Top Universities in Malaysia for Petroleum Engineering Degree that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Study at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia for the Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Accreditation

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According to Wikipedia, “Petroleum engineering is a field of engineering concerned with the activities related to the production of hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas. Exploration and Production are deemed to fall within the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Exploration, by earth scientists, and petroleum engineering are the oil and gas industry’s two main subsurface disciplines, which focus on maximizing economic recovery of hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs.

Petroleum Engineers are highly sought after in Malaysia and throughout the world. Using a variety of chemical tests, rock samples and numerous measurements; this field is very critical when determining where exploration wells are located. Salaries for petroleum engineers are one of the highest in Malaysia.

Students after SPM or O-Levels can enter into a Foundation in Science or Foundation in Engineering at the best private universities in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 4-year BEM Accredited Petroleum Engineering degree. Pre-University graduates in Malaysia from programmes such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT and others may enter directly into the Petroleum Engineering degree providing they meet the minimum entry requirements.

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Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering the Best Petroleum Engineering Degree Programmes that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Petroleum engineering requires a good knowledge of many other related disciplines, such as geophysics, petroleum geology, formation evaluation (well logging), drilling, economics, reservoir simulation, reservoir engineering, well engineering, artificial lift systems, completions and oil and gas facilities engineering.”

Petroleum engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the drilling, recovery, production, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas. It includes knowledge of the properties of fluids and rocks in surface and subsurface environments as well as methods of exploiting the economic production of oil and gas from petroleum reservoirs.

Reservoir engineers use sophisticated mathematical techniques and computer technology to obtain optimum production.

Through such techniques, petroleum engineers continue to extract oil and gas from reservoirs that only a few years ago would have been considered uneconomical. This branch of engineering is somewhat different from the other in that production is far removed from physical observation.

Petroleum Engineers are the ones responsible for minerals extraction, discovery and refinement of the natural gas and oil resources. A student will learn about the complicated art of drilling, producing and finding hydrocarbons in the form of natural gas or crude oil.

The core purpose of best petroleum engineering schools is to educate students to tackle complex subjects that require years of mastery. As a well-rounded professional, you must be prepared to put in the hard work and be committed to your study on a persistent basis.

Energy is a key component to people’s everyday lives; and a secure energy future requires a balance between environmental impact and affordable supply. Petroleum and geosystems engineers are able to address and solve important issues that will lead to energy security and thus are in high demand.

Economic and environmentally safe production of petroleum resources requires creative application of a wide spectrum of knowledge, including, but not limited to:

•  Mathematics
•   Physics
•   Geology
•   Chemistry

Study Petroleum Engineering in Malaysia

Petroleum engineering overlaps with many of the engineering disciplines, such as: mechanical, chemical, and civil. For example, in Petronas’ website, they hire the following people with these qualifications.

Discipline	General Degree / Qualification
Reservoir Engineering	Degree in Petroleum Engineering / Chemical Engineering
Petrophysics	Degree in Petroleum Engineering / Geology (G&G)
Production Technology	Degree in Petroleum Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering
Drilling	Degree in Petroleum Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering
Petroleum Economics	Degree in Petroleum Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering

Petroleum engineers increasingly use advanced computers, not only in analysis of exploration data and simulation of reservoir behavior, but also in automation of oilfield production and drilling operations. Petroleum companies own many of the world’s supercomputers.

Petroleum engineers have a future full of challenges and opportunities. They must develop and apply new technology to recover hydrocarbons from oil shale, tar sands, and offshore oil and gas fields. They must also devise new techniques to recover oil left in the ground after application of conventional producing techniques.

Since many petroleum companies conduct worldwide operations, the petroleum engineer may have the opportunity for assignments all over the world.

Not many private universities offer the Petroleum Engineering course in Malaysia. Students interested in pursuing the degree at a top ranking university can consider Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. For an affordable degree in Petroleum Engineering that is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia, students can choose to study at UCSI University.

The work of a Petroleum Engineer in Malaysia

Basically, Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.

Petroleum engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in petroleum engineering. Employers also value work experience, so cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured job experience, are valuable as well.

A petroleum engineer is involved in nearly all stages of oil and gas field evaluation, development and production. The aim is to maximise hydrocarbon recovery at minimum cost while maintaining a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact.

Petroleum engineers are divided into several groups:

• Petroleum geologists find hydrocarbons by analysing subsurface structures with geological and geophysical methods.
• Reservoir engineers work to optimise production of oil and gas via proper well placement, production levels and enhanced oil recovery techniques. They use computer simulations to assist in the identification of risks and to make forecasts on reservoir potential.
• Production engineers manage the interface between the reservoir and the well through such tasks as (but not limited to) perforations, sand control, artificial lift, downhole flow control and downhole monitoring equipment. They also select surface equipment that separates the produced fluids (oil, natural gas and water).
• Drilling engineers manage the technical aspects of drilling both production and injection wells. They work in multidisciplinary teams alongside other engineers, scientists, drilling teams and contractors.

The job of a petroleum engineer is divided into several groups; each group has its own specific profile description that falls under the title of petroleum engineering. These groups are petroleum geologists, reservoir crew, production experts, and drilling engineers.  They each work together to find innovative ways to extract and refine oil for different uses.

Petroleum Geologist finds hydrocarbons by analyzing the deep subsurface through advanced geological and geophysical methods.  As a researcher, their responsibility is to find oil wells for drilling and discover new methods of extracting the oil from the ground.  Geologists are considered a great asset; they can directly influence the overall revenue of a company.

Reservoir Engineers are the ones who optimize production of oil & gas through proper methods of well placement, production levels, and oil recovery techniques.  Modern computer simulators are used to determine the risk level and make forecasts about the potential of reservoir. This is really important as it helps to identify not only the risks of the crew at an extraction site but also the hazards to the environment.

Production Engineer’s job is to manage the interface between the reservoir and the well through tasks such as perforations, artificial lift, sand control, downhole flow control, and monitoring system.  They use surface equipment to separate the contents of the well.  This means the equipment they are choosing needs to separate the oil, natural gas, and water that comes up from the well.  Afterwards it must be contained safely to protect the environment and the people who live nearby.

Drill Engineers handle the core refining process and management of technical aspects.  They manage both the production and injection of wells. A specialist in this field is assigned to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams which include mechanics, scientists, and drilling teams.  They ensure the safety of the equipment and the men operating alongside.

Typical work activities of Petroleum Engineers in Malaysia

The actual tasks carried out will vary depending on the specific role but may include:

• liaising with geoscientists, production and reservoir engineers, and commercial managers to interpret well-logging results and predict production potential;
• compiling detailed development plans of reservoir performance using mathematical models to ensure maximum economic recovery;
• selecting optimal tubing size and suitable equipment within the well for different functions;
• designing the completion – the part of the well that communicates with the reservoir rock and fluids;
• designing systems that help the well to flow, for example using submersible pumps;
• managing problems of fluid behaviour and production chemistry;
• evaluating and recommending flow rate enhancement by using, for example, hydraulic fracturing (to force fluid into a well and fracture the rock) and acid treatment (to erode the rock and improve flow path);
• managing and controlling wells with branches at the bottom (horizontal and multilateral wells);
• using well and reservoir remote sensing technology and surveillance data to manage the value of the reservoir and decide on appropriate engineering interventions;
• understanding and managing how a set of wells interact;
• managing contractor relationships in relation to health, safety and environmental performance;
• supervising well-site operations personnel and managing staff at all levels, including the training and supervision of crew members, to ensure that everyone works as a team in order to meet deadlines to clients’ satisfaction;
• liaising with separate departments to ensure correct progress with
• projects;
• taking responsibility for the maintenance of equipment;
• liaising with clients to keep them informed of progress.

Job Outlook for Petroleum Engineering Graduates in Malaysia

According to the USA Department of Labour, Employment of petroleum engineers is expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Oil prices will be a major determinant of employment growth, as higher prices lead to increasing complexity of oil companies’ operations and require more engineers for each drilling operation. In 2010, the median salary per year was US$114,080 per year.

According to Jobstreet, a petroleum engineer earns between RM 37,094 – RM 365,156 a year.

In Malaysia, The Gumusut-Kakap field, which recorded its first oil production in Nov 2012, is expected to reach a maximum of 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) after ramping up two wells.

Located in offshore Sabah as Malaysia’s second deepwater development, the field’s full

development comprises 19 subsea wells, a permanent semi-submersible floating production system with a potential to produce a maximum of 120,000 bpd.

In positioning Malaysia as the leading oil and gas (O&G) hub in the Asia-Pacific region by 2017, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corp (MPRC) was formed to promote, catalyse and transform the sector.

Notable projects in the O&G (oil and gas) sector include the RM60bil Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development project in Pengerang, Johor, and the RM3.8bil Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal in Kimanis.

In the Oil, Gas and Energy  National Key Economic Areas (NKEA), a consortium comprising Dialog Group, the State Government of Johor and Royal Vopak will invest RM4.08 billion to develop the Pengerang LNG Terminal Project – an LNG storage, loading and regasification terminal to import LNG for trading purposes and for domestic use.

The terminal will be the first Independent LNG Trading Terminal in Asia, allowing multiple LNG users to store and trade the product. This will spur the growth of the industry, and help establish Malaysia as Asia’s LNG Trading hub.

All these are evidence that the job potential for Petroleum Engineers in Malaysia is good. In addition, Petroleum Engineers can work any where in the world.

The Oil and Gas Industry in Malaysia

The O&G industry is involved in downstream activities as well. Here, ‘downstream’ means processes taking place after oil has been transported from the reservoir, and into crude oil terminals. Investment opportunities include processing and refining of the crude, petrochemical plants, logistics and retail transactions.

Downstream has different players, and a more diverse range of interests. In oil refining, there are Petronas Penapisan (with plants in Terengganu and Melaka), Shell, ExxonMobil and Conoco.

Petronas Gas and MLNG are involved in gas processing and transmission. Gas distribution is handled by Gas Malaysia. The retail arm has many interests, including Petronas Dagangan, Shell, ExxonMobil and Conoco Phillips (under the Projet brand). Petrochemicals have the most diverse range of companies, including Optimal, BASF, BP, Amoco and Idemitsu.

The Average Salary of a Petroleum Engineer in Malaysia

In 2010, the median salary per year was US$114,080 per year In Malaysia. Petroleum Engineers can earn yearly from RM 37,094 – RM 365,156 depending on their experience.

According to Jobstreet, Engineers in the Oil and Gas industry are one of the Top 10 Highest Salaries in Malaysia. A Senior Executive in Engineering – Oil/Gas  can earn RM6,353 a month while a Senior Manager can get RM15,307.

Study at the Best Universities in Malaysia for Petroleum Engineering

If you want to become a petroleum engineer, first & foremost you should collect relevant information to help your decision making. Since there are so many universities for Petroleum Engineering, you will surely find it hard to select the right university that best suits your individual goals.

It is important to find an accredited university with an English-speaking student environment that can deliver quality education along with employment prospects.

Malaysian students do not need to go overseas to study petroleum engineering. Top universities such as Heriot-Watt University

Malaysia is offering the petroleum engineering degree course at their new state-of-the-art campus at Putrajaya. Heriot-Watt University is a top ranking university in the UK.

Asia Pacific University (APU) is a top award-winning technology private university in Malaysia and offers the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Petroleum Engineering to its list of BEM accredited engineering degree programmes.

Students in Malaysia can consider an affordable and yet high quality of education in petroleum engineering, students can consider UCSI University at Kuala Lumpur. UCSI University is ranked Excellent or Tier 5 in the SETARA rating. UCSI University is famous for their engineering courses and has more than 28 years of experience in higher education in Malaysia. Students at UCSI University have access to excellent facilities and their unique internship program for 2 months of each year of studies. The Petroleum Engineering degree course at UCSI University is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).

Petroleum Engineering Degree at the Top Ranked Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Heriot-Watt University is a top ranked UK university offering the Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons) at it new campus, the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in Putrajaya.

Students can now obtain the best of British education in Malaysia at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, students may transfer to the UK for the final year or for the Masters with a 20% tuition fee rebate.

The Petroleum Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia will allow you to undertake a wide range of technical and managerial careers across the sector, e.g. reservoir analysis and simulation studies, drilling production patterns, estimation of petroleum reserves, design and implementation of oil field production, construction, commissioning, operation, management to specialist consultancy and advanced research and development.

The degree programme will help you to cultivate the ability to apply your skills to real, practical engineering problems and deepen your understanding of petroleum engineering principles through problem solving, projects and assignments. Students interested in registering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, please go to this link.

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Petroleum Engineering at the Award-Winning Asia Pacific University (APU) in Malaysia

The 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Petroleum Engineering Degree programme at the Top Ranked Asia Pacific University in Malaysia is specifically designed to provide:

• Petroleum Engineering is a unique programme that combines petroleum, gas and exploration engineering to cater for the ever-demanding oil and gas industry. Our programme prepares individuals to apply engineering principles to the design, development and operation of systems for locating, extracting, processing and refining crude petroleum and natural gas, including mining and drilling systems, processing and refining systems and facilities, storage facilities, transportation systems, and related environmental and safety systems. Students’ understanding on theoretical component is further enhanced with hands on sessions in our laboratory and we also prepare students with psychomotor skills, critical thinking skills and good communication skills.
• Careers span the range of fields which are normally covered by mechanical and industrial engineering. Roles of a Petroleum Engineer includes developing skills in examining geologic and engineering data to determine sources of crude oil and gas, examining the quality and quantity of the product, separation of crude oil into different elements, etc.

Petroleum Engineering Degree Programme Outcomes at Asia Pacific University

• Be working as a practicing professional engineer in the field of Petroleum Engineering.
• Have progressed in their Petroleum Engineering careers or other chosen profession and/or are engaged in advanced studies in Petroleum Engineering or other related fields.

Petroleum engineers travel to where petroleum reservoirs are known to exist. They define and develop the reservoirs, and produce oil and gas with maximum profitable recovery. Petroleum engineering allows one to specialize in several different oil & gas specialties, each with its own unique challenges and
rewards. The careers and job activity areas are as a:

• Drilling engineer, working with geologists and contractors in designing and supervising drilling operations.
• Production engineer, developing processes and equipment to optimize oil and gas production.
• Reservoir engineer and help determine ideal recovery processes, estimate the number of wells that can be economically drilled, and simulate future performance using sophisticated computer models.
• Manager, an entrepreneur, economist, or environmental/safety specialist.

Programme Outcomes for the BEng. (Hons) Petroleum Engineering Degree at Asia Pacific University

The students, upon completion of their study, should attain the following outcomes:

• Ability to gain and apply basic principles of Mathematics, Science and Engineering.
• Ability to identify engineering problems and apply basic engineering principles to solve them.
• Ability to recognize and apply suitable tools and techniques for engineering practical applications.
• Ability to investigate complex engineering problems using research techniques.
• Ability to design solutions for complex engineering problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Ability to comprehend and demonstrate current good practices of engineering for sustainable development.
• Ability to practice safety, health, social, cultural, legal and environmental responsibilities as an engineer.
• Ability to execute the responsibilities of an Engineer professionally and ethically.
• Ability to function effectively as an individual or in a team.
• Ability to recognize the need for, and be able to engage in independent and life-long learning.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.

Students interested in registering at Asia Pacific University (APU) for the Petroleum Engineering degree programme, please go to this link.

Top Rated Petroleum Engineering Degree Accredited by Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) at UCSI University

Another top university in Malaysia, UCSI University offers the BEng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering which is accredited by MQA and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).

The Petroleum Engineering degree programme at UCSI University is designed to equip students with a solid foundation and knowledge on oil and gas exploration, development, as well as on the processes starting from production to completion. The Petroleum Engineering degree course at UCSI University encompasses a well-balanced curriculum that focuses on both upstream and downstream industries.

It covers a wide range of subjects that include mathematics, basic sciences, computing, introductory engineering, geology and petrophysics, drilling engineering, reservoir engineering, production engineering, economic and project management, as well as humanities and social sciences. Special features of the programme are:

• Commercial reservoir simulation software is used for teaching and learning
• Reservoir engineering includes elements of rocks and fluids properties, enhanced oil recovery and natural gas engineering
• Oil and gas production operation includes well completion, diagnosis and treatment
• Field trips to the oil and gas industry, geological study
• Laboratories to study drilling, rock and fluids properties
• Field development project
• Final year research and development project

Students interested in registering at UCSI University, please go to this link.