Localising Global Standards for Operational Excellence
The Kinabalu and PM-3 assets were previously operated by a multinational exploration company, which was later acquired by a Spain-based fossil fuel company. Before the acquisition, the company engaged EnergyEdge to formalise and localise its Wells Management System (WMS)—a crucial step toward operational continuity and compliance.
The objective: develop a complete and locally relevant WMS that would allow the Malaysian workforce to confidently manage wells operations in alignment with global and regulatory standards.
What Is the WMS?
The Wells Management System is an integrated suite of controlled documents, including:
- Procedures
- Forms
- Checklists
- Templates
- Registers
These documents govern all key processes required to manage wells activities safely, consistently, and in compliance with corporate and legislative requirements—including those set by Talisman Energy and Malaysian oil & gas regulations.
EnergyEdge’s Contribution
To ensure effective localisation and adoption of the WMS, EnergyEdge seconded its Technical Director to the client’s Malaysian office. He led a full review and customisation effort, working directly with office-based Wells management and field personnel.
Project scope included:
- Reviewing and aligning content with:
- Malaysia’s PPGUA (Procedures and Guidelines for Upstream Activities)
- The company’s internal standards (originating from Canada)
- International benchmarks (e.g., API standards)
- Integrating additional operational and legislative requirements specific to the Malaysian context
- Eliminating “copy-paste” documentation errors from prior use of unreviewed international templates
- Ensuring every employee and contractor involved in Wells operations understood the new standards and expectations
Implementation: Workshops & Validation
To embed the WMS successfully:
- Two 3-day workshops were conducted for both office and field personnel
- The workshops included:
- Detailed walkthroughs of new policies and responsibilities
- Reviews of past unwanted events caused by poor documentation practices
- Clarification of how new documents reflected local realities and improved safety and consistency
Deliverables & Lasting Impact
The final deliverable was a robust, asset-specific WMS comprising three volumes:
- Wells Management
- Wells Operations
- Well Integrity
The system was delivered to the operator just before the acquisition by the Spain-based energy company. Despite the ownership change, the system was fully adopted by the acquiring firm and remains in use to this day—a testament to its practical value and contextual relevance.
Conclusion
By localising global standards and creating a practical, well-structured WMS, EnergyEdge empowered a national workforce to take ownership of wells operations—improving safety, compliance, and operational clarity. This project remains a strong example of how targeted documentation and training can have a lasting impact, even through organisational transitions.
To support technical excellence in well operations and field readiness, EnergyEdge provides targeted training programmes designed for operational teams. Contact us to explore training solutions that align with your organisational priorities.
