Latest news with #AseanPlanofActionforEnergyCooperation
Bangkok Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Why investing in people matters
Asean is striving to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage and readiness for a transition under its Carbon Neutrality Strategy. However, Asean will not be well-positioned to become an important part of the global net-zero economy without a robust human capital development to produce skilled, educated, and healthy individuals to drive the energy transition. Human capital has been a central ingredient in economic development, as evidenced by the bloc's Human Capital Index -- which ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 -- which demonstrates a positive correlation with Gross Domestic Products (GDP) per capita. Studies suggest that better human capital doesn't only affect overall energy consumption, but it also enhances the energy transition process. This is especially relevant as the region aims for a just and inclusive energy transition under its upcoming regional energy blueprint (Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation: 2026-2030). If these are not convincing enough, there are also other reasons which show investing in human capital development must be considered as we transform the energy system. Supporting the workforce Asean is home to more than 670 million people, over half of which are of working age. With most of the population in its most productive age, energy consumption tends to rise significantly. By 2035, the region is projected to account for 25% of the global energy demand, but only a third of the region's energy demand will be met by renewable energy sources. These projections are an incentive for investment, signalling strong market demand and long-term growth potential. That said, the region is racing against time, as in just a few decades, the number of people who are of a working age will begin to shrink. By 2050, Asean's population is projected to start ageing, thus narrowing the window of productivity. This will have a significant impact on the region's economy, potentially hindering GDP growth. Therefore, it is crucial for Asean to seize this golden opportunity to achieve competitive economic advantages and step out of the middle-income trap toward carbon neutrality. Keeping up with change Transitioning towards low-carbon energy sources means leaving the fossil fuel industry behind and remaking the region's entire energy system. It is projected that mine closures will decrease GDP by 4.5% in Indonesia, 0.2% in the Philippines, and 2.1% in Vietnam. The decrease is caused by a combination of direct layoffs, lower demand for coal, and indirect job losses in sectors related to coal mining. Moreover, the energy market itself is evolving rapidly -- from coal mining to the extraction of critical minerals, from coal-fired power plants to renewable energy generation, and toward the development of other new emerging technologies, such as hydrogen, nuclear, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). This transition is reshaping demand for labour and skills for infrastructure development and operations. A successful shift to a low-carbon economy will require a skilled and diverse workforce to meet the demands of evolving trends. Jobs for the future Asean's Renewable Energy (RE) industry is showing promising growth. In 2016, the sector created 611,000 jobs, which spiked to 779,000 jobs in 2018. Malaysia is expected to dominate the share of future RE job creation, particularly with its growing solar industry, which contributed 54,300 jobs in 2019. In Indonesia, the RE sector employed around 581,400 people in 2021, with the majority working in the liquid biofuels industry. This sector is also expected to expand significantly in the future. Under the most ambitious low-carbon transition scenario outlined in the 8th Asean Energy Outlook, the push towards net-zero will result in 3.4 million job losses by 2050. However, the RE sector is projected to create 14.6 million new jobs over the same period. The focus now should be on the ability of each country's workforce to keep up with the projected demand, particularly for jobs which are considered to be "hard to fill", such as those relating to manufacturing, installation and operating RE systems. Indonesia, for instance, only produced eight STEM graduates per 10,000 students in 2019, a number which the government is trying to boost through various initiatives. According to 2022 figures, Malaysia produces the most STEM graduates in Southeast Asia, with 40.2% of its students graduating with a STEM degree, followed by Brunei (38.4%) and Singapore (35.9%). Despite the promising numbers, the majority of these graduates can't meet the growing demands of the RE sector, as most of them took up skills which are more relevant to the fossil fuel industry. Prioritising human capital development is essential to ensure the region's readiness for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Human capital issues -- particularly those relating to employment and education -- should be integral components in the just and inclusive energy transition planning in Asean. Investing in human capital will yield returns and accelerate low-carbon economic growth. However, to maximise these benefits and returns, such investments must be carefully planned and effectively implemented. It's time for Asean to explore synergies within regional bodies to support human capital investment during its energy transition. It must strengthen cooperation in formal education and promote knowledge transfers in clean and renewable energy technologies. Moreover, increased private investment in human capital, such as enterprise-based training, should be encouraged. Auliya Febriyanti is a junior research analyst of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department at the Asean Centre for Energy (ACE). Rhea Oktaqiara is a research assistant at MPP department at ACE, while Zulfikar Yurnaidi is a manager of the MPP Department at ACE.
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak showcases clean energy potential at Asean energy meet
Mad Zaidi speaks to the media. – Photo from Information Department KUCHING (June 18): The 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) provided an excellent platform for Sarawak to highlight its potential leadership in the regional clean energy agenda, said Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. He said the meeting, which concluded today here, has allowed Sarawak to demonstrate its strengths to energy officials from across Asean. 'This meeting was a great opportunity to introduce Sarawak to Asean delegates as a state rich in natural resources and committed to renewable energy. 'It showed Sarawak is ready to play an important role in the regional energy agenda,' he told reporters after the meeting. Held over three days from June 16, the meeting aimed to align regional energy policies and review the progress of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). Hosted by Malaysia through Petra, the event also served as a preparatory platform for the upcoming Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in October. It brought together senior energy officials from all 10 Asean member states – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – alongside Timor-Leste as an observer. Dialogue partners included China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union. Nearly 250 delegates participated, including representatives from the Asean Secretariat, Asean Centre for Energy (ACE), and international organisations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), International Energy Agency (IEA), Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Bank. According to a statement from Petra, six high-level meetings were successfully convened during the 43rd SOME. Key outcomes included significant progress on the Asean Power Grid initiative, with the ADB presenting its 2025–2026 work plan focused on clean energy transitions and sustainable infrastructure via innovative financing frameworks. The 16th SOME-Russia Energy Consultation explored cooperation in oil, gas, and nuclear energy, while initiating discussions on a new energy cooperation plan for 2026–2028. Meanwhile, the 16th SOME–United States Energy Consultation emphasised decarbonisation and the expansion of renewable energy across the region.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
All 10 Asean states represented at Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in Kuching, Timor Leste an observer
(From eighth left) Mad Zaidi and undersecretary for Planning, Investment, Media Affairs and Spokesperson Department of Energy, Philippines Felix William B Fuentebella join other delegates for a photocall. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 16): The 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and its Associated Meetings began today, aiming to align regional energy policies and review progress under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). Hosted by Malaysia through the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), the three-day event also serves to prepare key decisions ahead of the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) scheduled for October. All 10 Asean member states – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are taking part, along with Timor-Leste as an observer. Nearly 250 delegates are expected to attend, including senior energy officials; representatives from the Asean Secretariat; Asean Centre for Energy (ACE); dialogue partners such as China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States; as well as international bodies like the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), International Energy Agency (IEA), Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (Eria), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Bank. In his opening remarks, Petra secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said the theme Powering Asean: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity reflects Malaysia's focus on inclusivity and sustainability in driving the region's energy development. 'This theme is important to emphasise the need for energy and dynamism in driving the region's development to propel Asean forward. 'It also underscores the ultimate goal of Asean integration, which is to improve the lives of its citizens by promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and focuses on inclusivity and sustainability that will benefit all segments of society,' he said. He also led delegates in observing a moment of silence in memory of the late director Dr Irma Caliwagan Exconde of the Philippines, who was recognised for her contributions to Asean's energy cooperation, particularly in the renewal of the Asean Power Grid memorandum of understanding (APG MoU). The meetings will focus on advancing the APG Enhanced MoU, finalising the draft APAEC policy document, and securing endorsement of the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA). Other key issues include energy transition financing, grid integration, and progress on APAEC targets. Malaysia chairs the session, with the Philippines serving as vice-chair. 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy lead Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean energy officials convene in Kuching for policy talks
Delegates attending the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) in Kuching on Monday (June 16). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Senior energy officials from Asean will discuss energy policies in a three-day regional meeting starting here on Monday (June 16). The 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) is hosted by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year. The ministry's secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said "Powering Asean: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity" was the theme for the energy sector meetings, emphasising the need for dynamism in driving the region's development. "It also underscores the ultimate goal of Asean integration, which is to improve the lives of its citizens by promoting economic growth, creating jobs and focusing on inclusivity and sustainability that will benefit all segments of society," he said in his opening remarks. All 10 Asean member states, along with Timor Leste as an observer, are participating in SOME and its associated meetings. Besides energy officials, the delegates include representatives from the Asean Secretariat, Asean Centre for Energy and dialogue partners comprising China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States. Additionally, representatives from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), International Energy Agency (IEA), Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank are present. SOME and its associated meetings aim to align Asean energy policies at the senior official level by reviewing progress on the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (Apaec) and preparing key decisions for the 43rd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (Amem), which is scheduled to be held in October. Priority areas for SOME discussion this year include the Asean Power Grid (APG), status of initiatives towards achieving the Apaec targets and energy transition financing. SOME will discuss and deliver consensus-based outcomes, including an updated Apaec work plan, policy recommendations on regional energy security, renewable energy financing and grid integration. Key outcomes include advancing the APG enhanced memorandum of understanding, finalising the draft Apaec policy document and securing endorsement of the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (Apsa).
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
THE ASEAN POWER GRID: UNLOCKING ASEAN'S NET-ZERO POTENTIAL
FIRST proposed in the late 1990s, the Asean Power Grid (APG) was envisioned as a long-term solution to energy security and sustainability through multilateral electricity trading. Today, only seven out of the 16 planned interconnections are operational. The APG is the key interconnection of power systems for Asean countries to trade cross-border electricity. On paper, it's an ambitious plan. In practice, it faces considerable headwinds – not only from the lack of technology or investment, but also from fragmented regulatory regimes, uneven political will and deep-rooted concerns about sovereignty and national energy security. Countries at different stages of economic development and energy transition often hold contrasting views. Energy-exporting countries worry about undervaluation of their power exports. Energy-importing countries hesitate to rely on neighbours for something as strategic as electricity. 'To unlock the full potential of the APG, a coordinated, trust-based approach is needed. One that embraces regional diversity but works toward common goals,' says Solarvest executive director and group chief executive officer Davis Chong. Making the APG a reality: four strategic imperatives Strategy 1: Harmonise regulatory and market frameworks Asean countries must develop shared technical standards, grid codes, pricing mechanisms and regulatory norms to enable seamless cross-border power exchange. Is it being done? Partially. The Asean Power Grid Consultative Committee (APGCC) has initiated discussions and studies on regulatory harmonisation, with some technical standards and bilateral power trading agreements in place. This includes the ongoing policy dialogues under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II (2021-2025), and a sub-programme on regional power market development. Chong: to unlock the full potential of the asean Power Grid, a coordinated, trust-based approach is needed. However, some governments find it challenging to adjust their domestic electricity subsidies or tariff to align with regional trading models; some may lack the resources to participate fully. 'Asean's energy future depends on how quickly public-private trust is built. 'When industry is invited to co-create, not just implement, we see faster results and deeper regional alignment. What's missing is a structured platform for continuous engagement between governments and private developers,' he said. Strategy 2: Institutionalise public-private collaboration Governments must establish transparent and structured platforms to involve industry consultation as early as grid planning and policy design, along with formal mechanisms that enable energy authorities and private companies to co-invest in and co-develop clean energy infrastructure. Private sector players like Malaysia's Solarvest, with proven experience in cross-border solar development, are already collaborating with national and regional institutions to fast-track clean infrastructure deployment across South-East Asia. Their participation in clean energy initiatives aligned with the Asean Interconnection Masterplan exemplifies how public-private partnerships can be effectively operationalised at scale. With their technical expertise, financial strength and operational agility, these private companies can significantly accelerate the implementation of the Asean Power Grid. Strategy 3: Prioritise regional grid modernisation and digitalisation Advanced energy management systems like smart grids and AI-driven monitoring are key to balancing intermittent renewables and enabling reliable cross-border power trading. This is an area where private companies can provide valuable solutions through innovation and operational experience. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are advancing smart grid projects and integrating distributed energy systems. However, regulatory bodies in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar or Laos may lack the resources or technical capacity to participate fully, largely due to cost and infrastructure gaps. Smart grid technologies are capital-intensive. Countries with limited fiscal space often struggle to invest at scale, resulting in fragmented digital platforms that complicate regional integration. Solarvest, which has invested and brought clean energy expertise to various Asean country showcases how successful public-private partnerships that bridge the investment and capability gaps. Strategy 4: De-risk cross-border power projects through bilateral/multilateral mechanisms 'Policy without execution leads to bottlenecks. That's where regional developers and clean energy investor like us can play a critical role to translate high-level energy plans into bankable, buildable clean infrastructure,' says Chong. The absence of centralised Asean mechanism or standardise project finance tools continues to limit project bankability. Clean energy projects often lack long-term offtake agreements, regulatory clarity or sovereign guarantees – deter investors. Hence, feasibility studies and pilot projects such as the Asean Interconnection Masterplan Study (AIMS) III and the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (LTMS-PIP) pilot projects are important. Countries are more likely to participate when risks are mitigated. Institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asean Infrastructure Fund (AIF) can help de-risk early-stage cross-border power infrastructure via blended finance, sovereign guarantees or risk-sharing instruments. Malaysia: A blueprint worth studying Asean needs not just cross-border grids, but cross-border knowledge transfer. Malaysia offers a compelling case study of how enabling policies and private sector engagement can move the needle on clean energy. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines clear investment pathways toward a greener grid, including large-scale solar, hydrogen development and energy efficiency. Under the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), it enables third-party grid access and serves as a potential catalyst for cross-border electricity trading. Additionally, Malaysia has successfully implemented cross-border energy exports, such as to Singapore through the LTMS interconnection. This serves as a proof-of-concept that regional energy trading is technically viable and politically achievable. A decade of promise, need of delivery The APG is not simply about building power lines across borders. It is about building trust, interdependence and a shared commitment to Asean's sustainable future. For Asean to rise as a climate-resilient economic bloc, governments, industries and communities must sit at the same table as collaborators for the delivery of the APG. About Solarvest Holdings Bhd Solarvest is a regional clean energy infrastructure developer, with presence across eight Asia-Pacific countries, including Malaysia ('HQ'), Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines. Recognised for its leadership in the solar industry, Solarvest has expanded its expertise to support clean energy transformation, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced solutions including Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Certificates, and more. To date, Solarvest has developed more than 2,000 MWp of projects across the region. Solarvest is listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. For more information, log on to
