Kota Kinabalu: Organising Chairperson Dolly Jimayol said the strong participation at the 13th Sabah Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition 2026 reflected continued industry confidence in Sabah’s energy potential and its strategic role in supporting regional growth and development.
“It underscored the importance of the annual event as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and progress,” she said, noting the 300 delegates, 90 exhibitors and more than 40 speakers and moderators.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam officiated the opening.
Dolly said since its inception in 2012, Sogce has evolved into one of Sabah’s premier energy platforms, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, academia and young talents to exchange ideas, foster partnerships and explore opportunities within the evolving energy ecosystem.
Over the next two days, participants will engage in discussions covering energy security, energy transition, innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, talent development and emerging investment opportunities.
“These conversations are essential as we collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the energy industry,” she said.
Beyond the conference and exhibition, Dolly said Sogce remained firmly committed to nurturing future generations through educational and talent development initiatives.
Among the key programmes is the Future Leaders’ Hub, organised in collaboration with North Borneo University, which provides students and young professionals with opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the evolving energy sector.
She said Sogce also continued to support educational programmes such as Energy4Me and the Energy Career Aspirations Networking Series, aimed at encouraging greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) and inspiring young people to pursue careers in the energy industry.
As part of its corporate social responsibility commitment, the organiser has sponsored students from local universities to participate as conference delegates, enabling them to learn from industry experts, discover emerging technologies and build professional networks.
“We firmly believe that investing in young talent today is essential to building a resilient, innovative and future-ready workforce for tomorrow,” she said.
Dolly emphasised that Sogce was more than just a conference and exhibition, serving instead as a platform that creates meaningful connections, fosters constructive dialogue and opens doors to new opportunities.
“It is where policymakers meet industry leaders, where investors meet innovators, where technology providers meet end users, where students meet future employers, and where conversations evolve into partnerships and partnerships into opportunities,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Sabah Government, particularly the Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry, the Works and Utilities Ministry and the Sabah Convention Bureau, for their continued support and confidence in Sogce as a platform for industry development, investment promotion and knowledge exchange.
Dolly further acknowledged Petronas for its participation through keynote presentations, technical sessions and contributions to strategic panel discussions, which she said enriched the conference programme.
She also thanked the event’s Gold Sponsors, namely the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Malaysia (CCIFM) together with TotalEnergies, Velesto Energy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as well as Silver Sponsors Fragomen, Turcomp Engineering Services and Informa Markets.
Dolly also announced that the 14th Sabah Oil, Gas & Energy Conference & Exhibition (Sogce 2027) will be held on June 24-25, 2027.
“We look forward to welcoming all of you once again as we continue to strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and contribute to the sustainable growth of Sabah’s energy industry,” she said.
