KUALA LUMPUR: Australia-based upstream oil and gas training specialist Harness Energy sees Malaysia’s potential as its regional training hub.
Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Reilly said the company, which has just set up its office in the country, would be investing US$1.5 million (US$1=RM4.24) until the middle of next year to build its capabilities, including bringing in a US$1 million drilling simulator chair.
“By the end of next year, we expect 20 per cent of the training attendance will be from people outside of Malaysia,” he told reporters at the launch of the office here yesterday.
He said apart from the simulator, the company would also invest US$200,000 in training local instructors in line with its mission to equip its operations with local personnel.
Harness Energy can accommodate 24 students a week with its fleet of instructors at its disposal, he said, adding the company’s training would be registered with OPITO, an international standards body for skills in oil and gas, by November 2015.
On the impact of the gloomy oil and gas industry to training services, he said the company remains optimistic that industry players will not compromise on training despite the slowdown in the industry.
“Training is linked to safety and productivity.
Most companies look for efficiency while safety is never to be compromised,” he said.
He said the company is currently in talks with four upstream companies to provide training to their personnel.
Harness Energy began in 2005 in Australia with a vision to supply the oil and gas industry with passionate professionals who are inspired to deliver to clients a high level of safety and performance. — Bernama