The well intervention and plug and abandonment (P&A) industry is moving toward a more data-driven approach to intervention planning and execution, as industry leaders call for greater use of high-fidelity well data, real-time diagnostics, and predictive technologies to improve operational outcomes across mature and late-life assets.
The shift was a key focus at the inaugural SPE/ICoTA Asia Pacific Well Intervention and P&A Conference and Exhibition, where more than 750 well intervention and P&A professionals from 25 countries gathered in Kuala Lumpur to examine how data, technology, and collaboration can enable smarter decisions and more effective intervention strategies.
Held on 29–30 September 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the event was jointly organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Intervention and Coiled Tubing Association (ICoTA) under the theme “From Data to Intervention: Smarter Decisions, Better Outcomes.”
In his welcome remarks, Mohammad Shaufi Dahlan, senior general manager, wells department, Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd. (PCSB) highlighted the value of mature fields and the growing role of data, automation, and predictive insights in enabling safer, more effective well intervention and production optimization. He emphasised the importance of making informed decisions on when to intervene, while also considering the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible abandonment of wells. He further highlighted the value of industry collaboration, where shared experience and innovation can help address common challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Keynote speaker, Ir. Ts. Mazri Mohd Ali, senior general manager, production and operations management, Malaysia Petroleum Management, Petronas, highlighted the need to look beyond production volumes when measuring well success, emphasising a full life-cycle approach to sustaining wells safely, securely, and responsibly. He positioned well intervention as a strategic means of enhancing production and extending well value, underpinned by four priorities: making data decision-ready, selecting interventions based on life-cycle value, scaling proven technologies, and building a learning ecosystem.
The evolving approach to well intervention came into sharp focus during the Executive Plenary, which brought together Norbashinatun Salmi M Nordin, general manager, discovered resources arrangement, resource development management, Malaysia Petroleum Management, Petronas; Suresh Sinnappu, vice president, global accounts (NOCs), Weatherford; Sathish Kumar Batumelai, regional director, well services (SEA), Archer Well Company; and Steve Moir, senior chairman, ICoTA Global, with Mohd Abshar Mohd Nor, general manager, asset decommissioning, Malaysia Petroleum Management, Petronas, as moderator. The discussion examined how the industry can move beyond traditional, reactive intervention planning towards data-driven and predictive execution. Panelists explored the role of high-fidelity well data, advanced well surveillance, real-time downhole telemetry, and cross-operator data sharing in improving candidate well selection and intervention planning.
Across the 2-day program, technical sessions, ePoster presentations, and panel discussions provided a platform for operators, service companies, and technical experts to share field experience, examine operational challenges and showcase technologies aimed at improving intervention and P&A performance—addressing a broad range of topics spanning well intervention, P&A, coiled tubing, slickline, e-line, well integrity, diagnostics, and emerging technologies.The sessions covered a wide range of topics across well intervention and P&A, providing participants with opportunities to share experiences, discuss operational challenges, explore technologies and solutions, and exchange insights on approaches to improving intervention performance and outcomes across Asia Pacific.
The exhibition brought together companies across the well intervention and P&A value chain to showcase technologies, products, and solutions addressing evolving operational requirements. Amongst the participating exhibitors were Petronas, Interwell Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SLB, Hunting Energy Services FZE, AEM Energy Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Aroona Energy Solutions, Full-Metal-Power, Geowell Sdn. Bhd., GOWell, and Hyperseal.
The inaugural conference reinforces the growing importance of data, technology, and collaboration in improving how the industry approaches well intervention and P&A – particularly as operators manage increasingly complex mature and late-life assets.
About ICoTA
The Intervention & Coiled Tubing Association (ICoTA) Asia Chapter is a non-profit professional organization established in 2025. The spark for the regional chapter originated from a fruitful discussion with global ICoTA leadership during the SPE/
ICoTA Well Intervention Conference in Houston, with the primary aim of bringing that same standard of technological advancement, collaboration, and industry excellence to the Asia Pacific region. Connecting manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and end-users, ICoTA Asia delivers solutions and empowers professionals to drive the well intervention industry forward. Members gain access to technical programs, shared expertise, and events designed to accelerate professional growth while fostering a strong network and sense of community across the region.
For more information about the SPE/ICoTA Asia Pacific Well Intervention and P&A Conference and Exhibition 2026, visit https://www.spe-events.org/apac-well-intervention.