By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 28: Cross-border power connectivity and Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition will be the focus of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0), which will take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Sept 3 to 4, 2025.
With the theme “Partnerships for Our Goals – Sustainable Growth & Prosperity for the Region”, this year’s edition highlights how stronger cooperation across ASEAN can enhance energy security, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer and SAREF 4.0 organising chairman Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said SAREF 4.0 is about building meaningful partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future.
“By strengthening regional cooperation and advancing initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, we can make the energy transition fast, fair, and inclusive,” he said in a media release today.
The Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the forum and deliver the opening plenary address, while Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadilah Yusof is set to deliver remarks at the closing plenary on the second day.
High-level regional and international voices will also be featured at the forum. Among them are, Board Member of the International Hydropower Association Erik Solheim, ASEAN Centre for Energy executive director Dato’ Ir Ts Abdul Razib Dawood, Energy at ERIA director Dr Nuki Agya Utama, IEA Regional Cooperation Centre head Tan Sun Ern and chair of Impact at the World Energy Council Naomi Hirose.
They will be joined by Sarawak ministers, regional energy leaders such as president director of PT PLN (Persero) Darmawan Prasodjo, as well as industry experts including Pablo Valverde of the International Hydropower Association, Tri Mumpuni of IBEKA, and Dato’ Hamzah Hussin of SEDA Malaysia.
Launched in 2019, SAREF has grown into a leading regional platform for advancing sustainable energy. Past editions have shaped ASEAN policy dialogues, sparked new partnerships, and deepened regional discussions on energy equity and resilience.
This year’s programme promises high-level dialogues on cross-border power interconnections, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, alongside an exhibition of renewable energy technologies and innovations.
A Youth Pavilion will host cultural workshops, interactive talks, panel discussions and a fireside conversation with Malaysia’s two-time Olympic medallist Dato Pandelela Rinong.
The 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Awards will celebrate innovation from young people driving the region’s energy transition, while a Community Market will showcase the creativity and products of local communities.
In addition, a special side event will be held at Sarawak’s first hydroelectric facility, the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in October.
Registration for SAREF 4.0 is open until Sept 1, 2025, at http://form.evenesis.com/SAREF4.0/Conference. More details on the programme, speakers, sponsorship and exhibition can be found at www.saref.com.my. — DayakDaily
