Technical Writing and Document Development for PPGUA 3.0 – Malaysia
The Procedures and Guidelines for Upstream Activities (PPGUA) issued by Malaysia’s National Oil Company (NOC) is a foundational reference for all upstream operators in the country. Due to its comprehensive scope, revisions to the PPGUA require significant coordination across both domestic and international operating companies active in Malaysia.
EnergyEdge’s Role
In 2013, EnergyEdge was engaged to provide technical writing and editorial services for the third revision of the PPGUA (Version 3.0). The goal was to improve the structure, clarity, and usability of the full 10-volume document.
Key responsibilities included:
- Editing and rewriting draft content to improve clarity, eliminate verbosity, and ensure concise, professional language
- Reviewing material for readability, logical flow, and unobtrusive grammar
- Designing a new layout and document format for all 10 volumes
- Developing the User Manual (Volume 1) to guide readers through document navigation and application
- Liaising closely with the Secretariat to incorporate feedback and ensure technical accuracy
- Providing regular progress updates and periodic hard copy versions for review
- Publishing the final approved version of the full PPGUA 3.0 set
Content Overview – PPGUA 3.0 Volumes
The revised PPGUA was delivered as a 10-volume set, each covering a major area of upstream activity:
- Volume 1: User Manual
- Volume 2: E & P Investment
- Volume 3: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Volume 4: Planning & Budget
- Volume 5: Exploration
- Volume 6: Field Development
- Volume 7: Operations Management
- Volume 8: Drilling and Well Operations
- Volume 9: Finance
- Volume 10: Other Supporting Information
Outcomes
- A significantly improved PPGUA document with enhanced clarity, format consistency, and user navigation
- Clearer guidance for upstream operators aligned with national expectations and industry best practices
- A modernised document structure supporting long-term usability and future updates
Conclusion
By supporting the NOC in the development of PPGUA 3.0, EnergyEdge contributed to a critical industry-wide resource that supports compliance, operational consistency, and knowledge transfer across Malaysia’s upstream sector.
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