A Look into the Future of Industrial Process Control Systems


The Digital Energy Asia Summit 2024 recently concluded, and it was a resounding success, leaving attendees with excitement and new knowledge. Hosted at the Corus Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on April 30th, the prelude industry workshop titled "Reimagining Industrial Process Control Systems" drew a crowd of eager and like-minded professionals, all fully booked and keen to learn about the advancements in Open Process Automation (OPA).

A Packed House of Innovation

In a world that rapidly evolves, the necessity for industries to adapt is paramount, and this workshop served as a beacon of innovation. The event showcased leading companies like PETRONAS, ExxonMobil, and Shell, demonstrating how they are gearing up to embrace open, secure, standards-based control systems. This transformation is poised to enhance innovation, reduce costs, and elevate cybersecurity measures in industrial settings.

Insightful Sessions and Expert Speakers

The workshop featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dave Emerson from Yokogawa and Aneil Ali from the Open Process Automation™ Forum, who introduced the fundamentals of OPA and its significant impact on the industry. Paul Hunker and Pal Roach delved deeper into technical discussions, highlighting the strategic integration of IT and OT, a perspective further elaborated by Avinash Rajah from Intel.

Ryan Smeltzer from ExxonMobil shared insights from their transition from test-beds to real-world applications, while Ng Wei Jie from Schneider Electric introduced the NextGen Realtime Engine 61499, a breakthrough in process control technology.

Engaging Stories from the Front Lines

A particularly inspiring session was led by En. Sharul A-Rashid from PETRONAS, who narrated the 'PETRONAS Story' from conceptual design to test-bed implementation, showcasing a real-life application of the discussed technologies. 

Similarly, Ir. Dr. Idris Ismail spoke about integrating cutting-edge technologies into university curriculums, highlighting our responsibility to empower the next generation of engineers with knowledge and practical skills to navigate and shape the future.

Networking and Beyond

The breaks between sessions buzzed with networking, as attendees shared ideas and discussed potential collaborations. The collective energy was palpable, with every participant bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table.

Gratitude and Look Ahead

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners, including ABB Malaysia, TriSystems Engineering, Yokogawa Malaysia, and Siemens Malaysia, whose support was instrumental in the success of this event.

As we look forward to future events and developments, let’s carry the insights and inspirations from this workshop forward. Together, we can continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in our industries.

Stay tuned to our LinkedIn page for more updates and future events. Let’s continue to innovate and transform the industry together!