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Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Energy Park brings energy transition to life at Energy Asia 2025
It enhances the Energy Asia 2025 Conference by providing a practical, solutions-oriented setting that emphasises implementation and collaborative efforts by NURUL NAJMIN ABU BAKAR, AUFA MARDHIAH & AKMAR ANNUAR AT THE heart of Energy Asia 2025, the Energy Park exhibitions presented an interactive space aimed at supporting Asia's move to a low-carbon future. Held at the ground floor of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, it brought together companies, policymakers, investors and innovators to showcase technology, share ideas and form partnerships. The space was organised around seven thematic pillars: Climate and sustainability, managing emissions, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity, clean energy and low-carbon fuels, innovation and circularity, mobility and talent development. The Energy Park was divided into four main areas, namely the Atrium, Kapsul, Country Pavilions and Partner Exhibitions. The Atrium featured talks and panel sessions with industry leaders on topics like energy security, green financing and decarbonisation. Kapsul was a pitch stage where start-ups and tech innovators present their ideas to potential investors while Country Pavilions showcase each nation's clean energy efforts and joint projects, highlighting their role in the energy transition. Over 50 industry partners exhibited in the Partner Exhibition, with showcases covered carbon capture, hydrogen, digital grid technologies and alternative fuels. The Energy Park complemented the Energy Asia 2025 Conference by offering a more hands-on, solutions-driven environment focused on deployment and collaboration. Petronas' Innovative Pathway to a Renewable Future with CEFORE A Pavilion of Power, Purpose As host of the biennial event, the Petronas Pavilion was divided into several key zones that highlighted efforts in energy innovation, business growth and sustainability. One section focused on new energy, showcasing the group's venture into cleaner and renewable energy (RE) sources. Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) Group Strategic Communications Communications Management Creative Service manager Zarak M Zain shared that other sections highlighted the company's new business initiatives, while a dedicated area is committed to community and environmental wellbeing. The Petronas Upstream section showcased its engineers and outlined the group's strategy for exploration and production, including its carbon capture and storage (CCS) model. For those interested in learning more about CCS, the team on-site was available to provide further insights. A distinctive feature of the booth was the Gas & Maritime zone, which showcased the company's expertise in natural gas and maritime logistics. In addition, the booth highlighted initiatives in education and talent development, featured Petronas Motorsports, and presented its clean energy subsidiary, Gentari. 'This pavilion resembles an energy superstore — a futuristic hub that stores and showcases various forms of energy. At first glance, it may even remind you of a computer system with its sleek, modern design. 'Yet, despite its contemporary appearance, it still reflects elements of our cultural identity. It strikes a balance between innovation and tradition,' Zarak told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). Kuala Lumpur 16 Jun 2025 — Petronas Floating LNG Dua show at Energy Park at the launch of Energy Asia 2025 at Kuala Lumpur S&P Global Brings Data to Drilling Decisions S&P Global participated in Energy Asia 2025 with a focus on its upstream oil and gas (O&G) expertise, offering data and analytics across multiple sectors including energy, commodities, mobility and financial markets. Its primary emphasis at the event was showcasing tools designed to support upstream O&G developments. At the exhibition, S&P Global presented Questor, a proprietary cost estimation tool designed for upstream O&G projects. 'If an operator is planning to develop a new well or platform, Questor helps them estimate the associated costs,' cost analyst Marwan Nubli Ahmaz Zaki told TMR. He said the software is already in use by several operators in Malaysia, including Petronas and Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, and is also deployed across Thailand and other international markets. Questor is just one part of S&P Global's broader suite of offerings. Beyond cost estimation, the company provides tools for exploration and production (E&P) data and maintains experts specialising in the downstream sector. The software has also evolved to address energy transition needs. 'Questor now includes modules for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and we provide a CCUS Cost Estimator to help operators understand the cost of setting up such facilities,' Marwan Nubli said. Moreover, the platform has begun to incorporate offshore wind and solar project data, supporting clean energy planning. Additionally, S&P Global's platforms offer region-specific data on carbon intensity. Marwan Nubli said visitors' responses have been encouraging, with many engaging the team on topics ranging from upstream software to downstream market intelligence. 'There's been strong interest, especially in our crude oil price assessments, which are typically handled by our downstream division,' he said. These price assessments are available on Platts Connect, S&P Global's web-based platform offering real-time pricing across oil, shipping, metals and more. Aramco showcases a miniature concept hydrogen fuelling station for cars and buses at its booth, highlighting advancements in clean transportation technologies Aramco Powers Up with AI, innovation Another main highlight at the Energy Park was Saudi Aramco. At this edition, the booth highlighted Aramco's growing focus on AI, digitalisation and sustainability. Its public relations representative Richel Gayapa said a key asset showcased was its proprietary digital engine, which leverages over 90 years of data. This engine forms the backbone of its upstream intelligence and innovation. 'We have built an internal 'metabrain' that integrates historical operational data from across Aramco. 'This massive data ecosystem enables us to roll out advanced AI solutions across our exploration and production (E&P) operations, significantly enhancing efficiency and predictive capabilities,' Gayapa told TMR. As part of its AI and data strategy, the group is working with partners such as Vividia and Pascal to develop a centralised data hub in Saudi Arabia. The initiative aligns with national efforts to elevate local technological capabilities and support emerging ventures. Aramco Ventures plays a pivotal role in driving innovation across the energy and technology sectors. The group actively funds and incubates start-ups not only in Saudi Arabia but also around the world, with a current portfolio comprising more than 100 companies. In total, Aramco Ventures has allocated US$7 billion (RM29.82 billion) to initiatives focused on sustainability, digitalisation and industrial transformation. A visitor explores cutting-edge solutions through Microsoft's HoloLens 2, blending the digital and physical worlds Of this amount, US$500 million has been directed toward Saudi-based start-ups through a dedicated local innovation programme. Larger-scale global investments are managed through the Industrial and Sustainability Fund, which has grown from its initial allocation of US$500 million to US$1.5 billion. In addition, the group's Prosperity7 Fund, launched in 2019 with US$1 billion to support transformative technologies such as AI and robotics, has since expanded to US$2 billion. Aramco Ventures also maintains a strong presence in key innovation hubs, including the US and Norway, where dedicated teams oversee investments and support the integration of advanced technologies into Aramco's global operations. Several solutions developed through the group's portfolio, particularly in the area of sustainability, are already being commercialised and deployed. Beyond investment, Aramco is actively contributing to capacity-building programmes in both Malaysia and the US, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and sustainable transportation initiatives. 'These efforts complement our broader commitments under the Saudi Green Initiative, which includes large-scale tree planting and environmental restoration across the kingdom,' said Gayapa. In terms of carbon solutions, Aramco showcased two breakthrough technologies at the exhibition. One of these is the Photonic Membrane Reformer, a modular system that captures carbon dioxide on-site and converts it into hydrogen and other byproducts. The other is a Direct Air Capture (DAC) module currently being piloted in Dhahran, which removes CO2 directly from ambient air, solidifies it and enables its reuse either as low-carbon fuel or for underground sequestration. These technologies reflect Aramco's ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while contributing to a more sustainable global energy future. AZEC Makes its Mark in Malaysia The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) participated in this year's exhibition, underscoring its regional relevance and highlighting the importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing clean energy goals. Public relations representative Aki Takei expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the prestigious biennial event, saying it strengthened regional cooperation on clean energy and carbon neutrality. 'Since the event was hosted in Malaysia, we were able to connect directly with people we don't usually have access to — government officials, energy CEOs and major industry players. It was a great platform for us to showcase what we have been working on,' he said. The platform was launched in 2023 and currently involves 11 countries, including Japan, Australia and nine ASEAN nations. The initiative aims to foster regional collaboration in advancing carbon neutrality and clean energy solutions. 'We hope that by participating in Energy Asia, more people across the region will become aware of AZEC's role and objectives. This is still a relatively new platform and raising awareness is our first step towards expanding its reach and functionality,' Takei added. While AZEC has yet to establish a local office in Malaysia, Japanese companies under the initiative are already actively collaborating with Malaysian counterparts and government bodies on carbon neutrality efforts. TotalEnergies Signals New Chapter in Malaysia Another key exhibitor was TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company that expanded its footprint in South-East Asia by acquiring SapuraOMV's upstream assets in 2024. At the event, the company underscored its global strategic priorities — emphasising its commitment to sustainability, the development of cleaner energy solutions and the strengthening of regional partnerships. The company is now marking six months of operations in Malaysia under its new identity. Its return to the event for the second time reaffirmed its active exploration and production (E&P) presence in the region. 'We are expanding, and this platform gives us a great opportunity to connect and share our journey with a wider audience,' said the company's representative. The company not only focuses on its local activities but also collaborates with other TotalEnergies branches across the region, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. Its work in the region reflects the broader global operations of TotalEnergies, ranging from upstream O&G activities to carbon CCS and CO2 trading. Gentari's pavilion resembles an energy superstore — a futuristic hub that stores and showcases various forms of energy Mubadala Energy Steps Up in South-East Asia One of the emerging players in Malaysia's energy landscape is Mubadala Energy, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Co — Abu Dhabi's government-linked investment arm. Established in Malaysia in 2010, the company is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Currently, Mubadala Energy operates the Pegaga gas-producing field, which delivered its first gas two years ago, making it a relatively new operation in the country. Within South-East Asia, it manages just two assets — one in Malaysia and one in Indonesia — while the rest of its global portfolio consists mainly of non-operated assets. This year marks Mubadala Energy's second participation in Energy Asia, where it returned as a Visionary Sponsor, one of the event's largest sponsors. Public relations executive Kai Pieng said the company is looking to expand its footprint in Central and South-East Asia, particularly Indonesia, where it made two major gas discoveries in 2023 — one of which ranked among the largest globally last year. At Energy Asia, the company participated in panel sessions covering its growth plans, digital changes in offshore operations and job opportunities in the energy sector. Mubadala Energy CEO Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed also participated in key discussions on Asia's role in the energy transition and the future of gas as a transitional fuel. Pieng noted that 98% of its workforce in Malaysia comprises local talent — a percentage it has consistently maintained over the past six years. 'All offshore crew members are from Terengganu, while almost all staff at the Kuala Lumpur office are Malaysians, with only one or two individuals originating from Abu Dhabi,' she said. Mubadala Energy further affirmed its commitment to nurturing and supporting local talent at all levels of its operations. Visitors Inspired by Tech, Transition Visitors to Energy Asia 2025's Energy Park found the exhibition both informative and inspiring, even those outside the traditional energy sector. Syafiq Abdul Laziz, whose company specialises in inspection services, said the experience offered valuable insight into the industry's rapid evolution. 'There is real advancement in technology here, especially with innovations like AI. It was very impressive,' he told TMR. For him, the highlight of the event was witnessing Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff participate in one of the panel sessions. 'It shows how the energy and motorsport worlds are aligning around sustainability,' he added. Syafiq also applauded the strong momentum Malaysia is demonstrating in its energy transition, pointing to Gentari's display of electric vehicles and its leadership in green mobility as a sign that there is a strong shift towards renewables. Another visitor, Kelly Kho, described AZEC as a standout exhibitor. 'The company showcased hydrogen-powered vehicles, and it looks like it is working to bring hydrogen car technology into the Malaysian market,' she said. Kho found the collaboration between AZEC and Petronas a significant development, given the latter's regional influence in the energy segment. 'That made the exhibit really stand out for me. Compared to previous editions, I feel this year's exhibition has surpassed expectations. It is great to see new innovations highlighted each year,' she said. Visitors have the opportunity to view the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team's cars on display, drawing attention and excitement throughout the exhibition For both visitors, the event proved to be not only engaging but also an eye-opening experience that deepened their understanding of the evolving energy landscape. Kho said her awareness of the country's clean energy direction has increased significantly after attending the event, estimating that it has grown by at least 50%. As Energy Asia 2025 concluded, the event marked a strong finish with 14 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and the launch of several key initiatives across technology, geography and business models. Among the highlights was a cooperation agreement and farm-out deals between Petronas and TotalEnergies, which will strengthen upstream activities in Malaysia. Petronas also signed a joint venture (JV) framework agreement with Eni SpA to explore a regional upstream partnership. In addition, its Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) awarded the Temaris Cluster small field asset to Seascape Energy Asia (One) Sdn Bhd, supporting domestic O&G development. A new LNG sale and purchase deal between Petronas LNG Ltd and Commonwealth LNG will help diversify gas supply from the US, while a separate MOU with Japan's Jera will deepen collaboration across the gas value chain. Supporting the energy transition, Petronas launched several initiatives, including the Blue Carbon Collective, in partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, University of São Paulo and Universiti Putra Malaysia, to advance mangrove-based carbon capture research. The Petronas Energy Transition Academy (P-ETA) was also introduced to prepare workers for low-carbon roles. Meanwhile, a new JV company, Jules Nautica Sdn Bhd, was formed by Petronas CCS Ventures, MISC Bhd and Mitsui OSK Lines to operate ships for transporting liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) as part of CCS efforts. The event attracted over 13,000 visitors and 4,000 attendees from 61 countries, uniting representatives from 38 industries, 52 partners, 27 collaborators and 46 exhibitors under one roof. Energy Park featured 105 sessions, led by 124 prominent speakers from around the world. Although this year's edition has concluded, the conversations and collaborations it sparked are just beginning to take shape. The momentum carries forward, with the next edition of Energy Asia scheduled for June 2-4, 2027, promising new opportunities for innovation and partnership. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Malaysian Reserve
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Selangor to explore new waste-to-energy site as daily trash hits 8,000 tonnes
by AUFA MARDHIAH SELANGOR is planning to expand its waste-to-energy (WTE) capacity as the state now generates up to 8,000 tonnes of waste a day, more than double the current treatment capacity at the Jeram plant. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state is looking at Tanjung 12 as a potential new site. 'We are also looking into merging the federal government's project in Jeram with the state-led WTE plan in Rawang,' he said at a press conference today. The Jeram plant, developed by the federal government through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) was initially meant to handle 1,000 tonnes for Kuala Lumpur, but it now processes about 3,500 tonnes. However, with the state's growing waste volume, there is an urgent need to develop more WTE facilities. Meanwhile, the Rawang WTE project has faced public objections due to its location near residential areas. 'We aim to integrate Rawang's (KPKT-managed) and Selangor's WTE projects for a more cohesive approach, though funding and hosts differ. If a mutual understanding can be reached, the outcome could be significantly better,' he said. Amirudin added that public hearings have been held and the state will continue engaging with stakeholders. He also clarified that the development order (KM) has not yet been obtained as the project is still in its early environmental impact assessment (EIA) phase. 'The submission hasn't reached that level. The EIA process will take at least one to two years,' he said. Despite the complexities, Amirudin emphasised that sustainable waste management remains a priority and that transparent consultations will continue as the state works towards long-term solutions.
Malaysian Reserve
10-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Petronas offers career support, reskilling as it trims workforce
By AUFA MARDHIAH PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will provide strong support for employees affected by its upcoming job cuts, as part of its plan to restructure the company for the future. 'This undertaking will require workforce adjustments, with an estimation of 10% reduction of the total workforce. While this is a very difficult decision, it is a necessary one to ensure Petronas can continue to grow and serve the nation. 'Petronas is committed to managing this process fairly, objectively, and systematically,' it said in a statement. Affected employees will receive a market-competitive separation package that goes beyond the legal minimum, along with access to career coaching, emotional support, medical assistance, upskilling programmes, and financial planning guidance. To ensure a smooth and responsible transition, the company is working closely with the Ministry of Human Resources, including the Department of Labour and the Department of Industrial Relations, to comply with all regulatory requirements. Additionally, Petronas is also collaborating with the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) through the MyFutureJobs platform to help match eligible employees with new job opportunities. At the same time, it is engaging with various government-linked companies to identify possible job placements within their organisations. For those interested in starting their own businesses, Petronas' Innovation Garage will offer an entrepreneurship programme to help employees explore new ventures. The support measures are part of Petronas' broader transformation into a more agile and integrated energy company. By investing in a future-ready, high-performing workforce, the company aims to stay competitive while expanding into cleaner and more reliable energy solutions. Petronas said while the move is difficult, the company believes that it is necessary to ensure long-term growth and continued service to the nation.
Malaysian Reserve
10-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Anwar: Reforms must be gradual amid political realities
by AUFA MARDHIAH PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's gradual pace of reforms, citing the political realities of leading a coalition without a parliamentary majority. Speaking at the launch of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance University's (Inceif) International Centre for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE Centre) today, Anwar said Malaysia's current political structure demands wisdom and consensus-building, rather than abrupt changes that risk destabilising the administration. 'We have 82 seats under Pakatan Harapan (PH) — not even a simple majority. So yes, it has to be done with 'hikmah' (wisdom),' he said. He also stressed the importance of cross-party consensus, especially among coalition partners such as UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN), to ensure sustained reform momentum. 'We must get consensus between the key parties…that's how we embark on support for alternative programmes like INCEIF or i-RISE,' he added. Responding to criticism from those demanding faster reforms, Anwar cautioned that rushed moves could backfire under current political constraints. He also pointed to the broader failures in Muslim-majority countries, stating that the problem lies not in the absence of Islamic principles, but in endemic corruption and abuse of power. 'The flaw is not that we lack Islamic instruments — it's that they are blatantly corrupted,' he said. Despite the challenges, Anwar reaffirmed his administration's commitment to consistent progress. 'Every month and every year, there must be some progression. There is no turning back,' he said.
Malaysian Reserve
10-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Anwar: Islamic economics must prioritise governance, real-world impact
by AUFA MARDHIAH PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is urging scholars and practitioners to re-centre Islamic economics around good governance, clear policy frameworks and tangible impact, instead of relying solely on halal compliance or anti-'riba' rhetoric. He further emphasised that said Islamic economics must address structural flaws in Muslim countries, particularly those related to wealth leakage and systemic inefficiencies. 'Our countries are not poor. Poverty exists because of the abuse of power and endemic corruption. 'If we ignore governance, Islamic economics risks becoming hollow,' he said at the launch of the International Centre for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE) in Kuala Lumpur today. He stressed that governance and macroeconomic policy should be treated as core pillars of Islamic economic thinking — not afterthoughts — and urged i-RISE to lead in this area. 'You can talk about trillion-dollar halal industries, but if we cannot even break into new markets or support Malaysian business interests, the numbers are meaningless,' he added. Anwar also noted that the halal sector must evolve beyond product certification to include active participation in global value chains and joint ventures. True sustainability in Islamic economics must reflect values of justice and compassion, rather than adopt surface-level environmental goals. He called on scholars to integrate issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition and digital transformation into the Islamic economic discourse, stating that these are no longer optional fields of study. 'This is not just about Islamic versus conventional finance. We need to build an inclusive, humane and future-ready economic system rooted in our moral and spiritual principles,' he said. He also urged the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (Inceif) and i-RISE to position themselves as drivers of both national strategy and global Islamic economic leadership. i-RISE is the latest Centre of Excellence under the ISRA Institute, complementing two existing entities — the Centre of Excellence for Islamic Social Finance (CoEISF) and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Shariah in Economics and Finance (CASHiEF). It is designed to go beyond conventional academic research by positioning itself as a national and global platform for innovation, policy engagement and multisectoral collaboration in Islamic economics. The initiative is supported by the Islamic Economics Research and Innovation Fund (IERIF), a strategic fund introduced under the national budgets for 2024 and 2025. Administered by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the fund has so far channelled over RM12 million into high-impact research and academic programmes, including projects on micro-takaful for underserved communities and ethical labour market reforms.
