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.
00:00The arrival of the Honorable Dr. Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, accompanied by the Honorable Dr. Ahmad.
00:08The last few years, and particularly this year, we made it very clear that one of the trust of our chairmanship is energy.
00:19Energy transition with the focus on energy or power grid, or ASEAN power grid, covering initially Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore,
00:36and coming into Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, and then Sarawak, as of course one of these hub, energy hub in the region.
00:49Going to Indonesia and the Philippines.
00:53So, listening to the dosis for the last, some summation of the conference today, I made this reference to the fact that
01:08we have had series of meetings of ministers from, say, January this year, foreign ministers, now probably the last energy ministers meeting,
01:23and I must commend the entire ministers and the secretariat, because this is probably most substantive with formidable results seen in the collaboration of a cohesive ASEAN fraternity.
01:41These meetings, of course, come at a very pivotal moment across the world.
01:46The energy landscape is shifting under the pressures of decarbonization, supply security, and affordability.
01:56Now, for ASEAN, home to 680 million, and because we are quite productive, we can reach 700 million very soon,
02:06if you mention productivity in that sense.
02:10And, but, other than the population growth, it is still, despite the uncertainties, tariff pressures, etc.,
02:22it is still the fastest, one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
02:28And, this transformation must be managed responsibly and collectively.
02:33So, this year, the region has achieved key outcomes for the energy sector.
02:40We have adopted phase one of the ASEAN plan of action for energy cooperation,
02:45and endorsed the enhanced memorandum of understanding of the ASEAN power grid.
02:53Again, thanks to my colleagues, ASEAN, for being very, not only supportive, but, I think, energetic.
03:07Now, these decisions, major progress in regional cooperation, integration, and being able to focus on energy transition.
03:20The new plan of action will serve ASEAN's policy compass for the next decade.
03:28It sets clear pathways to expand renewable energy, improve efficiency, and strengthen regional interconnection.
03:38It also places equity at the center of our decision.
03:45This ensures that all member states advance at their own pace towards a low-carbon, sustainable, and integrated energy future.
03:57And, this is again, to my mind, an exceptional feat within the ASEAN fraternity.
04:07Now, ladies and gentlemen, a central pillar of that vision, I should say, the crown jewels, if I may, is the ASEAN power grid, the APG.
04:21Now, conceived more than two decades ago, deliberation after deliberation.
04:31But, only in the last few years, I must commend again, the ministers, for taking a more concerted action,
04:40knowing that time is the essence, that is also the Z-gist of our times.
04:49And, therefore, to achieve ASEAN's aspiration to connect our power system, share resources, and build resilience and interdependence.
05:01This will enable us to harness renewable energy potential, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and deliver reliable, affordable electricity and energy across borders.
05:18We have long supported the APG.
05:21And, beyond our interconnection with Singapore and Thailand, we are part of the LAUPDR Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project,
05:33which has enabled multilateral power trade.
05:36So, together, we have an opportunity to embark on this phase of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines framework.
05:49And, we'll make ASEAN a truly integrated entity grid.
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