Photo 1. Dr. Andy Tirta and representatives from ACE, together with FGD Participants from private sectors

Following the success of the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2023 held in Bali, Indonesia, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is delighted to announce the return of the energy business forum, titled the “24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24).”

This year, AEBF-24 will be hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) of Lao PDR as the ASEAN Chair and organised by ACE.

To mark the start of this forum, ACE arranged an Exclusive Media Interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD).

Photo 2. Dr. Andy Tirta and Rinda Rufaidah during a media interview

The exclusive media interview was aimed to raise awareness of AEBF-24 in Lao PDR, scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The interview included various media outlets. Dr. Andy Tirta, Corporate Affairs Manager and Chairman of AEBF-24, led the interview, accompanied by Rinda Rufaidah, Communication Specialist of ACE.

Subsequently, the event moved into an FGD with representatives from the private sector, aiming to gather invaluable insights and perspectives for AEBF-24. Participants included Sarawak Energy, Huawei Laos, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) Nusantara Power, USAID Southeast Asia Smart Power Program (SPP), Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), PetroTrade Import-Export Co., Ltd, and Electricity du Laos (EDL) EDL-Generation Public Company.

Photo 3. Brief Introduction of AEBF-24 by Dr. Andy Tirta

Dr. Andy Tirta initiated the FGD by providing a brief overview of AEBF-24, emphasising the crucial collaboration between governments and the private sector in advancing the energy sector in ASEAN. He underscored AEBF-24’s role as a pivotal platform for discourse and stakeholder engagement in the regional and global energy landscape.

Assisted by Syahira Narizta Syahputri, Business Development Unit Officer, the FGD also featured a presentation by knowledge partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Marko Lackovic, Managing Director and Partner of BCG, shed light on the significance of interconnectivity in ASEAN’s energy transition. Fachry Frisandi, Principal of BCG, delved into the technical aspects of AEBF-24, including its agenda and foundational elements.

Photo 4. Situation during FGD

Throughout the discussion, participants shared their challenges, showcased innovative products contributing to the regional energy sector, and engaged in dialogue on issues facing ASEAN.

These insights have been collected, which later will be translated into AEBF-24’s theme and topics, ensuring that the forum comprehensively addresses pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Andy Tirta expressed anticipation for the widespread support and participation of all energy sector stakeholders at AEBF-24.