Low-Carbon Energy Takes Centre Stage In ASEAN Policy Talks
The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), through the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project Phase II (ACCEPT II), convened a regional policy dialogue in Kuala Lumpur to accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon energy system in Southeast Asia.
Hosted by Malaysia's Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), the event brought together around 50 representatives from ASEAN Member States, international institutions and regional experts.
The dialogue focused on advancing the next phase of the regional energy blueprint, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, under the theme 'Advancing Regional Cooperation in Ensuring Energy Security and Accelerating Decarbonisation for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition.' Discussions highlighted the need for regional collaboration, policy alignment, innovative financing mechanisms and ensuring a just and inclusive transition that leaves no community behind. Panellists included representatives from ASEAN Secretariat, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Lao PDR, IGES, National Energy Council of Indonesia, SEforALL, Department of Energy Philippines, Ministry of Energy Myanmar, Ministry of Mines and Energy Cambodia, National Climate Change Secretariat Singapore, Oxfam, PwC and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
Mareena Mahpudz, Alternate Senior Official on Energy Leader of Malaysia and Deputy Secretary-General at PETRA, said the event reaffirmed that energy policy must align with climate goals and social equity.
Dato' Ir Ts Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, emphasised that a low-carbon transition must be accessible, affordable and generate employment opportunities while empowering vulnerable communities.
The dialogue is part of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' and represents a strategic step in promoting coordinated regional approaches to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
ACE, established in 1999, supports ASEAN Member States in energy cooperation, policy development and knowledge sharing, serving as a regional think tank and data hub. ACCEPT II, funded by the Norwegian Government, specifically aids ASEAN in achieving carbon neutrality, enhancing governance on climate-related energy issues and advancing capacity building and regional collaboration.
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