(KPL) On 25 September, the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24), hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), Lao PDR and organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), commenced in Vientiane.

This business forum is a platform for government, policy makers, industry, academia, energy sector leaders, and other stakeholders from ASEAN and beyond to discuss regional collaboration and explore sustainable energy solutions for ASEAN's future.

Delivering remarks at the meeting, Mr Soukvisan Khinsamone, Deputy Director General of Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Energy and Mines, stated “Under the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship, we have proudly embrace the theme of this year “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, reflecting our collective commitment in ensuring energy security and transitioning to green and sustainable source of energy.

As we embrace this period together, I encourage all of participants to actively engage in discussions, share best practices, and establish long-lasting connections, bridging ASEAN region to build positive change in global energy transition.”

Dr Andy Tirta, Head of Corporate Affairs at ACE and Chairman of AEBF-24, expressed his enthusiasm on the event, stating “The 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum event marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the energy sector, providing a platform to showcase the collective progress and innovations. This forum will play a vital role for driving the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). Together, we are committed to advance energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable energy future across ASEAN.”

The remarks underscore the forum’s goal of enhancing ASEAN cooperation through the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” highlights utmost importance to ensure ASEAN collective efforts in strengthening ASEAN Community to seize opportunities and address present and emerging challenges effectively.

The first day also included the MoU signing ceremony between ACE and Huawei, focused in advancing renewable energy efforts across the ASEAN region, followed with the launch of policy brief and the opening of ASEAN Energy Data Centre.

AEBF-24 highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing pressing energy challenges. A collective presence reflects a shared commitment to advancing energy security, accessibility, and sustainability across the ASEAN region, reinforcing the forum’s role as a key platform for dialogue and cooperation. The first day of AEBF-24 featured the 4th ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (4th AICEE), where experts and academia coming across ASEAN discussed innovative approaches to energy and environmental challenges in the region.

Spanning three days, the forum will feature a comprehensive programme designed to cover various aspects of the energy sector. High-level panel discussions, expert-ledworkshops, and technical presentations to engage delegates in covering the latest developments in energy policies, technological advancements, and investment opportunities. Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibition, which will showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions from across the region. This platform will provide businesses and innovators with an unique platform to present their advancements in sustainable energy to a broad audience includes policymakers and industry leaders.

By facilitating discussions on topics such as renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and energy security, the AEBF-24 aims to enhance energy cooperation in achieving region’s growing energy demands. Central to these discussions are critical initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), emerging trends in renewable energy development and energy efficiency, and the launch of ACE’s flagship report, the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8).

With the support of main sponsors, including Graphion and Sarawak Energy, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as the forum’s Knowledge Partner, the event promises deep and informed discussions on energy security and sustainable solutions.

KPL