Jakarta: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged ASEAN member states to intensify their efforts towards realizing a well-connected regional power grid as part of ASEAN’s energy transition strategy. He emphasized that the global energy landscape is evolving due to decarbonisation, supply security, and affordability, and that ASEAN, home to 680 million people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, must manage this transformation responsibly and collectively.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar made these remarks during his speech at the joint opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-43) and its associated meetings, as well as the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25). Under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, key outcomes for the energy sector have been achieved, including the adoption of Phase One of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and the endorsement of the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding for the ASEAN Power Grid. These developments mark significant progress in regional integration and energy transition, with APAEC set to serve as ASEAN’s policy guide for the next decade, focusing on expanding renewable energy, improving efficiency, and strengthening regional interconnection.
Anwar highlighted that the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is a fundamental component of ASEAN’s energy vision, aiming to connect power systems, share resources, and build resilience through interdependence. This initiative is expected to harness renewable energy potential, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide reliable and affordable electricity across borders. Malaysia has been a long-time supporter of the APG and participates in the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, facilitating multilateral power trade. Preparations are also underway for the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore interconnection and further collaboration under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines framework.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced in harmonizing regulations, financing infrastructure, and ensuring effective governance for the regional power grid. Despite these obstacles, he believes they are surmountable with trust, commitment, and political will. He called on all ASEAN member states to accelerate interconnection projects, align regulatory frameworks, and deepen public-private collaboration to achieve the vision of a well-connected grid that strengthens regional integration, attracts green investment, creates quality jobs, and positions ASEAN as a hub for clean-energy industries and technologies.