SBM Offshore Strengthens Malaysia’s Role In Global Offshore Energy Projects
By Abdul Hamid A Rahman
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in the global offshore energy value chain, with local engineering and technical teams taking on increasingly complex responsibilities in international project execution.
Reflecting this shift, SBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SBM Offshore Malaysia) has evolved from a supporting office into a strategic Global Execution Centre (GEC), with its Kuala Lumpur-based teams contributing across engineering, supply chain, construction, commissioning, project controls and business support functions.
The company, which marks its 20th anniversary in Malaysia this year, plans to expand its Kuala Lumpur workforce from approximately 500 employees currently to more than 600 by 2027 as global project activities increase.
SBM Offshore Malaysia country general manager Christine Lim said the transformation reflected the company’s sustained investment in local capabilities, talent development and international project exposure.
“Over the past 20 years, SBM Offshore Malaysia has grown into a strategic GEC and a trusted contributor to SBM Offshore’s worldwide operations.
“From a local office supporting project activities, Malaysia has evolved into a key hub, delivering project-execution capabilities across complex offshore energy projects,” she told Bernama in a recent interview.
She said the Malaysian operation now plays an important role in enabling the safe, efficient and predictable execution of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel projects.
FROM SUPPORT OFFICE TO GLOBAL EXECUTION CENTRE
Since establishing its presence in Malaysia, SBM Offshore’s local teams have contributed to 13 international projects involving FPSOs, turret-mooring systems and catenary anchor-leg mooring buoys.
The company’s early involvement in the FPSO Kikeh project was followed by contributions to international FPSO projects, including FPSO Aseng, FPSO N’goma, FPSO Sepetiba and FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão.
Lim said each project had strengthened the technical expertise and execution capabilities of the Malaysian operation, enabling it to assume broader responsibilities within the group.
“Our transformation has been driven by the successful delivery of increasingly complex projects and a sustained focus on developing local capabilities and talent.
“These milestones have enabled SBM Offshore Malaysia to evolve into an integrated GEC, supporting project execution across our global organisation,” she said.
Malaysian teams now contribute throughout the project lifecycle, including engineering and technical services, supply-chain activities, construction, commissioning and project controls.
Their involvement in major international projects has also provided local professionals with experience in multidisciplinary and cross-regional project execution.
Lim said this exposure had strengthened the ability of Malaysian teams to work with colleagues across SBM Offshore’s international operations while maintaining common standards in governance, safety and quality.
BUILDING MALAYSIAN TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Malaysia’s skilled workforce and established energy ecosystem have made the country an important location within SBM Offshore’s global execution network.
The Kuala Lumpur operation brings together expertise from engineering, supply chain, project execution and supporting business functions.
Lim said this multidisciplinary structure allowed the Malaysian centre to support the delivery of increasingly complex offshore energy infrastructure while working closely with partners, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
“As a GEC, SBM Offshore Malaysia plays a crucial role in driving operational excellence, enabling project delivery and creating value across our global organisation,” she said.
Central to this approach is SBM Offshore’s “One Company” model, which integrates expertise and capabilities from different regions and disciplines.
Lim said the model encouraged knowledge sharing, enabled teams to align around common objectives and allowed them to address project challenges collectively.
It also helped ensure consistency in governance, safety and quality standards across projects, regardless of location.
As SBM Offshore Malaysia expands its project responsibilities, talent development remains one of the company’s strategic priorities.
Lim said the company continued to build local capabilities through structured learning programmes, mentoring, career-development opportunities and exposure to international projects.
These initiatives allow Malaysian engineers and technical professionals to develop specialised expertise while contributing to projects across the company’s global portfolio.
“Our people are at the heart of our success. Malaysian talent is now a key contributor to SBM Offshore’s global capabilities, helping to drive innovation, project excellence and operational performance across our worldwide organisation,” she said.
The planned workforce expansion to more than 600 employees by 2027 is expected to support the ramp-up in project activity and strengthen the Malaysian centre’s capacity to undertake additional responsibilities.
The company is also actively seeking professionals with experience in the oil and gas industry.
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION
Alongside the recruitment of experienced professionals, SBM Offshore Malaysia is focusing on developing the next generation of engineering and technical talent.
Lim said university partnerships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiatives are important in preparing young people for an industry that increasingly requires technical expertise, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Through university partnerships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, the company offers students industry exposure, learning opportunities and insights into careers in engineering, technology and innovation.
The Malaysian office has also hosted young graduates from Suriname in connection with the Gran Morgu FPSO project, which is under construction in China and will be deployed in Suriname.
Lim said the initiative reflected SBM Offshore’s belief in early engagement and international exposure as part of developing and attracting talent.
The company is also encouraging greater female participation in engineering and technical disciplines through mentoring, talent-development programmes, university engagement and community outreach.
She said inclusion, diversity and equity are important in building innovative and high-performing teams.
“By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, we strengthen collaboration, foster innovation and enhance our ability to deliver sustainable value for our business, clients and communities,” she said.
Beyond its business and talent-development activities, SBM Offshore Malaysia is involved in initiatives related to marine ecosystem protection, STEM education and community engagement.
Lim said these efforts reflected the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and creating a positive impact beyond its core operations.
POSITIONED FOR FURTHER GROWTH
Looking ahead, SBM Offshore Malaysia intends to deepen its technical expertise, develop its workforce and strengthen collaboration across the company’s global network.
It will also continue to build relationships with universities, industry stakeholders and the broader energy ecosystem.
Lim said these priorities would help position the Malaysian centre to contribute to increasingly complex international projects.
“Our focus remains on strengthening capabilities, investing in our people and enhancing collaboration across our global organisation.
“As the industry continues to evolve, we believe SBM Offshore Malaysia is well positioned to play an even greater role in advancing project excellence and supporting the delivery of value across our global portfolio,” she added.
-- BERNAMA