Picture 1. Group Photo of High-Level Consultative Meeting
On 8 June 2026, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) conducted a series of consultative meetings with the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Sarawak (MEESty), the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication of Sarawak (MUT), and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) at Menara Sarawak Energy, Kuching. The programme consisted of a High-Level Consultative Meeting in the morning and a Technical Consultative Meeting with Sarawak Energy in the afternoon.
The meetings were organized as part of ACE’s ongoing efforts to promote the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Project Preparation Facility (APG PPF) to identify potential interconnection projects for future support and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in Sarawak on regional energy connectivity and energy transition initiatives.
The high-level meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from representatives of MEESty, MUT, and Sarawak Energy. The Sarawak delegations welcomed ACE’s visit and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in supporting energy security, sustainability, and economic development. They reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to contributing to ASEAN’s vision of a more interconnected and resilient power system through stronger cross-border cooperation and infrastructure development.
In his introductory remarks, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, expressed appreciation to the Sarawak stakeholders for their continued engagement with ASEAN energy initiatives. He emphasized the importance of close coordination between governments, utilities, and regional institutions to accelerate the development of cross-border interconnections and support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid. Dato’ Razib also highlighted ACE’s role as the APG Secretariat and its commitment to facilitating technical cooperation, project preparation support, and partnership development across the region.
During the first session, Dr. Nurleyna Yunus and Ms. Nazihah Anwar from MEESty presented the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), outlining the state’s long-term strategy to achieve sustainable economic growth while strengthening energy security and environmental sustainability. The presentation highlighted Sarawak’s efforts to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, promote emerging low-carbon technologies, and attract investments to support its energy transition journey. The presenters emphasized that regional cooperation and cross-border electricity trade would play an important role in achieving these objectives.
The meeting then heard a presentation from Mr. Yusri Bin Safri, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak SESCO Berhad, who shared updates on Sarawak Energy’s development plans and priority projects. He highlighted the utility’s ongoing investments in generation and transmission infrastructure, particularly projects that support regional connectivity. Mr. Yusri noted that Sarawak Energy continues to strengthen its position as a key renewable energy hub in the region while advancing several interconnection initiatives involving neighboring systems. He also expressed appreciation for ACE’s role in fostering dialogue, policy alignment, and technical cooperation among ASEAN stakeholders and reaffirmed Sarawak Energy’s commitment to further collaboration.
A key agenda item was the introduction of the ASEAN Power Grid Project Preparation Facility (APG PPF). ACE provided an overview of the programme, including its objectives, funding mechanisms, and implementation arrangements. Participants discussed how the facility could potentially support Sarawak’s priority interconnection projects and contribute to future regional connectivity developments. The discussions highlighted the importance of project readiness, coordinated planning, and stakeholder engagement in advancing large-scale infrastructure projects.
ACE also provided updates on recent ASEAN Power Grid developments, including progress in strengthening regional planning, technical cooperation, financing initiatives, and institutional arrangements supporting APG implementation. Participants exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges associated with future interconnection projects and acknowledged the importance of sustained collaboration among governments, utilities, development partners, and financial institutions.
The discussions further covered several other ACE programmes planned for 2026, including activities related to climate financing for transmission infrastructure, regional power market development, technical workshops, and capacity-building programmes. Sarawak representatives welcomed these updates and expressed interest in participating in future regional activities and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Another important topic was the alignment between ASEAN-wide programmes and subregional initiatives, particularly under the BIMP-EAGA framework. ACE expressed its commitment to support the establishment of BIMP-PIP Task Force and the plan to develop BIMP-PIP Electricity Master Plan Study. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring consistency between subregional planning activities and broader ASEAN energy priorities while maintaining effective stakeholder coordination throughout the process.
Picture 2. Group Photo of Technical Consultative Meeting with Sarawak Energy
The afternoon Technical Consultative Meeting provided an opportunity for ACE and Sarawak Energy to discuss priority interconnection projects in greater detail. Sarawak Energy shared updates on the status of its strategic projects and outlined its future priorities for regional connectivity. ACE further elaborated on the support mechanisms available through the APG PPF and discussed potential opportunities for technical cooperation under ongoing ASEAN programmes. Both parties also exchanged updates on regional planning initiatives, renewable energy integration efforts, and future collaboration opportunities.
Throughout both sessions, participants highlighted the importance of maintaining regular communication and strengthening institutional cooperation to support the realization of regional energy connectivity goals. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to advancing cross-border electricity trade, facilitating knowledge exchange, and exploring innovative solutions that can contribute to a more secure, sustainable, and integrated regional power system.
In the closing session, representatives from ACE, MEESty, MUT, and Sarawak Energy expressed appreciation for the constructive discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration. Both sides affirmed to strengthen communication channels, continue information sharing, and explore future collaboration opportunities under APG frameworks and other ASEAN energy initiatives.
The meetings concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the strong partnership between ACE and Sarawak’s energy stakeholders and underscoring shared commitment to supporting a more connected, resilient, and sustainable ASEAN energy future.
