Event Programme

Opening Session

The Opening Session of APDT 2026 will formally commence the conference, welcoming distinguished industry leaders, partners, and delegates from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Senior representatives from SPE, IADC, and host country stakeholders will set the tone for the event, highlighting the strategic importance of drilling technology, regional collaboration, and operational excellence in today’s evolving energy landscape.

 

Keynote Address

The Keynote Address will provide high-level strategic insights into the future of drilling in Asia Pacific, addressing emerging challenges, innovation pathways, and the role of leadership in navigating a complex and dynamic operating environment. Delivered by an esteemed industry leaders, the keynote will inspire forward-thinking dialogue and set the direction for the technical and business discussions that follow throughout the conference.

This session will bring together senior industry leaders from operators, drilling contractors, and service companies to discuss how digital technologies are reshaping the future of drilling operations. As the industry continues its journey from data collection to data-driven execution, organisations are increasingly leveraging digital platforms, artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics to enhance operational performance, improve decision-making, and unlock new efficiencies across the drilling value chain.

Key discussion themes include:

• From Data to Decisions – Exploring how integrated digital platforms and real-time data are enabling faster, smarter, and more informed drilling decisions.

• Artificial Intelligence and Automation – Examining the role of AI, machine learning, and autonomous workflows in improving drilling performance, reducing non-productive time, and enhancing operational consistency.

• Digital Integration Across the Drilling Ecosystem – Understanding how operators, drilling contractors, and service companies are collaborating through connected systems and interoperable technologies.

• Cybersecurity and Data Governance – Addressing the challenges of data management, cybersecurity, system reliability, and governance in an increasingly connected operating environment.

• People, Culture, and Digital Transformation – Discussing the organisational, leadership, and workforce changes required to successfully implement and sustain digital initiatives.

• Delivering Measurable Business Value – Sharing practical experiences and lessons learned in achieving improvements in efficiency, safety, cost optimisation, and operational excellence through digital technologies.

This session aims to provide delegates with practical insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future direction of digital intelligence in drilling, while highlighting how industry collaboration and innovation can accelerate the transition towards safer, smarter, and more efficient drilling operations.

The drilling industry is rapidly evolving from data collection to data-driven execution. As digital capabilities mature, organisations are harnessing operational data to enable smarter, faster, and safer drilling decisions.

This panel will explore how companies are transforming vast volumes of real-time and historical data into actionable intelligence that enhances performance across the drilling value chain.

Key discussion themes include:

• Moving from data to decision-making through integrated digital platforms
• Scaling AI, automation, and machine learning in drilling operations
• Leveraging real-time data integration for predictive performance and optimisation
• Strengthening collaboration between operators, drilling contractors, and service providers through shared digital ecosystems
• Addressing cybersecurity, data governance, and system interoperability challenges
• Delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and cost optimisation

Panellists will share practical insights on embedding digital intelligence into daily drilling operations and discuss the organisational, leadership, and cultural shifts required to unlock its full potential at scale.
 

As drilling operations expand into increasingly complex environments — from deepwater and ultra-deepwater to HPHT and other technically challenging reservoirs — technological innovation becomes essential to unlocking value safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

This panel brings together senior industry leaders to examine how frontier challenges are shaping the next wave of engineering breakthroughs, advanced equipment design, and integrated well solutions across the global drilling landscape.

Key discussion themes include:

• Advancing drilling performance in deepwater and ultra-deepwater environments
• Managing risk in HPHT and technically complex reservoirs
• Enabling innovation in non-conventional and emerging plays
• Strengthening collaboration across operators, drilling contractors, and technology providers
• Balancing cost efficiency, safety, and operational resilience
• Accelerating deployment of next-generation drilling systems, materials, and digital-enabled technologies

Panellists will share strategic insights on how the industry can continue to push technological boundaries while maintaining operational excellence, reliability, and long-term field development success in high-risk and high-value environments.