– Good morning, Mr. Ismadi. It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Turkmen Energy Journal on the eve of the landmark 30th anniversary edition of OGT. PETRONAS has been a long-standing partner of Turkmenistan’s energy sector. To begin, could you share with our readers how long PETRONAS has been operating in Turkmenistan and what your overall experience has been like?

– Good morning and thank you for the invitation. PETRONAS has been present in Turkmenistan for almost 30 years – essentially the same span of time as the OGT Conference itself. Since the signing of our Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for Block-I in 1996, we have built a strong partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan and its national energy institutions. Over the decades, we have gained invaluable experience in developing offshore f ields in the Caspian Sea, introducing advanced upstream and downstream technologies, and training a new generation of local specialists. Turkmenistan has always provided us with a stable and constructive operating environment, and we are proud to be part of this country’s remarkable energy journey.

– This year marks three decades of OGT. As someone leading one of the key international investors in Turkmenistan, what does OGT 2025 mean to you and PETRONAS?

– OGT is truly a flagship platform, not just for Turkmenistan but for the wider region. For 30 years, it has brought together policymakers, investors, and technology providers to exchange ideas and build trust. For PETRONAS, the conference has always been more than an annual event – it is where we strengthen our partnerships, share technological innovations, and align with Turkmenistan’s long-term energy vision. This year’s anniversary edition is particularly significant because it comes at a time when the global industry is accelerating efforts in energy transition, methane reduction and renewable integration. OGT 2025 provides a unique opportunity to place Turkmenistan at the heart of these global conversations.

– PETRONAS is operating Block-I under the PSA framework. Could you tell us more about the perspectives and planned investments under this agreement?

– Certainly. Block-I has been a cornerstone of our operations in Turkmenistan, and it continues to hold substantial potential. Together with our partners, including ADNOC Turkmenistan RSC Limited and Hazarnebit State Enterprise, we remain committed to optimizing production, enhancing efficiency, and deploying new technologies that improve environmental performance. Over the life of the PSA, PETRONAS has invested heavily not only in infrastructure but also in capacity building – ensuring that the benefits of this partnership extend well beyond hydrocarbons. Looking ahead, our planned investments will focus on sustainable field development, digitalisation of operations and integration of best practices in emissions monitoring and reduction.

– Beyond business, PETRONAS has also been recognised for its strong commitment to social responsibility in Turkmenistan. Could you share more about these efforts?

– Social investment is integral to PETRONAS’ philosophy. In Turkmenistan, we have supported a range of initiatives in education, sports, and community development. One of our proudest contributions is our scholarship programme with Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Malaysia. Over the years, 100s of talented Turkmen students have pursued higher education at UTP, returning to contribute to their Homeland’s progress. Recently, we celebrated another batch of young students embarking on this journey, and that is deeply rewarding for us. Beyond scholarships, PETRONAS continues to support social projects that create lasting value for local communities, in line with Turkmenistan’s sustainable development goals.

– Finally, what are your expectations for OGT 2025?

– I expect OGT 2025 to be both a celebration of the past three decades and a forward-looking dialogue on the future of energy. With over  1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, coupled with a fully sold-out exhibition space, this year’s anniversary edition will once again highlight Turkmenistan’s growing role as a reliable energy partner and a convener of global cooperation. I would also like to note the particularly high interest from Malaysian companies in participating in OGT 2025. This increased engagement, as advised by the organisers, is a direct outcome of the Turkmen Energy Investment Forum successfully held in Malaysia in April of this year, which generated significant attention from Malaysia’s energy business community toward Turkmenistan. It also reflects the steadily deepening economic and energy ties between our two nations. For PETRONAS, OGT 2025 will be an opportunity to reaffirm our long-term commitment to Turkmenistan, to showcase our innovations in sustainability and digital transformation, and to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of hydrocarbons, renewables, and the global energy transition. We look forward to contributing to what will undoubtedly be a milestone event for Turkmenistan and the international energy community.

– Thank you, Mr. Ismadi, for sharing your insights with us. We wish PETRONAS continued success in Turkmenistan and beyond.