Latest news with #AseanPowerGrid
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Japan bolsters strategic ties with Malaysia, Johor a critical anchor
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is intensifying its strategic partnership with Malaysia, with Johor emerging as a critical anchor in three key areas. Noriyuki Shikata, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, said the key areas are green investment, advanced transport infrastructure and education exchange. In his keynote at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, Shikata said Japan sees Johor's rapid rise, particularly under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as an opportunity for deep bilateral cooperation that aligns with regional goals of sustainability and economic integration. "Johor is fast becoming a vital hub for data centres. These require massive cooling capabilities. Japan is ready to offer our LNG-based cooling technologies to boost energy efficiency and environmental performance," he said. He added that the expected green energy transmission from Sarawak to Johor would create more investment avenues for Japanese companies in line with the Asean Power Grid initiative actively championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Shikata also highlighted transportation as a critical pressure point in Johor's growth trajectory, urging modern solutions to curb congestion and unlock economic efficiency. "Japan stands ready to support Johor with AI-powered traffic systems and integrated smart public transport. "The RTS Link and E-ART system are crucial and Japan's technology can help make Johor a regional model for next-gen mobility," he said. He highlighted the pivotal role of Johor's seaports, namely the Tanjung Pelepas and Johor ports, in anchoring international trade. He proposed closer collaboration with Japanese partners to enhance port operations and vessel traffic management, boosting competitiveness and job creation. Turning to education, Shikata called for a stronger two-way student exchange and joint university programmes under what he coined the "Look at Each Other Policy," a progression from the traditional Look East Policy. "It is time we build new academic bridges between our institutions in Johor and Japan. These exchanges will cultivate future joint-venture leaders and deepen trust-based cooperation," he said. The ambassador cited the slew of recent high-level visits from Japan, including those by Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Economy Minister Muto Yoji- as proof of Japan's confidence in Malaysia as a gateway to Asean growth. "Through joint effort in green tech, transport modernisation and education, our partnership with Johor can lead sustainable development across the region," he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia strengthens Asean role
MALAYSIA recently reaffirmed its regional leadership by hosting the 46th Asean Summit, echoing its steadfast commitment to unity and cooperation across Southeast Asia. As one of Asean's five founding members in 1967, Malaysia has played a crucial role in shaping the regional bloc's direction, advocating values of peace, stability and mutual respect. Over the decades, this commitment has translated into real benefits that continue to uplift Malaysian lives and businesses. Malaysia's place at the Asean table has always been more than symbolic. As a founding member, the nation helped shape the bloc's identity, rooted in diplomacy, peace and cooperation. These core principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1967. The country's ongoing advocacy for regional stability is evident in initiatives like the Asean Power Grid, which strengthens cross-border energy infrastructure. By supporting renewable and stable energy sources, Malaysia reinforces both environmental sustainability and regional security. As the Asean chair for 2025, Malaysia is steering discussions on key priorities, including digital advancement, climate sustainability and inclusive growth. Malaysia has long been a driver of regional economic collaboration. Its role in launching the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1992 marked a turning point for intra-Asean commerce, slashing tariffs and improving market access for businesses and consumers alike. This spirit of economic cooperation continued with the 2020 signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Kuala Lumpur. As the world's largest trade pact, RCEP boosts job creation and investment across the region, further embedding Malaysia into global trade flows. Malaysia has also contributed to Asean's economic identity by leading the establishment of its first regional Halal standard. This move elevated the international profile of Malaysian Halal products, giving local businesses a competitive edge across Southeast Asia. MOBILITY & CONNECTIVITY Asean membership offers Malaysians visa-free access to nine other member states, facilitating easier travel for tourism, education and commerce. Malaysia's commitment to digital connectivity is another area of progress. By backing Asean-wide initiatives to reduce roaming charges, the country helps lower communication costs for travellers and expatriates. In the fintech space, Malaysia has emerged as a leader in digital payment innovation. With platforms like GrabPay, Malaysians can make secure and seamless transactions while abroad in Asean, reflecting the country's strong regional digital integration. WHAT IS KERANA ASEAN? To bridge the gap between policy and public understanding, the Kerana ASEAN campaign was launched in May 2025. Spearheaded by Grab Malaysia in partnership with the Foreign Ministry, the initiative showcases how regional cooperation directly benefits Malaysians — embracing inclusivity, innovation and sustainability. Throughout the year, the campaign will roll out a series of digital and on-the-ground activations, making Asean's initiatives accessible and relatable to everyday citizens.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: A greener, resilient Asean key to people-centred growth
KUALA LUMPUR: A truly people-centred Asean can only be realised through the development of a greener and more resilient region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who also chairs Asean this year, stressed that beyond its economic potential, sustainable development was now an urgent priority due to the growing impact of climate change on people's livelihoods. He said the resounding success of the recent Asean–GCC–China Summit demonstrated not only Asean's convening power but also the bloc's strong focus on leveraging economic synergies and building institutional cooperation. "The conclusion of the Digital Economic Framework Agreement will unlock the vast potential of the region's digital economy. "More importantly, enhanced intra-regional connectivity will create greater opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach across the region. "As the world transitions towards a greener and more sustainable economy, Asean must adapt and seize emerging opportunities and partnerships. We are intensifying our efforts in energy transition and better practices, including the development of sustainable investment guidelines and advancing the Asean Power Grid," he said in his speech at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable. Anwar said that during the recent Asean meeting, leaders reached a breakthrough in progressing the Asean Power Grid — describing it as a phenomenal achievement for regional cooperation. Looking ahead, he said Asean was working to upgrade existing trade agreements among member states and dialogue partners. "Our strength lies in our ability to maintain peace and foster understanding. However, our weakness has long been the lack of intra-Asean trade and joint investments — a shortcoming which is now a key focus for Asean leaders, especially in the current climate of rising protectionism. "We must remind ourselves that trade is not a sideshow to security; it is part of the scaffolding that holds our region together. When trade falters, fractures follow," he said. Anwar added that Asean must confront hard truths about its regional structure and renew its commitment to shared responsibilities — with an emphasis on moving beyond rhetoric to real cooperation. "We will continue to place our trust in Asean's founding principles and its enduring promise. But we must go further — and strengthen our collective resolve," he said.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean agrees to enhanced power grid deal, new energy roadmap
Energy transition and water transformation ministry secretary-general Mad Zaidi Karli said senior energy officials have agreed on the terms of an enhanced memorandum of understanding for the Asean Power Grid. KUCHING : Asean energy officials have agreed on several key regional initiatives to strengthen energy cooperation and connectivity. Energy transition and water transformation ministry secretary-general Mad Zaidi Karli announced today that senior energy officials have agreed on the terms of an enhanced memorandum of understanding for the Asean Power Grid (APG). 'This will be signed in October during the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting,' he told a press conference after the 43rd Asean Senior Officials' Meeting on Energy which concluded here today. Zaidi also confirmed that officials have endorsed the policy document outlining the second phase (2026-2030) of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy, which continues the region's focus on energy security, market integration and the clean energy transition. In a recent interview with FMT, energy transition and water transformation minister Fadillah Yusof said Asean is also exploring a code of conduct for external energy partners amid growing engagement with dialogue partners, including the US and Russia. The three-day meeting, hosted by the ministry from June 16 to 18, saw the participation of 250 delegates across Asean countries, the Asean Secretariat, the Asean Centre for Energy, and dialogue partners from China, Japan, Russia and the US. Other outcomes The ministry said other key outcomes of the three-day meeting included the launching of the Asean-Russia Capacity Building on Energy Statistics project and renewing the Asean-Russia energy cooperation framework for 2026-2028. Russia's Elena Vikulova, deputy head of its directorate of international cooperation, said there is strong potential for Asean-Russia energy cooperation given the region's surging energy demand. In a statement, the ministry said senior officials from Australia, the US, Russia, South Korea, China and Japan discussed advancing energy efficiency measures, sustainable biofuels and renewable energy deployment during the 30th East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Task Force Meeting. It also said the International Energy Agency presented its Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2025, while the International Renewable Energy Agency shared renewable energy trends around the world. Additionally, the Asian Development Bank presented its 2025-2026 work plan, which focuses on clean energy transitions and sustainable infrastructure development, while also making 'significant progress' in discussions on the APG with energy senior officials. Earlier today, South Korea's trade, industry and energy first secretary Heegang Kim said in his opening remarks that the nation is set to launch a nuclear cooperation project with Asean to systematically support the region's readiness to introduce nuclear power plants. Another new initiative Kim announced was the transfer of the Korean electrical safety management system to Asean member states from the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah-Sarawak power grid link to be completed by year-end
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Abdul Nasser (left) and James KUALA LUMPUR: The much-anticipated interconnection of power grids between Sabah and Sarawak is expected to materialise by the end of this year, marking a critical first step towards realising the Borneo Grid and, ultimately, the broader Asean Power Grid. Energy Commission of Sabah (Ecos) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid described the development as 'the beginning part, the starting point' of the total Borneo Grid. Advertisement Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025 parallel session titled 'Energising Malaysia's Growth' held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Nasser said the grid linkage between the two Borneo states holds strategic value not only for Sabah and Sarawak but also for the region's future power integration. 'The Borneo future will be the Asean Power Grid connecting to other surrounding regions. The advantage, especially for Sabah, is our geographical position. We aim to capitalise on that to play a key role in the regional energy ecosystem - within and beyond Asean,' he said. Also speaking during the same session was Sarawak Energy Group Chief Operating Officer James Ung Sing Kwong, who confirmed the planned interconnection between Sabah and Sarawak. 'As Datuk Nasser mentioned, we are targeting to connect with Sabah by the end of this year, enabling both states to share energy resources across Borneo,' said James. He added that Sarawak Energy is also looking to build upon this connection by forging stronger energy ties with neighbouring Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia's Kalimantan region - moves that would help lay the foundation for a seamless Borneo Grid. 'This Borneo Grid will then form part of the Asean Power Grid through further interconnections from Sarawak to the peninsula and Singapore,' he explained. According to James, the broader vision is to build an integrated, cross-border energy network that facilitates the exchange of renewable energy and enhances grid stability across Southeast Asia. 'This is perhaps the bigger picture of what Sarawak Energy is aspiring to in the next 10 years - a truly interconnected Asean energy future,' he said. James also recalled Sarawak's earlier success in regional interconnectivity. 'In 2016, Sarawak Energy began interconnecting our systems with Western Kalimantan. Since then, we have been sharing approximately 100 to 150 megawatts of electricity regularly.' The Sarawak–Western Kalimantan grid link marked a milestone in regional cooperation, enabling cross-border electricity trading and setting a precedent for the future Borneo and Asean power networks. The Energy Asia conference, hosted by Petronas, has brought together top leaders, policymakers, and innovators to chart pathways for sustainable growth, decarbonisation, and energy security in Asia. The Sabah–Sarawak grid link is seen as one of the tangible progress points emerging from regional collaboration. With the Sabah–Sarawak grid interconnection on track for completion by year-end, both states are poised to enter a new era of energy cooperation - one that may soon extend beyond Borneo to power the broader Asean region. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
