Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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, marking 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 highlighted the transformation as a result of 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.
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 Gusmo.
Lim explained that 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 noted this exposure has enhanced the ability of Malaysian teams to work with colleagues across SBM Offshore's international operations while maintaining common standards in governance, safety, and quality.
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 integrates expertise from engineering, supply chain, project execution, and supporting business functions. Lim stated that this multidisciplinary structure allows the Malaysian centre to support the delivery of increasingly complex offshore energy infrastructure while collaborating closely with partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
Central to this approach is SBM Offshore's 'One Company' model, integrating expertise and capabilities from different regions and disciplines. Lim mentioned that the model encourages knowledge sharing, aligns teams around common objectives, and collectively addresses project challenges. It also ensures 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 stated that the company continues to build local capabilities through structured learning programmes, mentoring, career-development opportunities, and exposure to international projects. These initiatives enable Malaysian engineers and technical professionals to develop specialised expertise while contributing to projects across the company's global portfolio.
The planned workforce expansion to over 600 employees by 2027 is expected to support the increase in project activity and strengthen the Malaysian centre's capacity to undertake additional responsibilities. The company is actively seeking professionals with experience in the oil and gas industry.
In parallel with recruiting experienced professionals, SBM Offshore Malaysia is focusing on developing the next generation of engineering and technical talent. Lim emphasised that university partnerships and initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are crucial for preparing young people for an industry that increasingly requires technical expertise, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Through these partnerships and 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 remarked that this initiative reflects SBM Offshore's belief in early engagement and international exposure as part of developing and attracting talent. The company is also promoting greater female participation in engineering and technical disciplines through mentoring, talent-development programmes, university engagement, and community outreach.
Lim asserted that inclusion, diversity, and equity are vital for 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 highlighted that these efforts reflect the company's commitment to responsible business practices and creating a positive impact beyond its core operations.
Looking ahead, SBM Offshore Malaysia intends to deepen its technical expertise, develop its workforce, and strengthen collaboration across the company's global network. The company will also continue building relationships with universities, industry stakeholders, and the broader energy ecosystem. Lim concluded that these priorities will help position the Malaysian centre to contribute to increasingly complex international projects, enhancing project excellence and supporting the delivery of value across SBM Offshore's global portfolio.