Kuala Lumpur: Regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and renewable energy integration have been highlighted as crucial drivers of shared prosperity in ASEAN by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to creating a more interconnected ASEAN through the new Enhanced APG memorandum of understanding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah stated that these regional projects transcend their technical aspects, serving as symbols of a shared vision. He stressed the importance of closer regional cooperation, financing, innovation, and partnerships with neighboring countries as essential elements to unlocking ASEAN’s full potential. His remarks were delivered at the closing ceremony of the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF).

The event also saw the presence of ASEAN Centre for Energy executive director Datuk Razib Dawood and Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) deputy secretary-general (Energy) Mareena Mahpudz. Fadillah reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to ensure energy security and promote decarbonization, aligning with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030.

Fadillah expressed confidence in the collective ability to drive meaningful progress while ensuring inclusivity, stating, “We believe that by working together, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure that no member state is left behind.”

The forum, hosted by PETRA and organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, spanned three days from October 15 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, attracting 1,500 delegates. These delegates included stakeholders and key players from the ASEAN energy industry, as well as international dialogue partners. Concurrently, the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its related meetings took place between October 16 and 17.