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Malaysia's Petronas, Tenaga Nasional lead South-east Asia charge in global energy brand rankings

Malaysia's Petronas, Tenaga Nasional lead South-east Asia charge in global energy brand rankings

Business Times3 days ago
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) have retained their positions as South-east Asia's leading energy brands in the oil and gas and utility sectors, respectively, according to the latest Energy 100 2025 report by Brand Finance.
Despite a modest 1 per cent dip in brand value to US$14.4 billion, Petronas remains the most valuable oil and gas brand in South-east Asia and ranks as the third strongest globally, underscoring its continued dominance in both regional and international rankings.
This marks the 14th consecutive year the Malaysian state-owned energy firm has topped the South-east Asia's oil and gas brand rankings.
Meanwhile, TNB surged ahead in the utilities space with a 35 per cent jump in brand value to US$2.3 billion, reflecting growing consumer trust, strategic sustainability initiatives, and a steady shift towards renewable energy offerings.
TNB now ranks as the second strongest utility brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.9 out of 100 and an AAA rating.
Petronas earned a similarly strong BSI score of 83.7 and an AAA- brand strength rating, making it the third strongest oil and gas brand globally, behind Shell and ExxonMobil.
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Brand Finance notes that Petronas continues to be perceived as a trustworthy brand that offers good value for money – key attributes that reinforce its enduring brand equity.
The Energy 100 2025, which was released on Aug 4, also recognised other major South-east Asia players making strides on the global energy stage.
Indonesia's Pertamina saw its brand value decreased 15 per cent year on year to US$3.8 billion in 2025. PHOTO: BT FILE
Thailand's PTT saw its brand value increase 11 per cent to US$9.2 billion, maintaining its position as a close regional competitor to Petronas.
Indonesia's Pertamina, meanwhile, recorded a 15 per cent drop in brand value to US$3.8 billion, reflecting growing market pressures and structural challenges despite the company's significant role in the country's energy landscape.
In the utilities sector, Indonesia's PLN joined TNB among the strongest global utility brands. PLN's brand value rose 30 per cent to US$2.3 billion, and it secured the third spot in global utility brand strength rankings with a BSI score of 86.2 and an AAA rating.
PLN's sustainability push – notably its expanded biomass co-firing initiatives and efforts to build local biomass supply chains – was highlighted as a key contributor to its improved brand perception.
These efforts align with Indonesia's wider energy transition goals and showcase how utility brands are embedding decarbonisation strategies into their operations, said the report.
Notably, Singapore's SP Group debuted in the combined energy sector report, with its brand value rising 34 per cent to US$1.7 billion. Its inclusion reflects the growing prominence of the city-state's utility sector and its role in regional clean energy solutions.
South-east Asian countries leading in energy transition
The combined brand value of the world's top 100 energy brands reached US$688.6 billion in 2025. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Alex Haigh, managing director Asia-Pacific at Brand Finance, said the strong performances of Petronas, TNB, PTT and PLN reflect how Asean energy brands are not only competing globally but also leading the way in integrating sustainability into their brand strategies.
'It's encouraging to see that investments in green innovation and stakeholder trust are now translating into tangible brand value and strength. These brands are proving that a clear commitment to the energy transition is both a strategic and reputational advantage,' he said in a statement.
According to Brand Finance, brand strength is assessed through a mix of marketing investment, customer loyalty, and stakeholder perception while brand value quantifies the financial worth of a brand.
This year, oil and gas and utility brands were evaluated together in a unified ranking for the first time – reflecting the convergence of energy narratives and the increasing overlap between traditional and renewable energy providers.
Global rankings still led by energy giants
Shell retains its position as the world's most valuable oil and gas brand for the 11th consecutive year. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Globally, Shell retained its crown as the most valuable oil and gas brand for the 11th consecutive year, despite a 10 per cent dip in brand value to US$45.4 billion.
The Anglo-Dutch major also led the brand strength rankings with a BSI score of 87.5 and an AAA rating, thanks to continued investments in liquefied natural gas and clean energy.
Saudi Arabia's Aramco held steady at second place, with a brand value of US$41.7 billion, slightly up from the previous year. PetroChina, meanwhile, rose 17 per cent to US$33.3 billion, securing the third spot globally in terms of value.
In the utilities segment, China's State Grid Corporation dominated once again, with its brand value jumping 20 per cent to US$85.6 billion. It also recorded the highest brand strength rating globally, with a BSI score of 92.6 and an AAA+ rating.
France's EDF and Italy's Enel rounded out the top three global utility brands by value, at US$14.3 billion and US$10.7 billion respectively.
World's top 100 brands worth US$688.6 billion
Indonesia's PLN ranked as the third strongest utilities brand in 2025, according to Brand Finance's list. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
Brand Finance, the London-based valuation consultancy, found that the combined brand value of the world's top 100 energy brands reached US$688.6 billion in 2025, up about 4 per cent from the previous year.
Of this, oil and gas brands accounted for US$444.1 billion, growing 4 per cent year-on-year, while utility brands contributed US$244.5 billion, up 5 per cent.
Savio D'Souza, senior director at Brand Finance, said: 'As energy demand accelerates, leading brands are stepping up, aligning growth ambitions with net-zero commitments.
'The integration of oil and gas, and utilities into a unified study reflects a growing convergence in energy narratives, where innovation, clean energy investment, and stakeholder transparency are critical to long-term brand strength.'
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