Published on August 26, 2026

How BSP is preparing the next generation of Operators and Technicians through a programme designed by Bruneians, for Bruneians.  

After 97 years of powering Brunei’s growth, Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) continues to demonstrate that its greatest investment has always been its people. While the company has built a proud legacy of operational excellence over nearly a century, it is equally focused on preparing its workforce for the future.  

That commitment is reflected in the launch of the Operator and Technician Development Program (OTPD), a homegrown capability development programme created through close collaboration between Human Resources (HR) and the Asset Directorate (AD) Capability team. More than a new learning programme, OTPD represents BSP’s commitment to developing Bruneian talent through an approach that reflects the company’s operational needs, business ambition and the value of Budaya Orang Kitani that lauds Accountability, Focus and Collaboration.  

For many years, BSP adopted the Shell Technician and Operator Professional Programme (TOPP), which established a strong foundation for developing Operators and Technicians. OTDP builds on that legacy by introducing a programme designed specifically for BSP – one that combines international best practices with local knowledge and experience to better prepare employees for the challenges of tomorrow.  

“OTDP reflects our belief that developing local talent is one of the best investments we can make. By combining technical excellence with leadership, coaching and practical experience, we’re preparing our operators and technicians not just for today’s operations, but for the future of BSP,” shares Steven Craig, acting Asset Director in BSP.  

The two-year programme goes beyond technical training. Participants are immersed in a structured development journey that broadens both their technical expertise and professional capabilities. Through leadership and business acumen courses, they gain a deeper understanding of how their roles contribute to the wider organisation. Rotational assignments will expose them to different operational environments, encouraging them to develop new perspectives and discover strengths they may not have realised they possessed. Along the way, they will also lead improvement initiatives that challenge them to think innovatively while receiving coaching and mentoring from experienced colleagues who share decades of operational knowledge.  

Together, these experiences are designed to build confident, adaptable professional who are equipped not only to perform their roles safely and effectively, but also to become future technical leaders within BSP.

The journey began on June 1, 2026, when the inaugural cohort officially embarked on the programme. Over the next two years, participants will deepen their technical expertise, broaden their operational experience and develop the leadership skills needed to support BSP’s future. Every rotation, project and mentoring opportunity will help prepare them for the next stage of their careers. 

Hafizam at site

"I am proud to be part of the first cohort of OTDP. This is a learning opportunity and a chance to grow. It challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, broaden our perspectives and continue growing both professionally and personally,” says Mohamad Hafizam Haji Ramli, PACO Technician responsible for Ampa field.

OTDP reflects BSP’s continued commitment to developing Bruneian talent and building the capabilities needed for the future. By combining technical excellence with leadership development and hands-on experience, the programme aspires to ensure operators and technicians are equipped to adapt, grow and contribute in an evolving energy industry.

 

Yazid, Electrical Techniciaan, in action at his day-to-day role.

 

“The OTDP journey is not just about developing technical skills – it is about building character, learning with humility, leading with integrity, growing with purpose, and creating lasting value for the future,” says Mohammad Yazid Bin Suratno, Electrical Technician in Fairley.

For Amar Hakeem Salim, Champion 7 Production Operator, being part of the inaugural cohort is also an opportunity to learn and collaborate with his peers. “Honoured, grateful and excited to be part of the first OTDP cohort. Looking forward to learn and collaborate with everyone in this pioneer team,” says Amar.

Amar Hakeem at Champion 7 Platform