KUALA LUMPUR: Advancing the ASEAN Power Grid stands among Malaysia’s foremost priorities during its ASEAN Chairmanship.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof described this strategic initiative as crucial for deepening regional power market integration.
He emphasised its role in enhancing collective energy security across Southeast Asian nations.
The initiative also aims to unlock the full potential of the region’s abundant renewable resources.
Fadillah highlighted Malaysia’s endorsement of the Enhanced ASEAN Power Grid Memorandum of Understanding.
He also noted the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030 approval.
The APG Financing Initiative represents another bold step toward regional grid interconnection.
These measures collectively target achieving a fully interconnected regional grid by 2045.
“With projects linking Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and future links with Vietnam and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines region, we are turning this vision into action,” Fadillah stated.
He affirmed this would power a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive ASEAN community.
Fadillah spoke during United Nations Day 2025: Our Shared Journey event.
The event occurred on the sidelines of the ASEAN-UN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also attended the significant gathering.
Malaysia remains committed to achieving net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050.
This commitment reinforces the National Energy Transition Roadmap’s implementation.
The roadmap charts Malaysia’s pathway toward a sustainable low-carbon economy.
It specifically targets 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050.
Malaysia plans to submit its Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 ahead of COP30.
The climate conference occurs this November in Belém, Brazil.
“This updated NDC will reflect Malaysia’s enhanced climate ambition,” Fadillah explained.
It will demonstrate alignment with national actions under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
Fadillah expressed honour celebrating United Nations Day in Malaysia.
He praised Guterres’s leadership in maintaining UN’s voice for peace and security.
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged UN’s sustainable development and human rights advocacy.
Malaysia continues strengthening ASEAN’s role as a constructive multilateral partner.
“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia believes regional cooperation plays a vital role in reinforcing the international multilateral framework,” he added.
Malaysia’s UN commitment reflects in its longstanding peacekeeping operations record.
Currently, over 800 Malaysian peacekeepers serve in five global peacekeeping missions.
They also participate in one special political mission worldwide.
Guterres commended Malaysia’s remarkable independence in international affairs.
He noted Malaysia consistently stands on the right side of history.
The UN chief appreciated Malaysia’s solidarity with global injustice victims.
“I am particularly grateful for Malaysia’s consistent and principled voice in the international community,” Guterres stated.
He specifically mentioned Malaysia defending Palestinian self-determination and statehood rights.
Malaysia also advocates strongly for Rohingya rights in Myanmar.
Guterres highlighted UN’s annual humanitarian assistance to over 150 million people.
The organization supplies vaccines to 45% of the world’s children.
UN support extends to elections in dozens of countries globally.
“Over eight turbulent decades, the United Nations has continually reinvented itself,” Guterres remarked.
He affirmed that cooperation can prevail even during humanity’s darkest hours. – Bernama
