McDermott and TAS unite to boost Sabah’s workforce and energy sector

U.S. offshore engineering and construction player McDermott and the integrated oil and gas training institute in Malaysia, TAS Institute of Oil and Gas (TAS), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation on research and development, training, capacity building, and institutional development in Sabah. 

McDermott said it would partner with TAS, the local training organization in Sabah, to upskill the local workforce, enhance institutional capabilities, and position Sabah as a hub for energy projects in Southeast Asia. 

“This is an important collaboration as we continue to grow our portfolio in Malaysia,” said Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott’s Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities. 

“Working together, we will increase access to critical engineering resources to support the delivery of energy projects in the region. It also reflects our ongoing commitment towards institutional development and knowledge transfer, for a lasting positive impact on the country’s energy sector.”

LANDAS Gemliang, a provider of electrical instrumentation solutions and an existing TAS partner, facilitated the initiative. The initiative also counts on the support of the Sabah Oil and Gas Services Council for its commitment to local content in the region. 

“We are thrilled to partner with McDermott, an engineering powerhouse, that has Malaysia at the heart of its subsea operations,” said Willie Ng, Executive Director of TAS. 

“Together we are committed to delivering tangible benefits to the local community by providing opportunities for our students and researchers and significantly contributing to the advancement of Sabah’s oil and gas sector.”

Established in 2008, TAS Institute of Oil and Gas is the first institute in Sabah to offer technical skills and safety courses for the oil and gas industry. The institute provides petroleum training and competency courses, serving both local and international clients in the industry. McDermott is the first large multinational energy service provider to partner with a local training organization in the Sabah region.

In March, McDermott secured a “sizeable” contract from PTTEP Sabah Oil Limited for offshore transportation, installation, and commissioning services in Malaysia. The contract, valued between $1 million and $50 million, involves work on a project, located 120 kilometers off the coast of Labuan, Sabah.