By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 16: The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) will be a game-changer in securing Southeast Asia’s energy future, and Malaysia is pushing for a landmark agreement to strengthen cross-border power connectivity during the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) this October.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said the enhanced APG Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a new framework for subsea cable development are set to be signed and endorsed at the upcoming ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are highly anticipating the pivotal signing of the enhanced APG MOU and the formal endorsement of the Terms of Reference of Subsea Power Cable Development Framework.
“This critical advancement… will undoubtedly propel our regional energy integration forward,” he said at the welcoming dinner of the 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and its related events held at a hotel here this evening.
Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, further said the ASEAN Power Grid is not just an infrastructure project, but “a vision of a region where electricity flows seamlessly across borders, where energy security is shared, and where the prosperity of one nation uplifts all.”
“By interconnecting our national grids, we are creating the backbone of a truly integrated ASEAN energy market,” he added.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the full realisation of the APG will require stronger political will, deeper technical cooperation, and smarter investment strategies.
“We need harmonised regulations, open and transparent markets, and digital innovation to make real-time regional power trading a reality.
“We need to embrace not just the hardware cables, substations and control systems, but also the software: governance frameworks, data sharing, and mutual trust,” he emphasised.
He expressed confidence that the APG Enhanced MoU, coupled with the forthcoming ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, will profoundly deepen the region’s power connectivity.
Fadillah also said that partnerships with dialogue partners and international organisations during the 43rd SOME will be vital in moving the region forward.
“The expertise, technological advancement, and investment support from dialogue partners and international organisations are vital as we navigate the complexities of decarbonisation, explore innovative energy technologies, and build a more robust energy infrastructure,” he said.
The 43rd SOME, hosted in Kuching, brings together senior energy officials from ASEAN and its partners to deliberate on regional cooperation and clean energy priorities.
The welcoming dinner was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. — DayakDaily
