Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Energy Asia 2025 - a premier thought leadership and business advocacy forum, championing Asia’s pivotal role in the global energy transition - kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 16, gathering over 4,000 delꦑegates and 180 global speakers from 50 countries and territories to discuss the region’s energy transition.
Addressing the event, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
PM Anwar stressed the need for clear financial frameworks to attract investment in renewable energy, especially as Southeast Asia received only 2% of global clean energy funding last year, despite vast potential in wind energy in Vietnam, hydropower in Laos, solar energy in Malaysia, and geothermal in Indonesia.
He emphasised modernising regional power grids, citing ASEAN's progress on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and Malaysia’s own plans to invest 43 billion MYR (10.1 billion USD) in grid upgrades using AI and battery storage.
The Malaysian leader also warned that fossil fuels still dominate global supply and called for a fair energy transition that does not leave vulnerable populations behind. He said energy security must also ensure social equity and universal access.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has developed a regional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) roadmap, and Malaysia recently passed the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025. The country is cooperating with over 10 international partners to position CCS as both a decarbonisation tool and potential revenue stream, according to the PM.
Themed “Delivering Asia’s Energy Transition,” the three-day event features over 50 strategic dialogues, aiming to strengthen c꧑ross-border cooperation in clean energy deployment, decarbonisation, and sustainable economic growth./.
He expressed confidence that the discussions would deliver tangible progress aligned with Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables and ASEAN’s 2025 priorities, particularly on key initiatives such as the ASEAN’s Power Grid Memorandum of Understanding and the Terms of Reference for the Subsea Power Cable Development Framework.
A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency estimated that ASEAN will need around 29.4 trillion USD by 2050 to fully transition to renewables and most of which remains unfunded.
Malaysia is on track to increase its renewable energy capacity to 31% of the national energy mix by 2025, reflecting its determination to become a leading force in the region’s green transition.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the Singaporean government has long expressed its desire to establish a clean energy supply from Indonesia as well as Carbon capture and storage (CCS) services.
Leaders of the Ministry of Interior and authorities from seven provinces bordering Thailand, namely Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, and Koh Kong, were ordered to coordinate closely to support to all returning citizens, regardless of whether they possess identification documents.
Thailand will accelerate negotiations to finalise the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) by the end of 2025, in a bid to promote ASEAN as a digital hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Higher Education Director-General Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman said that AIMI is developed to support healthcare system to address mental health issues, particularly among students in higher learning institutions.
