The second Petroleum Engineering Lecture Series, a joint effort between the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter (APU SPE SC) and Petronas under the Collaboration with Higher Education Strategic Initiatives (CHESS) programme, was a resounding success, bringing together industry experts and students for an engaging and informative session on 21st June 2024.

Initiated by Dr Wong Siew Fan (Senior Lecturer and Advisor of APU SPE SC, School of Engineering at APU), the lecture featured two distinguished Staff Reservoir Engineers from Petronas who shared their expert insights and experiences with students:

1. Mr Mohd Fairuz Azman
2. Ms Nor Baizurah Ahmad Tajuddin

The lecture focused on the topic of Field Development Plan (FDP) in the oil and gas industry, offering students invaluable insights and comprehensive understanding of this critical aspect of petroleum engineering, highlighting its significance and practical applications.

First Segment: Well Performance Monitoring

In the first segment, Mr Mohd Fairuz highlighted the significance of continuous well performance monitoring, emphasising its crucial role in understanding reservoir behaviour, optimising production strategies, and identifying potential issues early.

He discussed how advancements in downhole sensors and real-time data analysis are revolutionising performance monitoring, enabling engineers to make data-driven decisions that maximise production efficiency.

Additionally, he outlined the essential steps involved in creating a successful FDP, including reservoir characterisation, well placement optimisation, production forecasting, and economic evaluation, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the processes that drive effective petroleum engineering practices.

Second Segment: Resource Estimation

In the second segment, Ms Nor Baizurah provided an in-depth look into resource estimation, a fundamental aspect of FDP.

Moreover, she explained how geological and engineering data are utilised to determine the amount of recoverable oil and gas in a reservoir.

Discussing techniques such as seismic inversion and machine learning, she highlighted how these advancements enhance the accuracy and reliability of resource estimation, leading to more efficient development plans and optimising resource extraction, significantly improving the overall effectiveness of petroleum engineering efforts.

Third Segment: Reservoir Simulation

In the final segment, Ms Nor Baizurah shed light on reservoir simulation, a crucial tool for modelling reservoir behaviour over time.

She detailed how these simulations assist engineers in predicting production rates, evaluating the effectiveness of different recovery methods, and refining field development strategies.

By offering comprehensive insights into reservoir dynamics, she emphasised how these simulations play a vital role in making well-informed decisions, ultimately ensuring the optimal development and management of oil and gas fields.

Reflections on the Lecture Series

Dr Wong reflected on the lecture, appreciating the profound insights provided by Mr Mohd Fairuz and Ms Nor Baizurah.

She highlighted how their expertise greatly enriched students’ understanding of FDP and expressed hope that such knowledge will inspire and guide students as they progress in their careers within the oil and gas industry.

In contrast, APIIT Education Group and APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam praised the lecture for its exceptional contribution to bridging the gap between industry practice and academic learning.

He emphasised that the detailed presentations by the experts not only enhanced students’ technical knowledge but also highlighted the importance of continuous innovation in the field of petroleum engineering, concluding that such lectures are pivotal in preparing students for future industry challenges.