Main speech: Adif reading out Tengku Muhammad Taufik’s keynote address at the Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2025 conference, Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR: Asia is facing challenges and opportunities as the region continues to grapple with soaring energy demand while urgently needing sustainable solutions, says PETRONAS.
Its president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Kamadjaja Aziz said despite the significant growth in energy demand, Asia remains a region marked by stark contrasts of both promise and uncertainty.
“Global energy demand grew by 2.2% last year, yet over 350 million people in Asia-Pacific still face limited access to electricity,” he said in his keynote address when opening the Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2025 conference yesterday.
His speech text was read out by PETRONAS Gas & Maritime Business executive vice-president and CEO Datuk Adif Zulkifli.
Also present were Informa Markets Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation president and CEO Mohd Yazid Ja’far and Sarawak Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
Tengku Muhammad Taufik emphasised the pressing need for energy that is not only cleaner but also secure and affordable.
“This is the paradox of Asia sustaining its momentum. A balance is important to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress.
“Natural gas is vital for providing stability and flexibility alongside renewable energy,” he said, noting that “energy security and energy transition are interdependent”.
He also stressed the need for natural gas in Asia’s growth amid digitalisation.
Addressing market volatility, Tengku Muhammad Taufik said a single disruption can ripple across global energy markets.
He also called for resilience amid geopolitical shifts and climate change.
In his special address, Mohd Yazid called on Malaysia’s oil & gas services & equipment (OGSE) industry to embrace innovation and diversification.
“Our industry must deliver reliable energy today while also preparing for a more sustainable and diversified future.
“OGSE companies must be bold in diversifying and prepare for future markets in low-carbon technologies and digital solutions,” he said, pointing to emerging opportunities in carbon capture, utilisation and storage and hybrid hydro floating solar projects.
Praising the country’s OGSE ecosystem, especially its deep-water expertise and world-class engineering, Mohd Yazid said the track record makes Malaysia a credible partner on the world stage.
He also invited international partners to leverage Malaysia’s strategic position as a gateway to Asean.
“Our firms bring proven technical experience, cost competitiveness and a willingness to collaborate.”
In his opening remarks, Abdul Rahman said the role of oil, gas and energy remains vital amid transition to green energy.
“Even as the world accelerates towards green transitions, the role of oil, gas and energy remains vital and that reality is clearly reflected today.”
The event, he said, has been significant as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the energy sector.
“The energy is palpable. This year, the show was filled out over a month prior to opening day.
“This underscores that OGA matters – as a place where relationships deepen, ideas move and business gets done,” he said.
Abdul Rahman also pointed to South-East Asia’s pivotal role in global energy dynamics, citing the International Energy Agency’s projection that the region will account for a quarter of global energy demand growth by 2035.
“This is where growth is happening and where solutions must scale,” he added.
Organised by Informa Markets, the 21st edition of OGA 2025, themed “Powering Progress, Shaping Tomorrow”, is a leading event for the oil, gas, energy and petrochemical industries.
Attracting over 36,000 attendees from 70 countries and featuring 1,142 participating companies from 40 nations, the three-day event is projected to generate significant business potential and knowledge exchange.
