Dear Members, Affiliates & Friends of the Malaysian Gas Association, Ladies & Gentlemen,
As we usher in the new year, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA), to extend my heartfelt greetings for the season and would like to express MGA’s gratitude and appreciation for your support and contribution during the past year.
The year 2012 has indeed been an eventful year for MGA. Top on the list is undoubtedly our successful hosting of the 25th World Gas Conference culminating the end of our Presidency of IGU. The World Gas Conference, with more than 5,200 delegates from 90 countries has been a very successful event, not just from the organizational point of view but also the comprehensive and solid technical programme backed by an impressive line-up of speakers. Based on the feedback received, Malaysia has done remarkably well in transforming IGU to be a more global, dynamic organization and the 25th World Gas Conference has indeed established a new benchmark for IGU as the most successful and memorable WGC ever in the series. This success could not have been possible without the active support and involvement of so many people, including the MGA Council and members and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking each and every one of you for your unfailing support.
We look forward to another exciting year as we are about to witness significant changes in the landscape of the gas industry in Malaysia. This year, we will witness the launch of Malaysia’s first LNG import and regassification terminal, which will mark the start of the liberalisation of the domestic gas market. The Malaysian government and PETRONAS is set to encourage greater participation in the gas sector leading to the eventual removal of price subsidies in the country. Amidst the depleting domestic production and increasing demands for energy, this development is necessary and will significantly change the energy market in Malaysia. In addition, PETRONAS’ success in the acquisition of Progress Energy Resources in Canada will further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a significant global gas player and one of the world’s largest LNG exporter.
MGA will continue to work towards delivering more value to its members with the aim to promote the progress of the gas industry. With so many developments taking place in the LNG business, not just in Malaysia but the world over, MGA plans to launch the inaugural “LNG Malaysia 2013” Forum which will take place 19-21 March 2013 in Kuala Lumpur. The forum promises to be an exciting event with many interesting topics to be shared. Besides that, the 8th Asia Pipeline Conference and Exhibition (APCE) will be on this year, after a one year break. And we will continue to organise the highly successful and anticipated “National Energy Forum” in June this year.
Members can continue to look forward to interesting technical visits and tea talks which have been planned. One such talk will be held this month focussed on “Wellness in the 21st Century” by Dr Rajbans Singh. Amidst the stress and pressures of daily work, this talk is a good start for the new year as we consider how we can keep a healthy and balanced lifestyle while still being productive at work. It will be held on 29 January at 2:30pm at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
MGA will also be launching a study on the long term vision and strategy for the Association. Having been in existence for the last 27 years, it is time for us to take stock of our progress and chart the next phase of our growth and development. Members are invited to provide feedback on the direction you would like to see MGA moving towards.
Another initiative that we have embarked on is the “Factbook on Malaysia’s Natural Gas Industry”. This report aims to provide information and data, as well as activities spanning across the whole spectrum of the nation’s natural gas industry, from the upstream sector, right down to the major consumers in the downstream sector. As Malaysia’s foremost industry organisation, MGA hopes to be the focal point for information related to gas and this publication, which will be produced annually, is one of the steps towards this. I hope members will welcome this initiative.
This year, we hope to have a closer interaction with our members and we have planned to make courtesy calls on some of you. Meanwhile, MGA’s Office remains at Level 20, Etiqa Twins, Jalan Pinang and you are invited to drop by if you are around the area.
I look forward to your active support and participation in all our activities for 2013.
On behalf of the Council of MGA, I wish you a happy and successful 2013, Insya Allah.
Thank you,

Datuk (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim
President, Malaysian Gas Association