plant three trees in honor of SPE Asia Pacific’s 30 years.
Source: SPE

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Asia Pacific marked its 30th anniversary this year, celebrating 3 decades of remarkable growth, collaboration, and technical advancement across the region.

Since its establishment in 1995, SPE Asia Pacific has expanded from fewer than 4,000 members to more than 25,000 across 41 sections and from just five student chapters to more than 90. The region now delivers over 20 conferences and exhibitions, workshops, and symposia annually, connecting business and technical professionals and advancing solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Notable milestones include hosting the International Petroleum Technology Conference since 2008, establishing the Offshore Technology Conference Asia in 2014, and pioneering events on digitalization; carbon capture, use, and storage; hydrogen; and other future-focused priorities.

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Terry Palish, 2024 SPE President.
Source: SPE
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Hazli Sham Kassim, SPE Regional Director, Asia Pacific.
Source: SPE

To commemorate 3 decades of success and the presence of its regional office in Malaysia, SPE Asia Pacific adopted three trees in Taman Tugu—a 66-acre urban forest reserve nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Undertaken as part of the “Planting for the Future” initiative, this adoption stands as a meaningful tribute to SPE Asia Pacific’s 3-decade journey and its vision for continued progress. Supported by its sponsors—Petronas, Baker Hughes, ConocoPhillips, Deleum, ENEOS Xplora, PTTEP, SLB, Vantris Energy, Weatherford, and Woodside Energy—the adoption reflects a shared commitment to conservation and to nurturing a sustainable legacy for future generations.

SPE 2024 President Terry Palisch, SPE members, corporate sponsors, and SPE Asia Pacific staff gathered at Taman Tugu to commemorate this milestone. The program featured an introduction to the unique habitat, a hike along its scenic trails, and a visit to the adopted trees, blending learning, community spirit, and environmental stewardship in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“Thirty years of achievements are the result of passion, purpose, and the collective dedication of our members and volunteers,” Palisch said.

Hazli Sham Kassim, SPE’s Asia Pacific Regional Director, said, “SPE Asia Pacific is not just about knowledge sharing, it is about building the trust and relationships that will shape the industry’s future.”

As the region looks ahead, SPE Asia Pacific remains committed to advancing innovation, driving sustainable energy solutions, and empowering the next generation of professionals.

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Gathered to celebrate SPE Asia Pacific’s 30-year anniversary were, from left, Mohamad Kamal Hamdan, SPE Asia Pacific Regional Technical Advisory Vice Chair and lead adviser for reservoir engineering at PTTEP; Koji Yamamoto, SPE Regional Director, Asia Pacific, and senior councillor and chief technology officer at JOGMEC; Hazli Sham Kassim, SPE Regional Director, Asia Pacific, and senior vice president for Malaysia assets, upstream, at Petronas and CEO of Petronas Carigali; Datuk Adif Zulkifli, SPE Asia Pacific Advisory Council Chair and executive vice president and CEO for gas and maritime business at Petronas; Terry Palisch, 2024 SPE President; Michelle Tan, Director, Asia Pacific Events, SPE; and Shahril Ridzauddin Mohd Mokhtar, SPE Asia Pacific Regional Technical Advisory Chair and general manager for technology and innovation, upstream technology, digital and innovation at Petronas.
Source: SPE
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SPE Asia Pacific staff members.
Source: SPE