Featured in EIC Energy Focus "View from the Top" — Spring 2025
Sabrina Cheng, Founder & CEO of IntelliS Corporation and EIC Global Ambassador, was honored to be featured in the Spring 2025 issue of EIC Energy Focus magazine's prestigious "View from the Top" series. The exclusive cover interview explored IntelliS's journey from a Shanghai startup to a multi-national talent solutions provider, China's pivotal role in the global energy transition, and her vision for the future of offshore energy recruitment.
The IntelliS Story: From Shanghai Startup to Global Player
Reflecting on the company's roots, Sabrina shared how IntelliS was founded in 2009 by herself and two Dutch engineers with a shared vision: to bridge the talent gap in the offshore and subsea energy sector. What began as a boutique Shanghai-based recruitment firm has grown into a multi-national operation serving clients across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
In 2018, IntelliS expanded to Singapore, significantly broadening its reach. Today, approximately 90% of the company's clients are global enterprises, underscoring its reputation as a trusted international talent partner.
China's Role in the Global Energy Transition
During the interview, Sabrina highlighted China's extraordinary commitment to clean energy. In 2023 alone, China invested more in clean energy technology than the rest of the world's top 10 countries combined. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2035 China's clean technology exports are projected to exceed USD 340 billion, signaling a dramatic shift in the global energy landscape.
This surge in investment creates immense opportunities—and challenges—in talent acquisition. As Sabrina noted, "The demand for specialized engineers, project managers, and technical specialists in offshore wind, FPSO, and subsea infrastructure has never been higher."
"The demand for specialized engineers, project managers, and technical specialists in offshore wind, FPSO, and subsea infrastructure has never been higher. Talent is the bottleneck that determines whether projects succeed or stall."
Strategic Growth: The Middle East as a Priority Market
Looking ahead, Sabrina outlined the Middle East as a key strategic growth market for IntelliS. With major economies across the Gulf region diversifying away from oil and gas toward diversified energy portfolios—including offshore wind, hydrogen, and floating LNG—the talent demands are evolving rapidly. IntelliS is positioning itself to support this transition by connecting regional operators with world-class technical talent.
Advice for Women Entering the Energy Industry
When asked about advice for women pursuing careers in the energy sector, Sabrina offered thoughtful guidance drawn from her own experience navigating a historically male-dominated industry:
- Stay positive and maintain your physical health — the pace is demanding, and resilience is key
- Ensure your family is happy and supported — personal stability is the foundation for professional excellence
- Build a strong professional network — mentorship and peer support are invaluable
- Never stop learning — the energy transition is creating entirely new disciplines and skill requirements
A Publication Defining Industry Dialogue
EIC Energy Focus is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in the global energy sector. Its "View from the Top" series features senior executives and thought leaders shaping the future of energy worldwide. Being selected for this series is a testament to both Sabrina's personal achievements and IntelliS's growing influence as a thought leader in offshore talent solutions.
IntelliS extends its sincere gratitude to the EIC editorial team for this recognition and remains committed to advancing the conversation around talent, innovation, and energy transition across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.