Published on June 9, 2026

In the rough sea and high stakes world of offshore operations, the leadership is often associated with silver hair and decades of sea time. However, for Adiazizi, his journey from a fresh Chemical Engineering graduate to an Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) at Champion 7 proves that in the modern era of Orang Kitani talent, competence and humility speak louder than age.

The Fast Track Career

His story began in November 2012. Returning from University College London with MEng in Chemical Engineering, he joined Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP). While many graduates find their first few months daunting, Adiazizi arrived with portfolio of holiday interships that gave him an early taste of the industry.

He credits his rapid development to the structured layout of the Shell Graduate Program (SGP) and the Shell Advanced Technical Program (SATP). From a six-week intensive programme in Singapore to in-house training at BAPSLH, the foundation was laid. Yet, his true education began in March 2013, when he stepped on the EAST asset for the first time.

Earning The Right To Lead

“Alone, but not lonely”, is how Adiazizi describes those early offshore days. But as a young trainee, he faced a unique challenge: how do you lead technicians who have been in the field since the days before you even graduated?

Adiazizi chose a path with humility. Rather than relying on his title, he spent his hours in the field, asking the veterans to teach him. He proved he could stand on the same ground as them, earning the trust by demonstrating that he valued their experience as much as his own technical training. This bridge-building turned into a two-year commitment leading day-to-day activities through high-pressure turnaround.

Back to the HQ

By 2015, Adiazizi returned to Head Office as an Operation Support Engineer. This transition pulled him out of the day-to-day grit and into the “big picture” of BSP. Working alongside drilling, projects and turnaround teams, he began to see the massive scale of the business. He saw the need to balance growth with asset integrity.

Under the wing of local senior mentors and international technical coaches, he learned the art of “managing self”. By 2018, he had stepped into the role of Head of Programming for East Asset. It was here, while forecasting production decades into the future, that he realized the longevity and potential of a career within BSP.

The OIM Era

Nine years into his career, Adizizi was appointed as OIM for the East Asset - Champion North-South but based in Champion 7. Suddenly, he was responsible for the lives and safety of over 200 people. Leading a team where many team members were his seniors was initially daunting, but the relationship he built years prior became his credibility.

Adiazizi’s leadership philosophy matured during this time. He moved away from the traditional “command-and control” style (reserving it only for emergencies) and instead embraced open dialogue.

"I learned to accept that I do not need to have the answer to every single problem, as this kind of mindset could be a barrier to growth," Adiazizi reflects.

"My priority was the people under my umbrella. The people who work day and night to produce energy for the country. While I’m not the one who opens and closes the wells, my biggest task was maintaining the morale and safety of those who did.”

 

What’s next?

After four years at the helm of offshore operations, Adiazizi is stepping out of his comfort zone once again. As of June 1st, he returns to BSP’s Head Office as the East Maintenance Delivery Lead.

After a career spent in the Operations skill pool, he is eager to "put on the maintenance hat." Having seen the struggles of running aging assets firsthand, he aims to apply his operational knowledge to sharpen BSP’s maintenance strategy, ensuring the East Asset remains a cornerstone of Brunei’s production for decades to come.

A Message to the Next Generation

As he reflects on his journey, Adiazizi remains grateful for the community of like-minded Orang Kitani who continue to push the boundaries of technology and efficiency. His advice to those just starting?

"Take this journey head-on. These roles don’t just teach you technical skills – they provide a mirror to reflect on who you are. Embrace the growth, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone."