Korea set to launch nuclear cooperation project with Asean, says senior official
Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025
By: Tan Chin Tung, Natasha Busst, FMT Text Size: Korea's trade, industry and energy first secretary Heegang Kim said the project aims to systematically support the readiness of Asean member states to introduce nuclear power plants. KUCHING: Korea is set to launch a nuclear cooperation project with Asean to systematically support the region's readiness to introduce nuclear power plants. Speaking at the 43rd Asean Senior Officials' Meeting on Energy, Korea's trade, industry and energy first secretary Heegang Kim said the project would include capacity-building training, policy workshops, and joint research endeavours, with further details to be announced at a later date.
Advertisement 'This project aims to systematically support Asean member states' readiness to introduce nuclear power plants. 'This cooperation will transcend mere technology and institutional transfers. It will lay a solid foundation for Asean and Korea to develop a people-centred and sustainable energy partnership,' he said. Another new initiative Kim announced during his opening remarks was the transfer of the Korean electrical safety management system to Asean member states from the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation. 'This initiative aims to revamp Asean's electrical safety frameworks and bolster technical expertise through various cooperative projects,' he said. Since December 1997, Korea, China, and Japan have cooperated with Asean member states under the Asean Plus Three framework to promote comprehensive collaboration in areas such as energy, security, trade and investment, health, and finance. Japan's director of international affairs Yoshiomi Yoshino, also present at the event today, said it was necessary to leverage all available technologies and energy sources, including energy efficiency, hydrogen and ammonia, nuclear power, natural gas, as well as carbon capture, utilisation and storage, to successfully implement energy transition initiatives. 'We will also continue to participate in the Asia Energy Transition Initiative and Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for Asean to formulate tangible cooperation projects introducing various decarbonisation technologies, in line with each country's national circumstances,' he said. Li Yuan, China's deputy division director of the international cooperation department, also reaffirmed the nation's commitment to continued collaboration with the region under the Asean Plus Three framework, with a focus on hydropower, energy storage, nuclear and emerging energy technologies, green certificates, and green financing. 'We have seen a very fruitful outcome and deliverables under the framework of 10 plus three. 'We would like to continue playing an active role in the 10 plus three mechanisms for pragmatic cooperation on clean energy, so that we can contribute together to sustainable development and energy transition for our region.' Energy transition and water transformation ministry secretary-general Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli welcomed the collaboration between Asean countries and the East Asia giants, saying it provided a critical platform to bring together diverse perspectives, resources, and experiences. 'Within this context, our region's choices and cooperation will play a decisive role in the pace and direction of the energy transition. 'It is through such collective leadership that we can turn our shared vision into tangible outcomes for our countries, our communities, and our future generations,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Global players eye Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Ramping up: Several major global actors, including the United States, China and Russia, will also take part in the Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Final preparations for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related programmes are progressing smoothly. The meeting, to be held from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is set to welcome Asean ministers, key dialogue partners from major powers and a robust agenda – all against the backdrop of shifting trade dynamics. Guided by Foreign Affairs Ministry officials, a walkabout yesterday led journalists, photographers and cameramen through permitted zones. Each hall and conference room has been labelled, with dedicated zones including the International Media Centre and designated door-stop interview points. According to the Foreign Ministry, all logistical arrangements should have been finalised by last night. The 58th AMM will be attended by foreign ministers from all 10 Asean member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. They will be joined by Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn of Cambodia and the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, as the country advances its application for Asean membership. In response to international interest, several major global actors, including the United States, China and Russia, will also take part in the Asean Post-Ministerial Conferences. Additional dialogue partners include the European Union, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Highlights of the four-day event include the South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Commission Executive Committee meeting; trilateral meetings involving Malaysia with Brazil, Norway, Switzerland and Turkiye, alongside the Asean Secretariat; and a conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development. The opening ceremony will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 9. The US delegation's participation is expected to draw particular attention, as President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff pause is set to expire during the same week – adding further weight to US-Asean dialogue. Relief from trade tensions is expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Japan's Iwaya To Visit Malaysia For 58th AMM, Co-host CEAPAD IV
By Nabilah Saleh KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will arrive in Malaysia on Wednesday (July 9) to attend the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, and to co-host the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV). Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata told Bernama that the visit marks Iwaya's first official trip to Malaysia since his appointment as Foreign Minister last October. Shikata said the visit emphasises Japan's strong support for ASEAN centrality and highlights the close bilateral ties between Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. 'This visit reflects Japan's deep engagement with Southeast Asia and our commitment to working closely with Malaysia on key regional and global issues - from humanitarian support and energy transition to education and maritime security,' he said in an exclusive interview here yesterday. Malaysia is hosting the 58th AMM at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. Malaysia took over the role of ASEAN Chair on Jan 1 this year from Laos. This year is Malaysia's fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, having assumed the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Japan became ASEAN's first dialogue partner in 1973, formalising the partnership in 1977.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
PM Anwar urges BRICS to enhance trade and reform global governance
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged BRICS nations to expand trade among member states and push for a fairer global order. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in Rio de Janeiro, he stressed the need for reforms in international institutions like the UN and IMF to reflect a more democratic framework. Anwar criticised unilateral trade barriers and protectionism, highlighting BRICS' potential as a collective economic force. 'With nearly 40 per cent of the global economy, BRICS can negotiate on equal terms within the multilateral system,' he said. He emphasised that developing nations must no longer be sidelined in global governance. 'We are not just post-colonial legacies but leaders in technology, trade, and moral advocacy,' Anwar stated. He praised BRICS for evolving beyond political rhetoric into a coalition driving inclusive economic and social progress. The forum, themed 'Bridging Continents, Building Future,' saw participation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and industry leaders. Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment as ASEAN Chair to strengthen ties with BRICS, advocating for cross-regional trade and investment. He supported Lula's leadership, calling him a bold voice for the marginalised. BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded to include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia. Malaysia was accepted as a partner country alongside Belarus, Nigeria, and others. Anwar attended the summit at Lula's invitation, joined by ministers and MPs.
