30 June 2017

How did you come to be in the oil and gas industry?

Prior to my position at SK Innovation as VP of E&P Strategy & Planning, I have been involved in the oil and gas industry as an attorney in a major US law firm and as an investment banker and asset manager at Wall Street.  Accordingly, the transition was pretty smooth and natural.

Aside from low commodity prices what do you believe is the greatest challenge to our industry’s future growth?

Adaptation of the recent paradigm shift with major impact from the unconventional oil & gas play; rapid growth of alternative source of energy; and way the energy is being viewed and consumed (i.e. sharing economy).

Where do you see the greatest opportunity in today’s global oil and gas markets and how are you positioned to capture this opportunity?

There seems to be a great deal of potential growth in unconventional play due to finding additional new play concepts and improvement in drilling and completion technologies. We also look to capture opportunities in conventional oil & gas assets during the low commodity environment. Our A&D group is conducting a comprehensive review of potential opportunities in both unconventional and conventional assets.

If you could wave a magic wand over our industry, what would you change and why?

Make it less volatile, less cyclical and attract/maintain many great talents in our industry.

What are the strategic priorities for your company in the next 12 months?

Ensuring our survival during the downturn by making necessary adjustments to our spending and getting ourselves ready for the upturn and using this rare opportunity to grow and expand.

What differentiates your company from similar companies working in Asia-Pacific?

We are focused on growth and expansion even during this downturn – make this downturn a “good crisis.”

How would you describe your company in one sentence to a new client/partner/investor?

As our company name suggests, we strive to be innovative and constantly challenge ourselves to grow and expand as a top-tier global E&P company.

What is your goal in attending this event and what takeaways would you like other attendees to go home with regarding your company and your work both in Asia and further afield?

Even during this downturn, we see opportunities in our industry. However, no company will survive alone. Sharing ideas and partnering is essential to tackle big challenges and projects.

What one businessman/woman do you most admire and why?

Howard Schultz – example of an ordinary man with great deal of courage & hard work and how he changed the entire industry.

What was the wisest advice you received from a mentor?

Be tough, but never act tough.

What advice would you pass onto a recent graduate wishing to work in oil & gas?

Be patient during the downturn and don’t be too discouraged. Plan ahead for the eventual upturn. The industry went through many ups & downs during its history and this downturn too shall pass.

How do you prefer to spend your spare time?

Taking a fun trip with my family.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Hawaii

All-time favourite book?

The Adventure of Tom Sawyer

All-time favourite film?

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Tim Robbins

What three items would you take with you to a desert island? (NB: you may not choose a boat, raft, satellite phone or a book on ‘Practical raft-building for Dummies’)

Interesting question. I guess it is all about survival if I’m stuck in a deserted island until I’m recurred, so I would definitely take the following survival tools:

A big survival knife (A Rambo knife for all purpose cutting – build shelter, cooking, cleaning fish, hunting, skinning games and etc.)

Flint stones, a lighter or similar tool to build fire

Some sort of weapon/tools to capture game/fish for food (arrows & a fishing rod for example)