Kuala Lampur:The ASEAN School of Regulation (ASR) has been officially launched at the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting, marking a significant step towards enhancing regulatory capabilities and regional cooperation in support of ASEAN's energy transition and interconnected power systems.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ASR is a collaborative effort involving the ASEAN Energy Regulators Network, ASEAN Centre for Energy, and the ASEAN Secretariat, in partnership with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership of the United Nations Office for Project Services and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

The launch event featured remarks from ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Malaysia's Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, and the Philippines' Secretary of the Department of Energy Sharon S Garin. Malaysia, serving as the host, affirmed its commitment to developing ASR into a sustainable regional institution, focusing on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

Initially, the ASR will concentrate on power system integration and multilateral electricity trade, supporting the ASEAN Power Grid and other programs under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030. The school aims to enhance regulatory clarity, consistency, and implementation across ASEAN member states, fostering conditions conducive to long-term investment in clean energy and cross-border energy infrastructure.

Through structured programs, the ASR will provide regulators with the necessary technical, institutional, and leadership skills to tackle challenges and further APG implementation. Key objectives include building regulatory capabilities, advancing convergence and interoperability, and creating a community of regulatory leaders. It also aims to address emerging regulatory challenges like renewable energy integration and digitalisation.

Malaysia, through its Energy Commission, has pledged to support the ASR's hosting in Malaysia, with UNITEN Research and Development serving as the host institution, providing a permanent secretariat and operational platform for the ASR.