(Kuala Lumpur, 16th) Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar has called on ASEAN member states to redouble efforts to jointly implement the regional power grid interconnection plan and achieve energy transition goals.
He said the global energy landscape is shifting due to pressures from decarbonization, supply security, and affordability, and the ASEAN region is no exception.
"For ASEAN, home to 680 million people and among the fastest growing economic regions in the world, this transition must be managed in a responsible and collective manner."
He made these remarks at the joint opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-43) and related meetings, as well as the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25).
Anwar pointed out that during Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, the regional energy sector had achieved several key milestones, including the adoption of the first phase of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), and the approval of the strengthened Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN Power Grid Cooperation.
He said the new action blueprint will serve as a policy guide for ASEAN over the next ten years, providing clear directions for expanding the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening regional interconnection.
On the other hand, he said the ASEAN Power Grid is a core pillar of the ASEAN Energy Vision, reflecting the countries’ desire to interconnect power systems, share resources, and enhance overall resilience through cooperation.
"This will help us fully realize the potential of renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide reliable and affordable electricity across borders."
He said Malaysia has long supported the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and has participated in the "Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project," which has realized multilateral power trading.
He said ASEAN is now preparing the "Vietnam–Malaysia–Singapore Power Interconnection" plan and pursuing further collaboration under the "Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines" framework.
"A robust regional power grid will not only strengthen regional integration but also attract green investment, create high-quality job opportunities, and make ASEAN a hub for the clean energy industry and technology."
However, he pointed out that this vision still faces several challenges, including regulatory alignment, infrastructure financing, and effective governance mechanisms.
"These challenges are significant, but with trust, commitment, and political will, they can still be overcome."