KUALA LUMPUR, 13 JANUARY 2025: Malaysia is exploring the implementation of decarbonisation initiatives across Asean particularly in the energy sector, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

This includes areas such as energy supply, transmission and regional grid systems, as well as examining the regulatory frameworks needed to facilitate energy exchange between countries.

"Relying solely on Malaysia may not be sufficient to secure new energy sources. However, as a nation, we can facilitate connections and foster collaboration between countries to strengthen energy security.

"Each country has its own unique advantages in energy resources. For instance, countries like Laos and Cambodia have significant potential for wind energy," Fadillah said at a press conference at the Asean Workshop on Sustainable Development at Sunway University today.

The nation, he added, has an opportunity and a responsibility to chart a bold course for the region's future in its journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year, he highlighted the commitment to accelerate progress through three key pillars namely energy decarbonisation, biodiversity protection and economic connectivity.

"These priorities reflect our shared aspirations for a prosperous, sustainable and interconnected Asean. But achieving these goals requires collaboration – between governments, the private sector and civil society.

"It demands that we leverage our collective strength as a region, embracing innovation, resilience and inclusivity," he said.

Also present at the workshop were UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) president Prof Jeffrey Sachs and Sunway Group chairman and Sunway University chancellow Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, who is also the chair of SDSN Malaysia.

Fadillah said the first priority of the transformative initiatives is the transition towards a low-carbon, interconnected energy grid powered primarily by renewable energy sources.

The transformation is an environmental imperative and a strategic necessity, a key to meeting Malaysia's decarbonisation targets while ensuring energy security across the region.

"To achieve this, we must engage in strategic analysis and road-mapping, to assess current and projected energy demands, identify renewable resource capacities and evaluate existing transmission infrastructures to address gaps," he added.

As work is already underway at Sunway University under SDSN's Asean green future project, Fadillah said it will provide a pathway for the regional countries, fostering mutual benefits for all.

On biodiversity protection, he hopes the Asean Centre for Biodiversity can be strengthened to coordinate conservation efforts, harmonise national policies and establish a biodiversity protection treaty that commits member nations to sustainable land-use practices.

In enhancing economic connectivity, he said the focuses would be on the development of integrated, modern infrastructure to strengthen region's economic integration and connectivity.

"Some of the initiatives that we should be actively exploring include high-speed rail development to link major Asean cities, green ports and shipping, as well as universal 5G access across urban and rural areas to bridge digital divides," he added.

Recognising the massive investments need in infrastructure, Fadillah emphasised the need to explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as through public-private partnerships that can attract both regional and international investments.

"By enhancing our infrastructure, we can reduce barriers to trade, foster economic growth and position Asean as a global leader in connectivity and innovation," he said.