Meet Professor Dr Arun Kumar

What words would you use to describe yourself?

Committed, self-motivated, innovative, experienced, and deeply dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, especially in the evolving energy transition sector. I see my greatest strength to be the "Ability to Make Complex Things Simple".

Tell us a bit about your role at ATA?

As a Professor of Practice at the ADNOC Technical Academy (ATA), my role involves:

  • Partnering with vendors to enhance the curriculum and generate High value.
  • Collaborating with institutions and industry partners to enhance the curriculum and generate high value outcomes.
  • Empowering Millennials and Gen Z with essential skills for the energy sector, focusing on renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and decarbonization processes.

Besides the above I am also passionate toward

  • Building the synergistic relationship between the Net Zero transition and human capital development by cantering the youth (i.e., ATA trainees to start with) in this transformation, and
  • Globally Competitive Professional (GCP) program Roll out Plan to achieve 100% of the GCP competencies for the ATA trainees.

How did your career begin?

My career began with SLB (formerly Schlumberger) after acquiring my PhD in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, UT. My early stint with Oil India Limited (National Oil Company) paved the way onto the upstream sector, where I was responsible for managing Gas-Oil Separation Plants and associated wells in various Oil and Gas fields.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge seems to be integrating cutting-edge technological advancements and research into practical applications for the energy industry, fostering a new R&D culture, and guiding the next generation of engineers and technicians with practical expertise.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

To leverage on my 35+ years of experience and participate in Conferences like WUC, ADIPEC, WFES, SPE, etc., and knowledge-share with the audience to raise the bar of awareness in terms of decarbonization, dealing with climate change, and Future energies like Hydrogen, etc. To quote recent examples of the proudest moments to represent ADNOC:

  • Success of our ATA trainees demonstrating HYDROGEN production showcase on June 15, 2023, at the “Science Fair 2023”
  • Had the opportunity to present the theme of Degrees versus Skills along the topic of Reinforcing the downstream workforce to future-proof operations in the DOWNSTREAM TECHNCIAL CONFERENCE- at the ADIPEC-2023
  • Positioned 13 ATA Trainees to be in the heart of Youth Hub for the WORLD at COP28 hosting and facilitating our event from 10 AM, Dec-7 2023 entitled "ADNOC Technical Academy Climate Champs using AI & Robotics to Create Change” at COP28 Youth Hub.
  • Delivered a talk as an ADNOC- nominated GUEST SPEAKR on the importance of APPRENTICESHIP at the TVET (Technical & Vocational Education & Training) Innovation Day, on Feb 19, 2024, at ATS (Applied Technology Schools). It was a great SUCCESS, effectively engaging the youth.
  • I had the wonderful privilege of being in the panel on Day-3, WFES (World Future Energy Summit) at the Solar & Clean Energy Conference, on THE CASE FOR LOCALISED HYDROGEN USE IN HARD TO ABATE SECTORS at 2 PM, April-18, Abu Dhabi. The theme being local HYDROGEN in heavy industry: Reducing Emissions & Boosting Revenue for NET ZERO… We had distinguished speakers from Emirates Steel, AGSI, ADNOC-ATA, and Siemens joining the discussion.

What are your hobbies and talents?

Marathon running, Triathlons, swimming, camping, dancing, and reading.

Which quote inspires you?

The quote that inspires me the most is: “Your network is your net worth”

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be well-known… I admire the childhood saying I was told i.e., it does not matter who you know, rather it matters who knows you.

What do you hope to contribute to the ATA and ADNOC legacy?

I am inspired to be a facilitator in the ADNOC’s groundbreaking initiative of Globally Competitive Professional (GCP) program, which aims to transform Emirati high school graduates into global professionals. The GCP program is designed to create a workforce that excels both locally and globally.

The GCP program is founded on the principle of proactive mobility and international growth. It prepares trainees from the ADNOC Technical Academy (ATA) with a global perspective, ensuring they are adept in multicultural settings, uphold the highest integrity, and can collaborate across generations. ADNOC’s commitment to a culture as diverse as its operations is evident in this initiative, which focuses on developing key competencies such as global excellence, independent learning, and resilience. I plan to present this GCP concept at ADIPEC 2024!!

Thanks to the encouragement of SVP-ATA and ED- PC&CS Directorate to support my passion toward writing a book entitled "NET ZERO Now - YOUTH LED Transition."