Shell engages with Curtin Malaysia at the Great Energy Debate

Miri – 27 November 2018 –  In a unique opportunity, university students from Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines challenged prominent regional energy experts and global energy company Shell on the issue of climate change and the future of energy in a live panel debate held last November 23 at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The debate was streamed live at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and University of the Philippines. The Shell Malaysia team was led by Omar Sheikh, Managing Director of Shell MDS Malaysia.

Maarten Wetselaar, Shell Director for Integrated Gas and New Energies, tackled tough questions from the energy-engaged millennials on the 21st century challenge of providing more energy while reducing impact to the planet.

“Energy affects us all. While we rely on energy in our everyday lives, the way in which it’s produced and used is tied to the well-being of our planet. I’m keen to find new ways to engage with young people – and others – to openly discuss the challenges, as well as the opportunities, surrounding the future of energy,” Wetselaar said.

Leading energy experts participated in the panel and provided their views on meeting the energy challenge and how different sectors of society can collaborate. The panellists were the following: Wu Changhua, a China sustainability policy and partnership specialist; Jay Layug, former Undersecretary of the Department of Energy and Chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board; and Peter Godfrey, Managing Director of the Asia Pacific Energy Institute, based in Singapore. Professor Peter Jackson, Head of Engineering and Systems Design at Singapore University of Technology and Design, moderated the live debate.

Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia, Professor Beena Giridharan, who was also present, said Curtin Malaysia offers relevant engineering and science courses and much of what it does, including its research, revolve around renewable energy and environmental conservation. As Curtin University’s largest international campus and global hub in Asia, it contributes significantly to Curtin’s vision to be a scientifically-based solutions provider to industry and a global leader in research and education. Thus, Curtin Malaysia is proud to partner with Shell in the energy debate initiative and being its Malaysian partner host.

Professor Giridharan was also pleased that a good number of students and staff from its faculties of engineering and science, business and humanities participated in the event. Also present were Chief Operating Officer Pieter Willem Pottas, Acting Dean of Engineering and Science Associate Professor Vincent Lee, Head of Petroleum Engineering Department Associate Professor Hisham Khaled Ben Mahmud, and Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Dinesh Rajenthiran.

Shell recognises the significance of climate change, along with the role energy plays in helping people achieve and maintain a good quality of life. Shell takes part in the energy transition by finding ways to produce more and cleaner energy.

The audience at Curtin Malaysia participating in the live broadcast of The Great Energy Debate.

Omar Sheikh, MD of Shell MDS Malaysia giving his speech at The Great Energy Debate event.

Omar Sheikh and the Shell Team interacting with Curtin Malaysia students and staff.

Shell MalaysiaTeam posing with Curtin Malaysia students and staff. Omar Sheikh (standing 8th fr Right)..