Thaslim Akbar
Al Jubail
Summary
Results-driven professional with over 20 years in the downstream industry, specialising in control and safety systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). Expertise includes leading digital transformation projects and executing cyber security risk assessments. Proven project management skills encompass all phases from scope development to closure, contributing to manufacturing digital transformation and enhanced cyber security in industrial environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Control Systems and OT Security Engineer, Control Systems – Asset Engineering Department
Ar-Razi, A SABIC Affiliate
2008.11 - 2026.07
- Provide technical and engineering support to plants’ DCS, Cyber Security Systems, Safety Systems, PLC, Field Instrumentation, Subsystems(TMC, MMS etc), OPC, APC, OTS, ExperTune PlantTriage (PID tuning) and MES level Process historian Applications including ExaQuantum, OSI PI.
- Engineer, Evaluate and Implement MOC, Run, Maintain and Assess Cyber Security Appliances effectiveness within manufacturing network.
- Provide high-level engineering expertise in resolving plant operation problems.
- Executed capital projects in the instrumentation and control domain.
- Conducted analysis of plant or equipment trips as part of investigation teams, developing recommendations to enhance operational reliability.
- Collaborated with vendors to resolve problems and plan upgrades.
- Base Layer Control System Optimization with ExperTune tool conducting step tests to find the right PID for a given loop.
- Provide key technical support including logic checks/explanation during Start-up/Shutdown/Normal operation, Provide vital support for maintenance team to put the loops in maintenance/simulation mode for safely performing Loop check, Instrument maintenance etc during STA, ESD etc.
- Investigated problems using RCA methodologies and prepared troubleshooting reports with suggestions and countermeasures to prevent recurrence of process and system issues.
- Issue/review design package for modifications or improvements and follow-up the execution plan as required.
- Formulate the basis for engineering studies, project and design in any basic or special engineering field by analyzing and evaluating all data pertinent to assignment. Evaluates data as to scope, effect on existing installation, economic value, long range planning and budgetary considerations.
- Performed various daily operational tasks to support plant functions.
System Engineer Trainee
YIL, India
2008.06 - 2008.10
- Completed comprehensive training in DCS and ESD/SIS from Yokogawa, Centum CS 3000, Pro-Safe RS; supported DCS engineering project for Indian Oil Corporation, contributing to project goals.
- Contributed to YOKOGAWA CS3000, Centum CS DCS, and Prosafe-RS projects, enhancing system integration efforts.
- Assisted in project application development and system expansion, facilitating project progression and implementation.
- Provided additional work experience details upon request
Education
B. Tech - Electronics and Communication Engineering
Cochin University of Science and Technology
INDIA 2001.01 - 2005.01
Pre-Degree - Maths, Physics and Chemistry
University of Kerala
1999.01 - 2001.01
Skills
- Hands-on project, commissioning, run and maintenance experience in below systems:
- DCS engineering and maintenance
- SIS installation and troubleshooting
- Turbo machinery control
- OT cyber security assessments
- Experience in Siemens SIMATIC S7 PLC
- MES-PIMS engineering and maintenance
- Hands-on System experience and centralized deployment of System1- Machine monitoring system (GE BentlyNevada- 3500) and system configuration of System1
- Alarm management project scoping
- OPC/Modbus Configuration to enable inter systems communication
- Asset Management System: Operation and Maintenance of Honeywell FDM, Yokogawa PRM and AMS Valvelink
- DCS communication configuration
- PID Controller Tuning and base layer Loop Analysis and Optimization with ExperTune PlantTriage
- Expertise in latest Honeywell Experion PKS R431, R50x system (C300 based control module programing, SCADA points configuration, HMI builder development)
- Engineering and Maintenance of Protomation Process Studio OTS and eLearning system
- APC system deployment, interfacing with DCS via OPC and connection to DMZ
- Recently Handled Project:
- Deployment of Cyber Security based on comprehensive risk assessments in manufacturing networks
- Digital transformation project
- Predictive Emission Monitoring System (PEMS)
- Methanol-2 (Yokogawa),3, & 4 Complete BPCS and Instrumentation migration project from Yokogawa based DCS to Honeywell DCS
- Control system front-end upgrade hot cutover to comply cyber security requirements
- APC systems
- Fluent in Yokogawa and Honeywell DCS
- SME of Cyber Security for Manufacturing Systems
- DCS and SIS control functions
- Operator station display function (HMI) design for DCS and Graphic Panel Generation for PIMS and System Procedure Writing
- Control System Networking VNet/VnetIP, Conventional, FF, HART, ModBus configuration
- SME of multi-vendor Control and Safety Systems Expert of Control System migration and upgrade projects
- OT Cyber security practitioner and speaker
- Key Role in Manufacturing Digital Transformation of complete site
- Security systems deployment
- Process plant control expertise
- Control systems operations
- Expert in process plant and utilities advance regulatory control functions
Certification
- Functional Safety Engineer (T
- V Rheinland).
- YOKOGAWA Trained and Certified in DCS CENTUM VP and Safety Instrumented System (SIS) PROSAFE RS.
- Honeywell Trained and certified in Experion PKS 431, 501 and Safety Manager (SIS).
- SE trained in specialized courses for Triconex Systems used both in SIS and TMC Applications.
- ISA Active Member: Membership ID: 33148436.
References
- Hisham, Hakami, Technical Director, SABIC, Highly potential for Process Control, Self-Educated and highly motivated, Professional Problem Solver and troubleshooter. Has excellent interpersonal skills and can easily work with team to provide success. Able to face difficulties and challenges with a great smile and Self-confidence.
- Ahmed, Al Mutairi, Sr. Manager, Maintenance Planning Department, SABIC, Mr. Thaslim is a very highly skilled and very well educated Engineer for process control and networking, highly encouraged, self-confident, decision maker has very excellent communication skills. He has a tremendous knowledge which make him a professional engineer and capable to do a very great achievements in his work.
- Abdulaziz, Al Shaikh, Director, Projects, SABIC, Mr. Akbar is a highly qualified and experienced DCS engineer with a positive attitude, which make him an excellent team player. He is always good team player and commitment-keeping which let everyone enjoy to work with him.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Control Systems and OT Security Engineer, Control Systems – Asset Engineering Department
Ar-Razi, A SABIC Affiliate
2008.11 - 2026.07
System Engineer Trainee
YIL, India
2008.06 - 2008.10
B. Tech - Electronics and Communication Engineering
Cochin University of Science and Technology
2001.01 - 2005.01
Pre-Degree - Maths, Physics and Chemistry
University of Kerala
1999.01 - 2001.01