Thavakumar Kandiahpillai, Group Head, Legal and General Counsel, SapuraKencana Petroleum
13 June 2017

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

I was looking to move in-house just after the 1998 Asian economic crisis. A ex classmate offered me a role at Shell where they had an urgent opening to fill, and my experience was a good fit.

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

Short-termism, pessimism.

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

A lot can be done if oil assets, contracts (even service contracts) can be securitised, traded.

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

I would wave it on other industries, so thatdemand goes up.

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

We are public listed; so can’t comment.

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

We are probably the only end-end oil and gas company which can do seismic studies and operate oil and gas fields and everything that happens before, during and after.

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

We are unique; we are an end-end oil and gas 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?

That we are unique. And have a lot of potential.

What is your proudest work-related achievement to date?

Designing and rolling out an online contract drafting tool, and re-drafting T&C to be e-draftable, back in 2003.

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

Warren Buffett.  Humble, intelligent, direct, and honest.

What was the wisest advice you received from a mentor?

Have the quiet confidence to be different, to learn voraciously, remain honest, but always have fun doing the first 3 things.

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

There is no time like today to learn.

Name one interesting fact about you that no one would suspect?

That I am not of this world?

How do you prefer to spend your spare time?

Reading, with a cigar and whisky in hand.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

South Island of New Zealand.

All-time favourite book?

A Malaysian Journey by Rehman Rashid.

All-time favourite film?

Contact

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’)

Atmospheric water generator, Moonshine Still, comprehensive tool kit.

About Thavakumar Kandiahpillai

Thavakumar obtained his LLB (Honours) from University of London in 1989 and was admitted to the English Bar at Middle Temple.  He went on to obtain his LLM from University Of London and was admitted to the Malaysian Bar, and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Thavakumar practised in Kuala Lumpur as an Advocate & Solicitior becoming a partner in 1998.

Thavakumar joined Shell Malaysia in KL in 2000 and served 12 years during which time he held various positions including General Counsel of Shell Malaysia, leading a team of up to 26 lawyers.

He was elected President of the Malaysian Corporate Counsel Association in 2011.   In 2012, he joined SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad as VP Legal Affairs and in 2015, he also took on responsibilities as the Head of Group Legal.