Partnerships key to scaling energy shift, says DPM
KUALA LUMPUR: Collective action in advancing the nation’s sustainability agenda is crucial to unlocking opportunities and catalysing energy transition at scale, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it is crucial for government agencies, utilities, developers and financial institutions to forge strategic partnerships to achieve this.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said every major chapter in Malaysia’s development – from rural electrification and industrialisation to digital transformation – was made possible because the nation chose to invest not only in infrastructure but also in people, institutions and a shared purpose.
He noted that the energy transition must be approached in the same spirit.
“It is not merely a technological shift. It is, at its core, about the well-being and prosperity of our people,” Fadillah said when launching the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) yesterday, Bernama reported.
He added that for Malaysia and Asean, the energy transition is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic necessity and a strategic priority.
“The choices we make today will determine the competitiveness of our industries and the well-being of our people for generations to come,” he said.
He noted that Malaysia, through Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), is set to invest RM43bil between now and 2027 to upgrade and strengthen the national grid system.
This investment includes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate renewable energy initiatives and advance the nation’s energy transition aspirations, he added.
Across South-East Asia, he said electricity demand is projected to grow by 4% to 5% annually over the coming decade, driven by industrialisation and urbanisation.
The growing demand is also being driven by new sources such as digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, cooling needs and AI data centres, he said.
“In this regard, the Asean Power Grid initiative stands as a strong testament to how Asean member states can work collectively to advance cross-border electricity trade, strengthen regional energy security and support a more resilient energy future for the region,” he added.
He also said the government continues to provide investors with long-term visibility through policy instruments such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Fadillah commended TNB for its efforts in successfully convening the second edition of ETCon26, which has evolved into a credible platform for leading global minds to exchange ideas and drive progress in the energy sector.
“The conference also reflects Malaysia’s strong commitment to accelerate the energy transition, signal a decisive shift from ambition to execution as the country advances its efforts towards a more sustainable energy future,” he said.
The first ETCon was held in conjunction with the launch of the NETR in 2023.
