ASEAN Power Grid the Crown Jewel of Regional Energy Vision: Anwar Ibrahim

Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s full commitment to the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), describing it as the “crown jewel” of the region’s energy vision and the backbone of ASEAN’s collective efforts to link sustainability, energy security, and affordability.

Speaking at the joint opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the 2025 ASEAN Energy Business Forum, Anwar said the APG — conceived more than two decades ago — represents ASEAN’s aspiration to connect its power systems, share energy resources, and strengthen regional 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. With unity of purpose, we can balance the energy trilemma and power ASEAN’s growth for generations to come,” Anwar said.

He highlighted Malaysia’s active participation in cross-border power connectivity initiatives, including existing interconnections with Singapore and Thailand, as well as involvement in the Laos–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project, which has enabled multilateral power trade.

“We are now 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,” Anwar added.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, ASEAN has achieved several key milestones for the regional energy sector. These include the adoption of Phase One of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and the endorsement of the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding for the ASEAN Power Grid, both of which mark major progress in regional energy integration and transition.

Anwar said the new action plan would serve as ASEAN’s “policy compass” for the next decade, setting 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,” he noted.

The prime minister also underscored that a well-connected power grid would not only strengthen regional integration but also attract green investments, create high-quality jobs, and position ASEAN as a hub for clean energy industries and technologies.

Acknowledging the challenges of harmonizing regulations, financing infrastructure, and ensuring effective governance, Anwar emphasized that these were “significant but surmountable with trust, commitment, and political will.”

He further announced that ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, has endorsed the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative (APGF) — developed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.

“The APGF will serve as a dedicated platform to mobilize green finance, prepare bankable projects, and accelerate cross-border energy investments, both on land and subsea,” Anwar said.