Iliyas (second left) and his protem committee showing the flyers for the charity golf tournament to be held in conjunction with the soft launch of Sabah Oil and Gas Services Council.
KOTA KINABALU: The newly set up Sabah Oil and Gas Services Council (SOGSC) yesterday announced its official formation with a pledge to promote an inclusive petroleum-based industry that allows a more active participation from local companies at various levels.
Its protem committee secretary, Willie Ng, said the council will provide a platform for collaboration, idea exchanges and skill developments for companies and individuals involved or seeking to venture into the booming oil and gas sector in Sabah.
“We know there are already other associations in the industry, and we will work with them, complement each other,” he said in a press conference at Bukit Padang yesterday.
Unlike other existing organizations, which are only open to certain segments of the industry, Ng said SOGSC welcomes not just contractors but also all service providers involved in oil and gas activities.
“Our association is open to three membership categories, namely corporate, associate membership and normal memberships. Corporate membership is for companies, where they can send two of their representatives to sit in the committee, while associate membership is for those wishing to learn about the industry or want to venture into oil and gas,” he said.
He stressed that a lot was still needed to be done in terms of promoting a rapid and inclusive development in oil and gas in Sabah, particularly in skills and capability enhancement for local contractors.
Towards this, he said among the first order of business for SOGSC would be to collaborate with major established players such as Shell, Talisman and Murphy Oil to aggressively organize seminars and talks for local contractors and service providers.
Ng said between 60 to 80 members of the protem committee were currently processing applications from about 30 interested parties.
He added SOGSC will also work closely with the government, especially in areas where it can assist to promote the industry and the interest of the local players.
Meanwhile, protem president Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim in a written statement for the press conference, said the main objective of SOGSC was to promote the development of the oil and gas industry, with emphasis on enhancing the competency and expertise of its members.
He said this will be done through positive and constructive collaboration with the authorities, industry players and stakeholders.
“Dialogues, discussions, seminars, forums and technical talks shall also be organized with industry stakeholders such as Petronas and major players to upgrade and improve the skills and knowledge of our members.
“Apart from the above, our focus is to complement and positively contribute towards Sabah and nation building in the oil and gas sectors,” he said.
Iliyas also informed that in conjunction with its launching on August 23, SOGSC will organize an inaugural charity golf tournament at the Sabah Golf and Country Club (SGCC) on the same day.
He said 200 players were expected to participate in the tournament and the proceeds will be donated to a welfare home under Caring For The Future (CFFM) in Kinarut Papar.
CFFM is a non profit organization that provides protection and a home for neglected, abused and orphaned children.
Apart from the noble charity cause and opportunity to network among themselves, participants will also stand a chance to bring home attractive prizes, which include a Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid.