Chance of A Lifetime

Every once in a while, a shooting star swoops past us and crashes on the shores of our vast, green lands. We anticipate their arrival, predicting the exact time, date and place, whooping for joy when we actually see the phenomenal event happening right in front of our very eyes. It's shiny. It's magical. It's awesome. In most of our lives, witnessing a shooting star however, is a rare ocassion indeed. How many of us have actually seen it? In our minds, it only happens in movies, not real life.

So, when I was invited to participate in the SPE ATW Well Testing for Reservoir Management, I was elated. It has always been my desire to participate in international conferences in petroleum engineering, but the opportunity often escaped me. Partly because of limited funds and stiff competition. This time around though, I was fortunate enough to be selected to present and participate in the workshop. I was only too excited and happy to be able to join this International Conference. Yes! Finally!

What was even more fantastic was that this event would be graced by several well testing experts. Professor Roland Horne - the Author of our well testing textbook on Modern Well Test Analysis; Dr. George Stewart - Author of Well Testing Analysis & Pressure Transient Analysis; Olivier Houze  - the Developer and Managing Director of Kappa Software; Professor Shi Yi Zheng and Professor Christine Ehlig Economides, just to name a few. 

All of them have published books and papers on well testing that we refer to in our work in and out on a daily basis, whenever we are stuck in the analysis. Can you imagine? All of them will be attending this conference, the very same conference for 4 days! It's indescribable. It's just like the meeting of G-16, or ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, and I will be part of it. I was so excited that I looked forward to it, day and night, counting down the days towards the actual day I'd be travelling to Penang to present at my first international workshop.

Pearl of the Orient

The conference this time was held in Penang at Batu Feringghi. A quick check on Google revealed that it meant Foreigner's Rock. I wonder why. Perhaps because of its name, foreigners flock to this stretch of the beach in throngs every year just to see the Pearl of the Orient. 

During the conference, I was one of the few Malaysian participants. Naturally, participants of the workshop who were from overseas assumed that I knew the general information they seeked about Penang. For example, the length of the famous Penang Bridge , whether we could take a U-turn at the end of the bridge, its famous tourist spots as well as popular places to wine and dine. 

Unfortunately, I am a bookworm and a workaholic. I do not know much about KL, my home state - Perak, nor myself. How would I know how long the Penang Bridge is? or the best place to shop in Penang? In my feeble attempt to disseminate these information, the best that I can with statements that began with "I suppose..." and "Ohhh... I'm sorry... I think you have to ask the taxi driver about that." , we gradually diverted to other topics such as work and politics. 

It is, suffice to say, a little embarrassing if one didn't know about one's own local states.  For a person who spent 99% of my time in my home country, I ought to know the rough estimate of oil production rates in my own country, the demographics as well as remember its famous sight seeing spots. 

All of a sudden, I realize that, when we attend these international conferences, we not only represent ourselves, our families, our organization, but at the same time, we also act as ambassadors of our respective countries. Hence, under these circumstances, in any international meetings and conferences, alternatively, we may also term ourselves as delegates . So, we need to live up to our names, sweep every corner, and sharpen our knowledge on every inch of the country.

Burning Stars, Shiny Stars... How Bright Thy Are

In my 20s, I've seen Tun Dr. Mahathir thrice. Once when I shook hands with him to receive my scroll and certificate on my graduation day, twice on the day he toured our campus, the third time - on my way to work at Twin Towers. Although all three were entirely under different circumstances, yet, each time, he was amiable, flashing a signature smile at all times. I often wondered, as the leader of our country, from outward appearances, he seemed to a relatively simple man. Since then, it has been a long time since I rubbed shoulders with somebody famous.

Thus, it was exhilarating to attend this event with several prominent and world-renowned technical experts. Along the way to Penang, I wondered, "Hmm.. how would they be like?".

I was surprised to learn that they were absolutely down to earth, spoke earnestly from their hearts, and possessed a high sense of humour!

It was also pretty amazing to learn that at one point or another, they always crossed one another's paths, in terms of work and studies. Professors now who were students of another professor, or worked with another expert before... I guess the best mentors are the ones who teach us to ask answers, seek out answers, and spread it to the world. That is how our world progresses, how countries develop, and how organizations flourish. Through sharing, discussions and working together. Our ways and methods might differ. But what's important is, all of us share a single, common objective, that is towards the betterment of society.

It is also fascinating to interact with an author who writes books for universities and industries. I mean, it is a constant, uphill task to write a book. You'd have to have lots of minor details in it, so that your readers wouldn't get confused and frustrated. You'd have to turn it into a reference material, with consistent information, just like a Bible. A book which contains facts and information, yet not contradicting with the page before it. At the same time, it has to be a book which inspires the readers to think, to wonder and to explore.

A Japanese professor I stayed with once, was very passionate about writing. He published a book about the most simple, basic, element on earth - Hydrogen, water, and many other books before it. Writing, was his passion. It was his lifeline. I suppose, in one way or another, writing books helped him to get through life. It made him happy, and it spurred him on. He often slept early, and woke up while the world was still asleep, to record his ideas and phrase them into tangible, imaginable sentences. He had so much to share, and so little time to spare. It touched me, right down to the very core, that there are people out there, who dedicate their whole lives in writing books that only a certain percentile of earthlings would read. Is it worth it?

Attending the conference, I finally found my answer. Yes, it is worth it. Even if your book has been read by only a handful of people. For life is often a series of surprises. For all you know, these are the few people who would understand your concerns, who share your thoughts, concepts and principles; and from then on, are inspired to discover and create milestones and breakthroughs and revelations in their respective technical areas. That is how technology is developed. That, is how we progress into the evolutionary future. That, is how we improve our lives.

Writing books enables one to reach a wider audience. Not just in your school, your organization, or your country. By publishing books, you'd get to reach out to the whole world. And you don't even have to shout. It is, without any doubt, an ideal platform to share your experiences and findings, definitely a much louder voice without political and geological boundaries.

And so, with all these in mind, I asked the Professor, siting right beside me, "So, when do you write your books? In the morning, night, or afternoon?"

Haha. The Professor was stunned for a moment, before answering, "Jean, in all my life, I've only written one book. I can tell you, it is not an easy task." I smiled, and took his word for it.

The next day, I researched more about him on the internet, and found that he has , in fact authored 2 books, and co-written 3. Well, that is what was published on the profile. It could have been more. On published papers and journals, it surpassed 30.

Throughout the workshop, it was reiterated that 'it is a fool who makes mistakes, and a wise man who learns from the mistakes of others'. However, I thought this phrase made a fair amount of injustice to the fool, for he committed the mistake without knowing any better. Hence, I think we should add another phrase to the end of this quote:

"It is often a fool who makes mistakes, 

And a wise man who learns from others, 

But precious as a jewel, 

Is the noble man who shares his experiences, 

So that others might learn from it."

The Strange Political Web

When I read the newspapers every morning, I am often taken aback by how neighbouring countries are always displeased with each other. Take for instance, Pakistan and India, Israel and Palestine, North Korea and South Korea, North Sudan and South Sudan, and a long string of never ending list. 

Whenever news of these conflicts reach my eyes and ears, the first question I'll ask is "why?". Why do they want to fight? Why are they at war? Why is it that even after they split, they are still quarrellings with each other? Can't they just live in peace? Can't they settle it in a civilized manner? 

Nope. Apparently, they have to fight it out. Throwing bombs, planting suicide bombers in the midst of a multitude, kidnapping, threatening, flying war planes over each others heads... these are just some of the atrocities that they have gone through just to show their dissatisfaction and state their point. 

So, I was overjoyed when on the first day of the workshop, we were informed that there would be 66 participants who hailed from 16 countries, gathered from every continent of the globe, who would be joining us. It'll be a small gathering of nations. A wonderful opportunity for me to find out all about everything I've ever wanted to know about other countries, directly from the citizens themselves. 

Frankly, three days is too short to build a relationship that is enough for us to trust and open up to each other to discuss issues which are considered to be politically sensitive. Nevertheless, it is sufficient for us to gauge the response of their opinions on certain subjects. 

Most of the young, like me, are relatively uninterested in the progress of politics in our own countries. After all, we have a whole, bright future ahead of us. Why would we be concerned with politics? Besides, it's not even in our place to change the way the game is played. Our voices are lost. It's soft. People say we should focus on our careers first, whatever they are, and creating families. Venturing into politics, can come much later. 

The veterans, on the other hand, love to elaborate on what they think. When I asked an Iranian on the embargo situation in his motherland, he said, "You know? The embargo isn't so bad, after all. When you think about it, because of this embargo, we learn how to be self-sufficient. We develop our own technology, we are independent. We don't have to rely on anyone." 

"But... " I remarked, "Because of the embargo, you won't get to have any US Products in Iran, right?"

The Iranian bats his eyelids, raises his eyebrows, and looks straight at me, "How do you know?"

"I have friends in Sudan, who is also under embargo, and they can't have any US products there, such as KFC, or BurgerKing..." my mind... as usual, is flooded with thoughts about food. 

"Ahah!" The Iranian exclaims triumphantly. "That, is where you are wrong. No matter what kind of obstructions are placed in our way, we will always overcome adversities that we face. We have our own ways and means getting what we want." he winks. 

"But, it comes with a price. The prices that are charged, are three times higher than those sold in the open market. And you know who's the one who profits the most from this embargo???" 

He pauses with a knowing look. As if he's communicating with me telepathically. I got it. I nodded as an indication.

"Yup. You got it! You see, it is all done with a hidden, political agenda. But, we Persians are a strong nation. Look at our history. As cities rise and fall, as wars come and go, we will survive. We, have survived for thousands of years, despite the odds. The situation now isn't any different than it was before. No matter what happens, we know, we will definitely keep on living and be a victorious nation." 

It certainly touched a raw nerve of mine to meet somebody who has been part of the Iranian revolution, who's been through thick and thin in his own country, and yet, still have so much faith in the future of his country. He neither complains nor laments about his fate. Instead, he does his best to ensure that his country will be a better one for the children of his future generation. In this aspect, I am impressed. It teaches me so much about the important qualities that one should possess as a leader, like the prophet who led his team out of the desert. Faith, confidence, hope and loads of initiatives. 

"So," it's his turn now to quiz me. "All countries are more often than not, enemies with their neighbours. Who's Malaysia's strongest 'enemy' among all the neighbouring countries?" 

"Ummm... " I was stunned for a while. Who? Malaysia works alongside with Thailand on several joint-ventures. It's competitive with Thailand for tourists though. Malaysia is always quarreling with Indonesia about the haze, how they should quench the fires, venting their frustrations about the smog and open burning of forest fires, maids, and a whole bunch of other important health, safety and environmental matters. Singapore? Well, that will reveal cans after cans of dispute! Shipping routes, migrations and emigrations of Malaysians to Singapore, discrimination towards Malaysians in Singapore, the way history is written about Singapore in Malaysia, business ventures, bridges, economical preferences, island borders ... ... .. 

"Singapore. Definitely Singapore." I answered, after much thought. 

"Ahhh!" The Iranian revolutionist winks again. " See! Every country has its own dose of disputes to settle. Some are just more major than the others. And you know what? We just have to learn to deal with it." 

That said, the conversation we had that day, felt like attending an open lecture on a Saturday morning to me. Whisked me around to look at things from a totally new dimension. 

Gender Equality

When I was a well testing engineer, I was the second female engineer in a team of a dozen men. The first female engineer then, was only too happy to welcome me. It was tough at first, being one of the only females on the team. Opportunities skated by us because most countries didn't accept female engineers onboard their rigs. So, we were limited to domestic operations. Communication with guys, were mostly problematic. Partly because they spoke so fast, and mechanically, that we never quite catch up to what they wished to convey to us. Some of them didn't even talk to us, much less bat an eyelid, when we joined. Some talked down to us, while some just treated us like irritating little ants who would, presumably, be gone in a matter of months. 

There are,  on rare occasion, some who take the time to guide us and teach us patiently, and provide every little opportunity now and then to allow us to design, guide, supervise, interpret and analyze the data. It was all part of working life. The pros and cons. 

When I confided my concerns to a well-travelled male colleague, he cited an instance of a German female engineer who carried a 136 pound formation tester tool (equivalent to 61kg in SI units) on her own shoulders. As she walked, the men at the supply base dropped whatever they were doing, and stared as she strode across the yard. Some of them couldn't even lift the same tool on their own. 

Yes. As humans, we adapt to any situation the best we can. As females, we have a tendency to express our dissatisfaction whenever we gather together. Looking back, it was tough. But it certainly taught us to stand up and be proud of our profession, be confident in our work, and strive even harder to catch up with the seniors and the guys. 

I was only too glad when the opportunity came to move out of the team and be a reservoir engineer. Here, the ratio of females to males increased. But I realized that in the higher management level, males still outnumbered the females. But of course, that's besides the point. 

Before I attended the workshop, I thought this type of gender disparity only existed in my current organization. Silly me. The workshop proved otherwise. Out of 66 participants, only a handful were females (maybe less than 10). Amongst the men, we felt like fish out of water. Half of us felt like going back into the sea, half of us felt like swimming up to the surface, to check out the atmosphere. Anyhow, years of experience have taught us to stick with our guts, go with the flow and see what the tide brings us. 

Then, I found out that my company isn't so bad after all, because women constituted about 30-40% of the overall workforce. In the engineering department of other countries, Saudi Arabia for example, only 1% of the workforce are women. When I heard that, I immediately took off my imaginary hat to salute these brave women. They are the frontiers of lady engineers in their country, inspiring others to do the same, giving them hope that they too can achieve this seemingly far-fetched dream. They are the ones who set the benchmark for future female engineers. 

Perhaps, in a decade or two, gender disparity will be significantly reduced, as education opportunities are  increasingly being opened to women. Achieving gender equality in our field is unfathomable to me, at least for now. In the meantime, on my part, I'll make it my mission to dedicate my life to learn more about this exciting field of petroleum engineering. 

Opportune Revelations

As human beings, we tend to complain a lot. Well, most of us anyway. As adults, we complain about the political situation, terrible management in our organizations, the never ending queue at a waiting line, frustrating domestic issues, education system, and a host of other important matters in our daily lives. 

Children, I observe, rarely complain. At most, they complain about petty things, like not getting their toys, or being ridiculed in school. Petty things, compared with our predicament. 

But, the minute we hear children complain, we advise them to do something about it. If the child complains the soup is too hot, we ask them to blow it and cool it down. If the child complains about being exhausted, we tell them to hang on, we'll reach in a little while. If a child says he's being bullied, we tell them to stand up and fight back. The best part of it all, is, the child actually listens to what we say and acts on it. 

These days, as we mature into young adults, our ears seem to tune out to the words of others. We have our own opinions and our own ways of doing things. When others say turn left, we go right. When others say 'hop', we fly. We do the exact opposite. And what happens when things don't go our way? 

That's right. The very first thing that we do, is complain. It's never our fault. It's always the fault of the tool, the stranger, the team, or the environment. Even when we think it's all our doing, we rarely admit it. In fact, sometimes, we even turn a blind eye on the situation, which makes it worse! 

Yet, one important lesson I've taken away from this workshop, is that despite the hurdles, champions are those who turn complains into opportunities. None of the people I've interacted with throughout the workshop, lamented about their environments or situations. Often, they looked at obstacles straight into the eye, stared down at it, and faced it head on. 

Every waking moment, they are thinking of ways to hammer complicated problems into little chips and pieces that could be stored, evaluated, understood and shared. They analyze the chips under the microscope to  understand every ion, going down on their knees, cracking their heads to break down pages after pages of complex equations, and come up with the most simplified mathematical functions. The most amazing thing is, not only do they apply their analysis in their technical area, they even look at its application in other industries to see how it can help to improve the lives of others. 

Ever heard about nanotechnology? I first heard about it 10 years ago, from my coursemate, who had a vision that it would define the future of our world. At that time, nanotechnology was still at its budding stage. Scientists had grand visions of it. It would eradicate poverty, heal incurable diseases, and improve economies. It'd give us higher hopes and a reason to live.

When I was first exposed to it, it scared the hell out of me. My naive mind thought, "Wow... wouldn't that replace God?" It shook my faith in the powers above for a while, for I thought with such magic, we wouldn't need God anymore. So, why should I have any religion, for that matter? 

Today, after being exposed to the wonders of nanotechnology, I am a convert. Because of nanotechnology, cancers can be cured, bomb threats can be detected in the air through nano-particles. Nevertheless, there will always be limitations to our work. As we strive to achieve breakthroughs and revelations, we discover that our knowledge is consistently inversely proportional with our ignorance.  

But, should that stop us from taking up leading roles and initiatives in our efforts towards improving the quality of lives of humanity.? Ought we even complain when plans go awry? While others are going all out to resolve issues, how can we play our parts in ensuring the problems don't go out of hand? How do we take an active role in ensuring that our voices are heard, our concerns are noticed? How do we increase the number of our manpower? How do we create solutions? 

We, can achieve this by first being passionate and interested in areas we are most concerned about. Solutions will hit us and flow like electricity the moment inspiration strikes. Like the waterfall, once it finds its highest falling point, it will never run dry. The least we can do, while our hearts are still beating, is to resolve one issue at a time, to make this world a better place. Taking it step by step, and innovate along the way. 

Work Life Balance

I love my job. So much so that it engulfs my life in fiery flames. I devour work like a ferocious piranhas who viciously chews their victim. Every morning, the moment I open my eyes, my first thought is, "Hmm... what kind of work should I do today? Analysis? Reports? Email? Study?" Rarely a day goes by without me touching my work. 

As a result, I am aloof. I space out regularly, and my mind wanders away from typical conversations that revolve around relationships and daily matters. My brother describes of me to others as being 'not quite here', as he gives a gentle, playful knock on my forehead.

Work is my life. I breath it, like a dragon who breathes fire. It defines who I am, gives me a reason to keep on living. Most of all, it keeps me happy. I derive much pleasure and joy from my work. The more  I put in to keep up with the dynamic changes, the more questions I have. As the questions increase, the curiousity multiplies.

This process of learning seems to be a never ending cycle. Like a hamster, who's running on a runged, hamster wheel. This journey of information seeking is especially addictive. It takes a lot of strength just to stop running. It's hard though, when the gaining momentum fuels my pursuit and quenches my thirst.

Among my circle of acquaintances, there are few who share my perception. To them, work is something we do as a means of living.  To me, work encompasses life. I derive too much joy from work that I often drown myself in it. Bobbing up and down in the bottomless sea, stuck so deep in this sticky, gluey stuff that even my friends and family can't pull me out of.

My family often remind me that I have other roles to play simultaneously, i.e. as a daughter, a sister, a niece and a cousin. The endless demands and hopes forces me to reconcile with the fact that I am not just an engineer, but also a person with flesh and blood and other abounding responsibilities.

Mingling with the people here for the past few days, I find that there are others who are just like me. We love our jobs tremendously. To tear ourselves away from it, would be like breaking our hearts into two. No matter how we try to compartmentalize our lives into work and social life, it becomes  excruciatingly painful to separate one from the other. Often, we find that they are closely intertwined.

So, between work and life, it is a constant compromise of finding the balanced proportions. Ultimately it is our priorities that determine how we distribute our time between these two grey areas. Right now, to me, my work, is still my life. Take it away from me, and I'll probably be flinching, sulking and in absolute misery.

Perhaps, in time to come, I might be able to take off my Wizard of Oz green spectacles, see everything for what it is, and come to terms with reality.

~"Oh Lord! Please grant me the wisdom of discernment."~