Head of Curtin Sarawak Petroleum Engineering Department among academics invited to visit to UMW-INSTEP Drilling Academy

Miri – 22 June 2015 – Associate Professor Sharul Sham bin Dol of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) was recently among academics from a number of universities invited by UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) to visit the UMW–INSTEP Drilling Academy (UIDA) in Terengganu.

Associate Professor Sharul heads the Petroleum Engineering Department of Curtin Sarawak’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Invitations were extended to universities in Malaysia offering undergraduate petroleum engineering or other oil and gas-related courses. Joining Associate Professor Sharul were representatives from Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The visit included a briefing and discussion led by General Manager of UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad Izulman Idris. The hosts and visitors discussed how to encourage greater involvement in research and development activities, technology transfer, as well as talent training and development, using the facilities at the academy.

It also included a tour to UIDA’s land rig (NAGA 100) and DS600 drilling simulator which is the only simulator of its kind in the country.

According to Associate Professor Sharul, engaging with UIDA and utilising its facilities would be an excellent opportunity for Curtin Sarawak’s students to gain exposure and hands-on experience in rig operations as an extension of their classroom learning.

He added that it would certainly enhance the profile of the Curtin petroleum engineering course offered at the campus, particularly if it is recognised by the academy.

The UMW–INSTEP Drilling Academy was jointly established by UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad and Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP). It offers structured training in drilling operations and certification programmes with the aim of producing complete drilling crews, from floormen to professional drillers.

Formed in April 2011, MPRC serves to promote and transform the oil and gas service sector in Malaysia by collaborating and promoting partnerships and joint ventures between local companies with global multinational corporations, research institutions and academia.

The university representatives posing for group photo at UIDA’s land rig (NAGA 100).

Briefing and discussion led by Izulman Idris.

DS600 drilling simulator at UIDA.