Energy ( Energy ( Oil and Gas) Oil and Gas)

There are many opportunities in a career in oil and gas, though it may require living abroad.

Despite lacking oil reserves, Singapore’s economy still owes a great deal of its economic health to the oil industry, mainly due to its role as one of the world’s top three leading oil refining centres. Much of the local activity in this sector takes place in the refineries and plants on Jurong Island.

Although Singapore primarily focuses on downstream services, oil and gas engineers can still expect to be employed in either upstream or downstream areas due to the international nature of the industry. Major employers like ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Keppel Corporation tend to send their employees on international secondments and transfers as well.

Engineers can also consider employment with small independent oil companies, oil services providers, specialised operators, contractors and suppliers catering to the various needs of this industry.

Career overview

Engineers in this field are usually assigned to either upstream responsibilities in exploration and production, or other downstream duties, much like refining and marketing. The former revolves chiefly around the search and extraction of new oil and gas beds, whereas the latter is about processing crude oil into commercial products for trade.

Timescales in exploration and production typically take five to 10 years, starting with the search for a new oil or gas field before beginning extraction, and the production phase can last for 30 years or more. Within this, there are also many discreet, shorter projects.

Engineers working for operators and contractors typically work on one project at a time, each lasting several years; in contrast, an engineering company employee providing flow assurance calculations may complete the jobs in as little as six weeks.

Trends and developments

As technology advances, so does the international appetite for energy, and the search for new oil and gas beds has intensified as a result.

Subsea explorations now go up to more than 2,000 metres beneath sea level, and are expected to stretch even deeper around the world. However, hydrocarbon resources are also growing increasingly scarce, leading to more research into alternative fuels.

Singapore, in particular, has been very encouraging of this trend – with the government’s many investments into R&D, production and use of biofuels.

Although the industry witnessed a drop in demand throughout 2020, opportunities are still plentiful as progressive recovery is expected over the coming years as consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels in mature markets. Emerging markets are also predicted to leverage on lower gas prices and global economic rebounds.

Environmental issues continue to remain a looming concern in the industry, too. Engineers are urged to research ways to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact that comes with both the sourcing and consumption of fossil fuel products. Many companies are now taking measures in preparation to pivoting to cleaner energy sources, as consumers have begun voicing beliefs that change isn’t happening fast enough.

Career highlights

An ever-expanding sector

Oil and gas engineers can look forward to a potentially exciting career because of the rapid growth and dynamism of this industry.

Opportunities for international exposure

Graduates who have joined international organisations may also get the opportunity to work with, and be mentored by, engineers from other parts of the world, gaining new insights as well as getting exposure to different technologies and systems within the industry.

Required skills

• Able to work in a team

• Able to work well under pressure • •

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• Awareness and knowledge of any developments that affect the industry

• Strong interpersonal skills