Awarded AAPG Emeritus Membership – A Humbling Milestone

As of May 13, 2025, I am deeply honored and humbled to share that I have been awarded Emeritus Member status by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)—a professional milestone that marks both a career-long commitment and a personal journey that began over four decades ago.

When I first joined AAPG in 1980, in Venezuela, serving then legendary and vibrant Petróleos de Venezuela in Lagunillas, Estado Zulia, I was just stepping into the vast and exciting world of petroleum geology.

What followed was a deeply rewarding path—scientifically, professionally, and personally.

Through AAPG, I gained access to a global community of brilliant minds, cutting-edge research, and lifelong friendships.

It has profoundly shaped my thinking, my network, and my contributions to the industry.

I am extremely grateful for everything AAPG has brought into my life—insight, knowledge, growth, and global opportunity. From attending international conferences to publishing and reviewing, from field excursions to forums, the association has been both an anchor and a launchpad.

One moment I look back on with particular pride is my contribution to the emergence of Suriname in the AAPG sphere. While serving Staatsolie in Paramaribo in 2010, I had the privilege of introducing the very first three AAPG members from Suriname, 15 years before the now-celebrated petroleum boom of the Golden Lane. To have witnessed and contributed to that early spark—before it turned into a regional energy transformation—is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.

Being granted Emeritus status now, after decades of service and exploration, feels less like a conclusion and more like a continuation. It’s a celebration of past contributions and an invitation to keep sharing experience, wisdom, and mentorship with a new generation of geoscientists.

To my colleagues, mentors, peers, and younger explorers: thank you for being part of this journey. The rocks still whisper stories, and I remain as eager as ever to listen—and help interpret.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Marcel P. T. Chin-A-Lien

AAPG Emeritus Member, May 2025

Following my post on LinkedIn, 14th May, 2025

Honored to Share: AAPG Emeritus Status

As of May 13, 2025, I’ve been awarded Emeritus Membership by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)—a truly humbling moment marking 45 years since I first joined in 1980.

AAPG has shaped my career and personal growth in countless ways: from global insights and collaborations to friendships and unforgettable fieldwork. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities, knowledge, and community it provided.

A proud milestone I’ll always cherish: while serving Staatsolie in 2010, I introduced Suriname’s first 3 AAPG members, 15 years before the Golden Lane boom. It’s deeply fulfilling to have contributed in a small way to Suriname’s energy journey.

Thank you, AAPG, colleagues, and friends—this recognition means the world. And the journey continues.

#AAPG #Emeritus #Geoscience #PetroleumExploration #Suriname #GoldenLane #Gratitude #EnergyFuture

Kind regards.

Kind regards.

Marcel P.T. Chin-A-Lien

Petroleum and Energy Advisor

48 Years of Global, in-depth expertise, knowhow and insights.

That have generated transformative, multi billion giant fields discoveries, iconic first capitalistic new ventures in the USSR, bid rounds, added value and long term cash flow generating offshore exploration and production activities on Dutch North Sea, M&A, PSC designs, Contract negotiations.

Combined with a cross & trans discipline background of 4 petroleum post grad degrees, that fuse technical, business, commercial and management disciplines, accompanied by fluency in 7 languages in a variety of geographical, socio-cultural and business landscapes. 

“ Exploration & Production integrated with Business & Commercial Development and Critical Insights “

Drs – Petroleum Geology
Engineering Geologist – Petroleum Geology

Executive MBA International Business – Petroleum – M&A
MSc International Management – Petroleum

Energy Negotiator Association of International Negotiators (AIEN)

Certified Petroleum Geologist # 5201 – American Association Petroleum Geologists – Gold standard Certification
Chartered European Geologist # 92    – European Federation of Geologists – Gold standard Certification

Cambridge Award  “ 2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 20th Century ”, UK – Gold standard Award
Paris Awards  “ Innovative New Business Projects “, GDF-Suez, France – Two Gold standard Awards, Paris, 2003.

Public Profile: nl.linkedin.com/pub/marcel-chin-a-lien/9/a73/547/

For Advisory Services contact:

Email: marcelchinalien@gmail.com