KUCHING, June 18 — The 43rd Asean Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy (SOME), which began on Monday (June 16) and involved the participation of about 250 delegates, concluded today with several agendas finalised.
The meeting, chaired by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry's (Petra) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, featured a series of discussions, including energy-related consultation sessions involving senior officials from Asean member states.
Delegates at the meeting unanimously agreed and committed to finalising two major agendas, namely the Asean Power Grid (APG) Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the second phase of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) for 2026-2030.
Zaidi said the meeting also reached consensus on the implementation progress of the six annual key priorities for the energy sector in 2025.
Speaking at a press conference, he said this included the preparation of a framework for the development of submarine cables, the signing of the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) Successor Agreement, and the launch of the Asean Energy Efficiency Database and Investment Platform (Building).
Zaidi added that the selection of Sarawak as the host for the meeting was expected to have a positive impact on the state, particularly in the energy sector.
This was due to the interest shown by delegates in Sarawak’s vast potential in renewable energy, given its abundant natural resources and strong commitment to sustainable energy.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that international cooperation was crucial for Asean to achieve a sustainable energy future, as this aspiration required member countries to adopt innovative technologies and enhance their energy infrastructure.
Technological advancements and investment support from Asean dialogue partners and international organisations are vital in addressing complex challenges and achieving common energy goals.
“Sarawak is expected to play an important role in the implementation of regional initiatives, particularly in the development of hydropower and green energy,” he said in his speech at the welcome dinner for the delegates.
— Bernama
