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Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
ASEAN Power Grid Integration Seeks Energy Security, Sustainable Growth
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MAY 26: Petronas Twin Towers are illuminated in the colors of Malaysian ... More Flag during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on May 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 46th ASEAN Summit kicked off on May 26 in the capital of Malaysia, with greater regional integration and resilience against trade and economic disruptions high on the agenda. (Photo by He Guowei/VCG via Getty Images) At the 46th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 26, 2025, national leaders adopted a bold plan to interconnect and harmonize regional power grids. The plan for ASEAN power grid integration is designed to create an advanced network of electric transmission lines, generators and utilities across Southeast Asia. Under the plan, the area of nearly 700 million people is poised to meet surging energy demand, boost energy security, and achieve affordable, sustainable growth through deeper regional connections and more coordinated energy markets. A long-awaited plan for the ASEAN Power Grid has mostly languished on the shelf since ASEAN member states adopted it in 1997. Currently, the ASEAN member states are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with Timor-Leste expected to join soon. Now, with Malaysia holding the rotating Chairmanship of ASEAN, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has forged a consensus among the ASEAN member states to move forward with an updated plan to regionally integrate Southeast Asia's power grid. Ibrahim stated at the summit, '[T] Energy security is the main impetus to integrate the power systems of the various Southeast Asian countries through new cross-border interconnections, harmonized grid operational rules, and a regionally integrated energy market and transmission system. Regional grid integration across Southeast Asia presents a timely opportunity to boost economic growth that is more reliable, affordable and equitable for a lower-carbon future. Leaders of ASEAN member states openly endorsed the plan at the summit. The ASEAN Secretariat has mandated the ASEAN Centre for Energy to lead the effort. Most likely, the member states will sign an enhanced memorandum of understanding on grid integration at their next summit in October. At the May 26 summit, the nations endorsed a vision statement: 'ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.' The statement covers myriad areas of cooperation. With respect to energy, among other objectives, the member states agreed on Objective 5.2: "Build resilient energy supply and infrastructure and establish coordinated action in safeguarding energy security." To implement this goal, the countries intend to '[e]nhance renewable energy infrastructure and its interconnection to facilitate seamless integration for ASEAN's infrastructure.' They also pledged to '[a]dvance future ASEAN's energy interconnectivity, including in land transmission and sub-sea cables' and to '[p]ool investment to build energy security supporting the development of relevant infrastructure, enhance the power grid, improve cross-border connectivity, and address critical energy demand.' Additional provisions call for improving regional cooperation in other energy areas, particularly natural gas and LNG supply and transportation. First off, the new plan for ASEAN power grid integration will highlight eighteen priority interconnection projects identified in The ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study - AIMS III released in 2020 and advanced by ACE last year following the directive of the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Bali, Indonesia in August 2023. These priority interconnection projects, once completed, will achieve greater power grid interconnectivity within the region as a basis to expand multilateral power trading efforts. Eight of the interconnection projects have been implemented so far. The eighteen priority projects under APG are meant to move beyond the one-off, private bilateral cross-border arrangements previously built to create a truly integrated, multilateral power system. Major new transmission corridors considered priorities under the AIMS study include expanded cross-border connections to Singapore from Malaysia and Indonesia, to Thailand from Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, to Malaysia from Indonesia and the Philippines, to Penninsular Malaysia from Sarawak, and within Indonesia to Java from Sumatra and Kalimantan. ASEAN countries are heterogenous in many ways and at divergent levels of economic development. Regional integration can be an efficient way to create regional balance, scaled integration and optimization of the power grid for greater energy security, efficiency and shared prosperity. The Southeast Asian power grid is highly fragmented, with little existing interconnectivity between nations. Even within national borders, grids are not fully integrated. Peninsular Malaysia is separate from Sarawak and Sabah, the Malaysian provinces on Borneo. The Java-Madura-Bali grid in Indonesia would benefit from connections to the grids on Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo) and other Indonesian islands. The Philippines Luzon-Visayas system is only minimally connected to islands in southern parts of the nation. Binational connections exist, particularly for exports (especially of hydropower) from Lao PDR to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, but they mainly facilitate direct sales to utilities from private power plants and not multilateral power trading or coordinated utility-to-utility power pools. Malaysia and Thailand lie at the epicenter of a potentially large regional power network, fueled by domestic supply, robust demand, economic growth and geographic proximity to other ASEAN countries. The so-called LTMS link—Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore—would form the basis for a proposed power pool that could subsequently be expanded to Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. New regional connections to Singapore would also drive the development of power generation and transmission facilities in neighboring Java (Indonesia) and Malaysia and in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, plus proposed subsea connections to Singapore through Peninsular Malaysia or Java from the Malaysian and Indonesian portions of Borneo, and ultimately to the Philippines. A potential subsea cable to import solar power from Australia to Singapore remains on the drawing boards but is outside the scope of the ASEAN Power Grid plan. LUANG PRABANG, LAOS - APRIL 11: Chinese tourists take part in an alms giving ceremony to Buddhist ... More monks on April 11, 2024 in Luang Prabang, Laos. (Photo by) Singapore and Laos illustrate the disparate benefits that regional power grid integration could provide. Singapore relies on imported natural gas to generate electricity (and for its growing LNG trading hub), resulting in power prices significantly higher than in other ASEAN countries. Access to imported power could reduce Singapore's exposure to supply chain risks and volatile gas prices for electricity. Singapore is a wealthy, densely populated city state and net importer of energy with a nominal GDP per capita twenty times higher than the GDP of Laos. Laos has abundant energy resources (for wind and hydropower, in addition to coal) but a relatively sparse population that could benefit from development of a stronger domestic power grid and more exports of energy to neighboring countries. Existing bilateral connections serve to export power from privately-owned power plants in Laos, largely bypassing the local utility. Two Lao power projects show how much has changed over the past decade. They are emblematic of the trend away from coal toward renewables for power generation. In 2016, the Thai-owned and financed Hongsa power plant commenced commercial operations in Laos after more than five years of development and construction. The 1,878 MW coal-fired power plant (co-located with a new lignite mine and dam) was the first utility-scale coal-fired power plant in the country. It exports almost all its power to Thailand, keeping only a small portion for domestic consumption. Total cost of the Hongsa power project (including the dedicated lignite mine and associated infrastructure) was about $4 billion. Like other coal-fired power plants, the Hongsa project has faced criticism for its adverse environmental and health impacts on the local community. This year, almost ten years after Hongsa came online, the first wind farm in Laos and largest wind farm in Southeast Asia—the 600 MW Monsoon Wind Power Project—is about to enter commercial operation to sell power from Laos to EVN, Vietnam's state-owned utility. The project's cross-border double-circuit 500kV transmission line was completed and energized in February 2025, spanning 27 km in Laos and 44 km in Vietnam. Indicative of the trend toward blended finance, the $950 million Monsoon Wind project was financed by loans from the Asian Development Bank alongside the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, other multilateral development banks and export credit agencies, and a syndicate of commercial banks, partly in reliance on government undertakings from Vietnam and Lao PDR. These two independent power projects a decade apart highlight major transitions in technology and project economics. The cost per kilowatt of installed generating capacity has fallen dramatically with the shift from coal to wind energy in line with global averages. Cross-border power sales under long-term power purchase agreements can attract financing, given sufficient credit support. Sources of financing are becoming more diverse. Yet, the benefits of the Lao power projects like Hongsa and Monsoon with dedicated bilateral transmission lines still largely accrue only to the private owners of the power plants and the Thai or Vietnamese recipients of the power. With true multilateral grid integration in the future, Laos and other host countries could develop projects that are integral to an improved domestic grid, with utility-to-utility export power sales into a regional power pool that aggregates demand over many countries, optimizes power deliveries for grid stability and reliability, and provides economies of scale to lower costs and increase efficiency while spurring domestic growth and equitable development across Southeast Asia. This trend away from new coal-fired power generation is region-wide. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are pursuing domestic policies that would increase renewable energy and transition away from coal-fired power plants over the next thirty years. Indonesia has revised its near-term goals for renewable energy multiple times since 2019 and remains committed to net-zero power generation by 2060, though it continues to rely on fossil fuels for most of its energy. Vietnam and the Philippines are modernizing their energy systems while completing rural electrification plans and increasing per capita energy use. Vietnam derived more than half of its electricity from hydropower, solar, wind and other renewables as early as 2022. The Philippines has advanced hydropower, geothermal, solar and other renewables ever since pioneering successes with geothermal energy in the 1990s. But the country remains heavily reliant on coal and natural gas for power production. It remains to be seen the degree to which the Philippines, an island chain to the east of most ASEAN countries, could be interconnected with Indonesia, Malaysia or the rest of Southeast Asia. Floating solar panels on water lake in sun light under hazy sky, contributing to the energy ... More transition. If successful, this transition is a big deal for ASEAN nations and a big deal for the world. According to the IEA's Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2024, the ASEAN region's approximately 4% share of global energy consumption 'is expected to grow significantly, with ASEAN projected to contribute over 25% of global energy demand growth between now and 2035.' The ASEAN member states comprise just under 10% of world population, more than Europe, and today account for 6% of the world's GDP. The International Energy Agency predicts the population of the region will increase from today's 685 million to 745 million by 2035 and then to almost 790 million by 2050. Economic expansion, population growth, and the region's role as a global manufacturing hub will continue to drive electricity demand growth. That explosive economic growth will be energy-intensive and outpace population growth, resulting in higher per capita energy consumption as wealth increases. Typically, energy use per capita rises alongside the rise in GDP. Air conditioning, manufacturing, digital infrastructure (including investments in artificial intelligence, data centers and semi-conductor fabrication), urbanization and EVs drive demand growth in Southeast Asia that outpaces growth in other areas of the world. Regional integration of renewable energy sources and battery energy storage systems would lower the marginal cost of electricity and enhance grid flexibility. It would also help protect manufacturers and electric utilities from commodity price spikes and fuel supply interruptions due to shifting geopolitics, resource depletion or natural disasters. Affordable, secure power can keep the lights on and the skies blue. If the countries of Southeast Asia achieve their plan for ASEAN power grid integration alongside cleaner energy production and increased energy efficiency, the future remains bright.
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Local photographer celebrates birthday by showcasing Malaysia to the world
For Heng Mok Zung, better known as Zung Ninja Photographer, turning 47 was about doing something different; he wanted to show his friends from all over the world his hometown and where he grew up. So Heng invited over 20 friends from 12 countries – Switzerland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Egypt, Tanzania, Mongolia, China, South Korea, Australia, Dominican Republic, USA and Canada. All of them self-sponsored their trips, drawn by Heng's vision of exploring a side of Malaysia often overlooked by tourists. The itinerary included the usual must-sees, like a welcome dinner with breathtaking views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, a vibrant city tour of Kuala Lumpur, a cultural journey to Batu Caves, and a cultural performance followed by a nostalgic, pedal-powered trishaw ride through the historic streets of Melaka. But beyond these postcard-perfect scenes, Heng's real mission was to introduce his friends to Malaysia's lesser-known treasures. Heng's friends at his hometown Sekinchan. Photo: The Photoz Their journey soon took them off the beaten path to Sekinchan, the small fishing and farming village where Heng grew up. Here, luxury was traded for authenticity, as guests lodged in what he refers to as 'simple, no-star accommodations' that showcase the raw beauty and warmth of rural Malaysia. They ate fresh, succulent crabs at his family's seafood restaurant, and learnt the art of cracking shells by hand. They sipped refreshing coconut juice at a stall – a quintessentially Malaysian experience – and visited the local vegetable market, where the colours, sounds and smells of rural Malaysia came to life. Later, he brought them to the outskirts where they watched the sun dip below golden paddy fields in a serene sunset picnic – a moment that, for many, encapsulated the natural beauty of the country. Nurturing the next generation As a gesture of welcome, the students at SMJK Yoke Kuan handed out flowers to Heng's friends. Photo: The Photoz Heng also made sure his guests felt the heartbeat of his hometown by bringing them to visit his alma mater, SMJK Yoke Kuan. Here, the students greeted them with a spirited lion dance and band performance, and even handed out flowers as a gesture of welcome. Heng and his friends contributed several drum sets to the school, sparking joy and appreciation in the young performers. He says it's important to cultivate the next generation and often gives talks to children in schools. 'It's vital to encourage children to dream big. Instead of having an 'I can't' mentality, why not say 'I can'?' he says. 'If you never try, you'll never know how far you can go.' These are not just words but a lived reality for the internationally-known photographer who came from humble beginnings. 'I was born and raised in this small fishing village of Sekinchan and come from a poor family. My father was a fisherman, and I'm the youngest of seven siblings; one who passed away because of cancer,' he reveals. Unable to complete his education (he was studying engineering) due to his family's financial restrictions, Heng started working as a photographer to earn an income. A couple sign the drum they sponsored for SMJK Yoke Kuan. Photo: The Photoz 'The turning point in my life came because instead of feeling sorry for myself and blaming anyone, I just decided to pick myself up and do something about it,' he says. 'It's vital to teach children the importance of being resilient and having tenacity,' he adds. Today, Heng travels to hundreds of locations each year for various engagements. Not only has he been the personal photographer of American author and life coach Anthony Robbins since 2009, he has also photographed many personalities including three United States presidents (Donald Trump, George Bush and Bill Clinton), British businessman Richard Branson, the Dalai Lama, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and British zoologist Dr Jane Goodall. Heng (centre) invited children from the Jing Sun Welfare Society for his birthday party. Photo: The Photoz Back in Kuala Lumpur, the celebrations continued with a birthday party that he ensured was inclusive. Heng invited children from the Jing Sun Welfare Society, each receiving ang pows and a hearty meal. One of the talented children even performed the mesmerising Sichuan face-changing dance. True to his artistic spirit, Zung's birthday party also served as a stage for Malaysia's non-mainstream talents. Guests were treated to the soulful sounds of Evan Lee, a Sape player from Sarawak, and the nostalgic golden classics of Yudi Yap, a singer known for her Shanghai-style performances. Reflecting on his birthday, Zung says, 'Our country has so much talent, and I wanted my birthday to be a platform to showcase the off-the-beaten-track talents that it has.' For this photographer who has travelled extensively across the globe, there is nothing quite like Malaysia. 'While every country has its own uniqueness, when you're away so much, you always look forward to coming back home,' he concludes.
News18
19-05-2025
- News18
5 Affordable International Getaways For Indians In 2025 That Won't Break The Bank
Last Updated: Take a look at some budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers that offer a blend of great experiences and views. The summer season is the perfect time to treat yourself to an international getaway. From crystal-clear beaches, cultural adventures, or breezy mountain retreats abroad, an international holiday will rejuvenate your mind and clear your head from the daily grind. However, the biggest problem when planning an international holiday is the rising cost of tickets and other expenses. Skyscanner's Wanderlost 2025 report reveals that budget-friendly travel is a top priority for Indian tourists. Roughly 31% of Indian travellers are drawn to destinations known for being affordable, and nearly 23% say they're influenced by finding the cheapest places to explore. In fact, high travel costs were a major deterrent in 2024, with 32% of respondents stating it was the main reason they took fewer vacations. Based on airfare data, here are five international destinations that offer excellent value for money, as highlighted by Skyscanner. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia According to Skyscanner, one-way flight fares from India to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2025 start at an average of Rs 17,425. Discover iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, admire colonial architecture at Independence Square, and explore the vibrant Thean Hou Temple. For shopping and local flavours, visit the bustling Central Market and street food havens in Jalan Alor. Abu Dhabi, UAE As per Skyscanner, the average one-way airfare from India to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2025 begins at Rs 22,588. When in Abu Dhabi, do not miss the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and experience luxury at Emirates Palace. Adventure seekers can head to Yas Island for thrilling attractions, while history enthusiasts can tour the majestic Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace. As per Skyscanner, one-way flights from India to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2025 start at an average price of Rs 12,262. You can explore Cambodia's rich history at the Royal Palace and the National Museum, or take a reflective walk through the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Stroll along the riverside promenade, shop for local crafts at the Russian Market, and indulge in authentic Khmer cuisine at bustling street food spots. Don't miss a sunset cruise on the Mekong River for a scenic end to your day. Muscat, Oman According to Skyscanner, the average one-way airfare from India to Muscat, Oman, in 2025 starts at Rs 22,588. In Muscat, soak in the architectural beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, shop for local treasures at Mutrah Souq, and enjoy a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Relax on the shores of Qurum Beach and visit the regal Al Alam Palace for a glimpse into Oman's royal heritage. Davao City, Philippines As per Skyscanner, the average one-way flight fare from India to Davao City, Philippines, in 2025 starts at Rs 23,557. Explore the Philippine Eagle Centre to see the rare and majestic national bird up close, hike the scenic trails of Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, unwind at Malagos Garden Resort, and visit the Davao Crocodile Park for a family-friendly wildlife experience. First Published: May 19, 2025, 13:46 IST
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
What's this mysterious new building near Suria KLCC — and what's coming next?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — A striking new retail podium is nearing completion next to Suria KLCC, marking the latest addition to the city's most iconic commercial district. The building, dubbed Lot M Podium, is being constructed by KLCC Holdings, which is also behind the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. This development, with its contemporary architectural design, is poised to join the cluster of shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur's busiest landmark precinct. As a modern extension of the iconic KLCC precinct, Lot M Podium is anticipated to offer a diverse array of shopping, dining, and lifestyle experiences. Its prime location adjacent to Suria KLCC, coupled with seamless connections to major transit networks such as the KLCC MRT station, is expected to enhance convenience and attract both local and international visitors. Although construction is visibly nearing completion, the actual opening date has yet to be determined by KLCC Holdings. The new retail hub is also reportedly the foundation for a larger development plan by KLCC Holdings. Looking beyond the Podium, media reports suggest KLCC Holdings has ambitious plans for a larger development on a four-acre site near Jalan Binjai. The construction of a 700-metre skyscraper, dubbed Tower M, is reportedly scheduled to commence after 2030. These reports also indicate that this planned skyscraper will have a gross development value (GDV) estimated between RM3.7 billion and RM4.2 billion. Currently, The Skyscraper Center ranks Merdeka 118 as the second-tallest building in the world, following the Burj Khalifa. However, Tower M is expected to surpass it as Kuala Lumpur's tallest landmark upon its completion.
AsiaOne
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Godzilla 'seen' at Marina Bay in celebration of its 70th anniversary, Singapore News
PUBLISHED ON May 11, 2025 2:50 AM By Bhavya Rawat Japanese character Godzilla was "spotted" at a location all too familiar to Singaporeans in a video tribute for South-east Asian fans of the franchise. In the 55-second clip titled 70 Years of Godzilla: A New Roar in Southeast Asia, the fictional monster can be seen emerging from the waters of Marina Bay with Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer in the background. The video, which was posted to the official Godzilla YouTube channel on Saturday (May 10), also shows the behemoth in various other locations across South-east Asia such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and famous terraced paddy fields of Bali. Japanese entertainment company Toho, which owns the Godzilla brand, released the video in celebration of the first Godzilla film's 70th anniversary which premiered in October 1954. Godzilla was created after World War II and is a symbolic figure that represents the destructive power of nuclear weapons as well as the threat they pose to humanity and the environment. The video's description read: "For the first time across South-east Asia, the legend emerges in a powerful tribute to the fans who have kept its legacy alive." "This special footage honours South-east Asia, celebrating seven decades of Godzilla's unstoppable journey through the region's iconic landmarks." The clip has since garnered over 490,000 views and 32,000 likes. In November 2024, Toho opened a subsidiary, Toho Entertainment, in Singapore. Toho Entertainment will serve as a base for the company to expand into the wider Asian region. Fictional Japanese characters have a knack for appearing in Marina Bay, it seems. Superhero Ultraman was seen battling a Godzilla-like monster at Gardens by the Bay in November 2021, in a tourism movie produced by Japanese special effects studio Tsuburaya Productions. In June 2024, the Republic of Singapore Navy unveiled its "Top Secret Ops Godzilla" plan in a comedic short video following the success of Godzilla Minus One in streaming local charts upon its release on Singapore's Netflix. [[nid:688338]] Marina Baygardens by the bayGodzillamovies This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
