Developing talents
IN the next decade, Malaysia’s oil and gas industry, identified as a National Key Economic Area under the Government’s Economic Transformation Programme, will witness a rise in the size of its workforce.
It is estimated that 52,300 jobs will be created in the oil, gas and energy industry.
Although many roles will require technical background and skills, energy companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of having leaders equipped with the expertise required to sustainably manage global businesses.
The increasing complexity of the industry due to factors such as regulatory challenges, geopolitical pressures and environmental issues have driven energy companies to seek the leadership talents they require to meet the present and future demands of the industry.
In a landscape characterised by new regulations, cutting- edge technology and emerging threats and opportunities, energy companies cannot afford to pour resources into a generalised talent programme that does not produce the leaders they need to sustainably drive the business forward. Energy companies have acknowledged that the business aptitude of master’s of business administration ( MBA) graduates make them ideal for positions in corporate finance and business development to sustainably manage global businesses.
In recognition of the importance of the MBA and as one of Petronas’ four learning institutions spearheading the organisation’s aspiration for human capital development, Universiti Teknologi Petronas ( UTP), through its Management and Humanities Department, is offering the MBA in Energy Management ( MBA- EM).
The programme aims to develop leaders who are competent in driving and sustaining the global energy business.
Graduates are trained to analyse current and emerging trends in the global energy sector, develop and implement effective energy management strategies, evaluate business decisions to ensure efficient and sustainable management of resources, and integrate management, leadership, business principles and technology to carry out strategic roles.
The MBA curriculum is designed based on internal reviews, expert panel workshops and industry stakeholder engagements to ensure that it is comprehensive and relevant to the oil and gas industry.
Dr Lai Fong Woon, programme manager for the MBA- EM at UTP, says that the programme is suitable for business executives and professionals in the technical line who are entering management roles and feel the need to sharpen their business acumen and managerial capabilities.
He adds that the MBA- EM programme aims to attract top talents from the energy sector as well as other professionals serving the sector such as bankers, lawyers and regulators.
“The learning process is supported by qualified and experienced academics coupled with strong linkages to industry experts from the energy sector.
“We emphasise case studies and analyses to enhance the teaching and learning process,” say Dr Lai.
The 50 credit hours ( completed over a course of 20 months) cover nine core business subjects and five energy management specialisation modules, which are energy value chain, energy management, energy technology and innovation, low carbon economy and sustainability, and energy regulations and policies.
The MBA- EM programme also incorporates modules on business research methodologies, consultancy management and a capstone consultancy project.
UTP also collaborates with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute ( Rasei) of the University of Colorado in Boulder, the United States, to conduct the course.
Through this collaboration, five energy management specialisation modules will be delivered by professors from Rasei, led by Prof Dr Paul Komor, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with former US vicepresident Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007.
Classes at its Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, campus are conducted over the weekends for the convenience of working professionals, except for some energy management specialisation modules, which are conducted on weekdays.
Students come from various backgrounds, including engineering, legal, marine, banking, accounting and commerce, with an average working experience of 10 years.
The September intake is open for applications.
For more information, e- mail Dr Lai Fong Woon at laifongwoon@ petronas. com. my or visit www. utp. edu. my/ MBA