The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) recently concluded its 9th Advisory Panel Meeting on 23-24 January 2024 at ACE Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. The participants included Senior Officials on Energy (SOE) Leaders from ASEAN Member States, who are also the Advisory Panel members for the current year.  

The agenda covered a range of topics, including ACE’s achievements over the past year, ongoing projects, and the roadmap for future endeavours. The meeting also facilitated dialogue on regional energy challenges and opportunities for ACE. 

Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, SOE Leader of Brunei Darussalam and Outgoing Advisory Panel Chairman, commended ACE’s accomplishments over the past year, positioning itself as the premier energy centre in the region. He expressed confidence in ACE’s ability to achieve continued success, emphasising the importance of cohesion and collaboration in realising the goals of an inclusive and dynamic economic integration for the ASEAN Community. Key highlights included ACE’s dedication to the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and its role in coordinating the next phase, APAEC 2026 to 2030. 

SOE Leader of Cambodia and Incoming Advisory Panel Chairman, H.E. Victor Jona highlighted ACE’s role as a catalyst for energy cooperation and its efforts in facilitating the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation Phase II: 2021-2025. Notable achievements included the establishment of the 1st SOME-European Union and 1st SOME-Asian Development Bank dialogue, showcasing ACE’s growing international engagement. The expansion of partnerships with entities such as USAID Smart Power Programme, ADB, Huawei, and the Global Centre of Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) of India further underscored ACE’s commitment to global collaboration. 

As the SOE Leader of Lao PDR and Incoming ACE Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Akhomdeth Vongsay reflected on ACE’s 25 years of dedicated service in advancing energy cooperation within ASEAN. He praised ACE’s evolution into a high-performing institution, catalysing economic growth and regional integration. Dr. Vongsay acknowledged ACE’s significant development in fulfilling its three critical roles as catalyst, knowledge hub, and think tank as well as progressing towards financial sustainability. 

Mr. Wanhar, Alternate SOE Leader of Indonesia, as Vice-Chairman of ACE Governing Council and Incoming Advisory Panel Vice-Chairman, expressed gratitude for ACE’s support during Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023. He commended ACE’s pivotal role in achieving Indonesia’s PED (Priorities Economic Deliverables) goals and annual priorities, emphasising the continuous need for growth and progress. 

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, expressed gratitude for the active participation and valuable insights provided by the Advisory Panel members. He remarked the discussions and recommendations from the 9th ACE Advisory Panel Meeting to guide ACE in the centre’s mission to foster regional energy cooperation. 

The results of the 9th Advisory Panel Meeting will be reported to the 26th ACE Governing Council on 1 February 2024 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. This ensures that the outcomes and recommendations from the meeting contribute to the broader discussions and strategic decisions at the regional level.