KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Power Grid (APG), considered the crown jewel of the region’s energy vision, serves as the backbone of the bloc’s cooperation, linking sustainability, energy security and affordability, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the APG, which was conceived more than two decades ago, embodies Asean's aspiration to connect its power system, share resources and build resilience through interdependence.
"Malaysia has long supported the APG. This will enable us to harness renewable energy potential, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and deliver reliable, affordable electricity across borders
"Malaysia remains fully committed to this shared agenda. With unity of purpose, we can balance the energy trilemma and power Asean's growth for power to come," he said.
Anwar said this in his speech at the joint opening ceremony of the 43rd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting and its associated meetings and the 2025 Asean Energy Business Forum.
Anwar said beyond interconnections with Singapore and Thailand, "we are part of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which has enabled multilateral power trade."
"We are currently preparing the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore Interconnection and advancing work under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines framework.
"Together, these projects will move us closer to a truly integrated Asean Grid," explained Anwar.
Under Malaysia's chairmanship, Anwar said the region has achieved key outcomes for the energy sector.
"We have adopted Phase One of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and endorsed the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding for the Asean Power Grid.
"These decisions mark major progress in regional integration and on energy transition," said Anwar.
He said that the new action plan would serve as Asean's policy compass for the next decade.
"It sets clear pathways to expand renewable energy, improve efficiency, and strengthen regional interconnection
"This ensures that all member states advance at their own pace, toward a low-carbon sustainable and integrated energy future," added Anwar.
The Prime Minister added that a well-connected grid strengthens regional integration, attracts green investment, creates quality jobs, and positions Asean as a hub for clean-energy industries and technologies.
"These challenges, harmonising regulations, financing infrastructure, and ensuring effective governance, are significant but surmountable with trust, commitment and political will," he said.
At the same time, Anwar also announced that Asean, under Malaysia's chairmanship, has endorsed the Asean Power Grid Financing Initiative (APGF).
"Developed with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, the APGF will serve as a dedicated platform to mobilise green finance, prepare bankable projects, and accelerate cross-border investments, on land and subsea alike," he said.
