logo
International collaboration crucial for ASEAN's sustainable energy future

International collaboration crucial for ASEAN's sustainable energy future

The Sun16-06-2025
KUCHING: International collaboration is vital for ASEAN to realise a sustainable energy future, as this aspiration requires member states to adopt innovative technologies and strengthen power infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
Fadillah said expertise, technological advancements and investment support from ASEAN dialogue partners and international organisations were essential to navigate complex challenges and achieve shared energy goals.
'It is through these multi-faceted collaborations that we can collectively accelerate progress towards a cleaner, greener and more secure energy future,' he said at a welcoming dinner for delegates attending the 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME), held here tonight.
The dinner was attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said he looked forward to a productive exchange of ideas and meaningful outcomes from discussions with ASEAN dialogue partners and international organisations over the next two days.
'We believe that by working hand-in-hand, sharing knowledge and leveraging each other's strengths, we can unlock the immense potential within our energy sectors and drive meaningful change,' he said.
He added that Malaysia remained firmly committed to the energy transition, with ongoing efforts to increase renewable energy capacity, improve energy efficiency and pursue cutting-edge solutions for a low-carbon economy.
The 43rd ASEAN-SOME and its associated meetings began today and will run until June 18, drawing around 250 delegates, including senior energy officials and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Centre for Energy.
All 10 ASEAN member states — Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — are participating, with Timor-Leste attending as an observer.
Dialogue partners China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States are also attending, alongside representatives from the International Renewable Energy Agency, International Energy Agency, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen
US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen

Malay Mail

time11 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Malaysia is carving out a more influential role for the country and for Asean on the world stage, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said today. He said the recent reduction of United States tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent reflects how the country – and by extension, Asean, which it currently chairs – is regaining its footing globally under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'We are working to position ourselves as a 'middle power' while opening new strategic space for Malaysia to rise and advance once again,' Loke said in a statement. He added that Malaysia remains competitive even though it maintains a higher trade surplus with the US compared to its regional peers. 'Our current tariff rate is now on par with other countries in the region,' he noted. The US lowered trade tariffs for Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to 19 per cent on July 31, while Singapore retained its rate at 10 per cent, Brunei at 25 per cent, Laos and Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new rates come into force from August 7. Loke said Malaysia's leadership as this year's Asean chair has also helped the country regain international relevance. He said Putrajaya played a key role in facilitating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and confirmed that Trump would attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This, Loke said, reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's leadership and diplomatic credibility. He credited Prime Minister Anwar's 'pragmatic, patient and constructive' approach for elevating Malaysia's position in regional security. Under the Madani government, he added, Malaysia has helped steer Asean into becoming a stronger and more cohesive bloc. Loke said Malaysia's diplomatic performance may not always make headlines, but the benefits are real — from easing trade tensions to fostering regional peace. 'The Madani government has not only delivered tangible economic benefits, but also elevated Malaysia's global standing,' he said.

Exporters glad to remain competitive
Exporters glad to remain competitive

New Straits Times

time41 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

Exporters glad to remain competitive

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States' decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian goods to 19 per cent has been welcomed by industry leaders and business groups as a timely move that could enhance the country's competitiveness in global trade. The Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and various export-focused companies said the adjustment, though modest, helps Malaysia better align with regional peers and navigate the challenges of an increasingly cost-sensitive global economy. Furniture exporters see strategic realignment Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan said the tariff reduction brings Malaysia's treatment more in line with that of neighbouring Asean nations, helping preserve its relevance within the regional supply chain. "Hopefully these latest tariffs can reduce uncertainty. However, exporters will still need to adapt to a higher-cost trade environment and continued support from the government remains valuable," he told Business Times. On whether the impact will be felt by Malaysian exporters, Tan noted that US importers typically pass some or all of the tariff costs to end consumers or back to exporters through pricing negotiations. "In the near term, we do not anticipate a significant spike in export volumes as a result of the tariff cut. However, our members are using this window to consolidate operations, strengthen relationships, and prepare for any future shifts in demand," he said. Small reduction, big impact FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the six-point cut, while appearing small on paper, holds significance for sectors operating on tight margins or within highly competitive global supply chains. "The tariff cut enhances the cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and reflects improved bilateral trade relations," he added. Soh said the reduction enhances the overall cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and serves as an important signal of improved bilateral trade relations. While some may argue that the impact on Malaysian exporters could be limited because US importers bear the tariff cost, he said FMM believes that the burden of tariffs is often shared across the supply chain. "Therefore, a reduction in tariffs benefits not only Malaysian exporters but also US importers. "It improves the overall cost equation and can stimulate demand for Malaysian goods, especially in sectors where price plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions," he said. Palm oil and energy exporters take long-term view Pacific Inter-Link Sdn Bhd (PIL) chairman and group chief executive officer Datuk Fouad Hayel Saeed Anam called the tariff reduction a positive signal. He noted that the direct impact may be limited in the near term as the company's growth strategy is more focused on Latin America, Middle East, West Africa and Central Asia. "However, for the broader industry, especially palm oil exporters targeting the US market, this tariff cut improves price competitiveness and could open up opportunities for processed and specialty products," he said. He also urged the government to intensify efforts to open up new markets and support sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance to build long-term export resilience. Opens door for bio-based exports and SME growth For Glide Technology Sdn Bhd, which specialises in sustainable transformer oils and advanced lubricants, the tariff cut presents immediate commercial potential. "We see this as a strategic validation of Malaysian-made products. It enables us to fast-track exports of our MPOB-Glide Palm Oil-Ester Transformer Oil and other bio-based fluids to the US market," said its president and founder Datuk Muhazli Muhamad. Muhazli added that the tariff reduction may encourage more local small and medium enterprises to explore the US as a viable market. To support long-term growth, he proposed four key enablers including expanded trade financing, tax incentives for ESG-compliant manufacturing, sector-focused trade missions and improved logistics infrastructure. "Malaysia stands at an inflection point. With the right structural enablers, we can move up the global value chain not just as participants, but as leaders," he said.

A defining week for Anwar Ibrahim's leadership
A defining week for Anwar Ibrahim's leadership

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

A defining week for Anwar Ibrahim's leadership

KUALA LUMPUR: It has certainly been a defining week for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he notched double wins at the diplomatic and economic fronts, which even his opponents would find difficult to fault. He has certainly been in top form as he brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, orchestrating a diplomatic breakthrough, and then went on to make a call to United States President Donald Trump at 6.50 am. Anwar received plenty of messages from world leaders congratulating him on the handling of the potentially dangerous conflict between two neighbouring countries. It was a huge test for him as the Chair of Asean, but he pulled off magnificently as he brought the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to Kuala Lumpur for a dialogue. He also made sure that officials from the US and China, the two important players in the region, were present to observe the talks. It is also evident that Malaysia's neutral posture of not taking sides has shown positive results, as that brought the two countries, locked in conflict, to the negotiating table. Trump himself reportedly intervened in the ceasefire negotiations by threatening both parties with heavy tariffs, but Malaysia's central role in mediating the agreement gave it diplomatic capital. At the same time, Malaysia scored a much-needed economic reprieve after the US agreed to scale back steep tariffs that had been threatening Malaysia's export-driven economy. At one point, Washington had threatened Malaysia with reciprocal tariffs of up to 25% in retaliation for what it claimed were unfair trade practices and currency. This week, the White House agreed to lower the rate to 19 per cent, offering breathing room to Malaysia's key sectors, especially electronics and palm oil. The sound of relief could be heard across the nation. Without doubt, Anwar was properly prepared by officials for his telephone conversation with Trump. But as many world leaders would know, an element of uncertainty can also be expected when dealing with Trump, as some US allies have ended up with high tariffs. Both cases, which Anwar handled well, demonstrated strategic diplomacy which was carried out with precision and the personal charm offensive, which Anwar is good at. By now, world leaders would have watched how Anwar has the ability to lift up the phone to call his counterparts. The world will certainly now see that there is value in Malaysia as a stabilising force and an economic partner. The week has not just been a personal success for Anwar and his government, but as one analyst put it, they are a reminder that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Thai veteran journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn wrote that Anwar has now positioned himself as a peacemaker. "Asean is doing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' he said, pointing out that Anwar got the US and China to be present, which was another coup, as "both superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the Asean Chair's initiative.' These successes are not just wins for Anwar's government; they are reminders that middle powers like Malaysia can shape outcomes when they choose engagement over posturing. Writing in the Thai PBS World, he described that on the regional stage, "PMX just had his finest hours.'' On the economic front, Malaysia has ended up having the same 19% tariff as Indonesia and the Philippines. However, in Jakarta and Manila, there has been reported unhappiness that they have given in too much to Trump. Malaysia stood its ground that it would not allow the red lines to be crossed, particularly on its Bumiputera policy during negotiations. To the protestors who turned up by the thousands calling on Anwar to step down, they may not understand headlines like tariffs or ceasefires, but this week's developments demonstrated the importance of leadership. * Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is a National Journalism Laureate and chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store