Petronas poised to help accelerate Asian energy transition

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is set to strengthen its role in accelerating the regional energy transition by hosting the second edition of Energy Asia 2025 from June 16.
The three-day conference here aims to serve as a high-level platform, bringing together global energy leaders to deliberate on collaborative strategies for achieving a sustainable energy future across Asia — and, by extension, the world.
Petronas vice president of group strategic relations and communications Ir Norafizal Mat Saad said the event underscores the company's long-term commitment to fostering regional cooperation and catalysing collective progress toward a more inclusive and comprehensive energy transition.
"Energy Asia is about how Petronas play a role in bringing together the agenda of energy transition for Asia. This is where the leaders from all over the world will come and convene.
"Hopefully this kind of session will further drive and collaborate the energy transition efforts throughout Asia and which has also impacted the world," he told a press conference at Petronas Lunch Escape: Road to Energy Asia here today.
Petronas gathered nearly 100 media and communications professionals from over 30 organisations for a lunch talk titled 'Road to Energy Asia 2025', aiming to build momentum ahead of its flagship energy conference next month.
The session offered a preview of the upcoming Energy Asia 2025.
Energy Asia 2025 will feature more than 180 global speakers and is expected to draw over 4,000 delegates from 50 countries.
Its programme includes over 50 strategic dialogues under themes such as energy policy, markets, innovation, capital, sustainability and talent development.
Petronas senior general manager and strategy, planning and governance Datin Arni Laily Anwarrudin said the efforts to strengthen Energy Asia are being continued annually, particularly with the second edition this year focusing on expanding the programme's reach and impact.
Arni said this year, in addition to the chief executive officer (CEO) roundtable session, Petronas is also introducing and enhancing the Future Energy Leaders programme, which targets the younger generation.
"This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation that is not only interested but also committed to participating in the energy transition agenda.
"The programme is also designed to create a more holistic ecosystem by exposing young talent to opportunities within the evolving energy transition landscape," she added.
Meanwhile, Arni said the Energy Park, a core component of the event, will be revamped this year, expanding to two to three times the size of the 2023 edition and showcasing a more immersive blend of technology and innovation.
She said curating the right mix of participants is central to the event's mission.
"The target that has been set for us goes beyond numbers. It is about getting the right mix of delegates. One of the things we are very deliberate about is ensuring we bring together policymakers, academicians, C-suites, founders, tech experts, innovators, and energy companies.
"We don't just want decision-makers and executives in the room, but we want young people, emerging leaders, and diverse voices who will actually be part of the transition. More women representation is also a key consideration," she added.