Photo 1. Group photo of speakers and ACE–Sarawak Energy representatives at the AEYA Masterclass Webinar 

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in partnership with Sarawak Energy as part of the 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Awards (AEYA) successfully convened Masterclass Webinar on 11 July 2025. Held virtually as a lead-up to the 5th AEYA, this two-hour webinar attracted over 300 participants from youth leaders, students and professionals across the ASEAN region. The webinar facilitated as a platform to share insights on the current developments in ASEAN’s energy transition, the strategic role of hydropower, and the pivotal involvement of youth in driving regional sustainability efforts under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Post-2025.  

Photo 2. Opening remarks by Hajah Siti Aisah Adenan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Sarawak Energy 

The webinar commenced with opening remarks from Hajah Siti Aisah Adenan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services at Sarawak Energy, who reaffirmed Sarawak’s long-standing commitment to promoting clean energy through innovation in hydropower. She also introduced the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0, a forum dedicated to fostering regional dialogue on sustainable and renewable energy in line with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025, “Powering ASEAN: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity.” 

Photo 3. Opening remarks by Dr. Andy Tirta, Head of Corporate Affairs Department, ASEAN Centre for Energy 

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Andy Tirta, Head of Corporate Affairs Department at ACE, reinforced the importance of youth involvement in ASEAN’s energy transition. He encouraged participants to see themselves as agents of change and outlined how platforms like AEYA empower young talents to contribute through innovation, leadership, and knowledge-sharing. 

Photo 4. Presentation by Ir. Tony Ting Tiew Whong, Senior Manager of Hydro, Sarawak Energy 

The session began with an in-depth presentation by Ir. Tony Ting Tiew Whong, Senior Manager of Hydro at Sarawak Energy, who provided insights into the Hydropower development in Sarawak, Malaysia. Ir. Tony shared that Sarawak has identified over 50 hydropower sites with a total potential of 20,000 MW, though only four sites are currently in operation. He emphasised Sarawak Energy’s commitment to CO₂ emissions reduction through United Nations Global Compact’s ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ and their recognition as the first large corporation in Malaysia to receive approved Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). He ended his presentation by expressing hope that the official certification assessment for Bakun Hydroelectric Plant under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) can be carried out soon. 

Photo 5. Presentation by Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of Energy Modelling, Policy and Planning (MPP) Department at ACE 

Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of Energy Modelling, Policy and Planning (MPP) Deparment at ACE, presented on ASEAN Energy Transition and the Role of Youth, emphasising the need to invest in youth as human capital to support net-zero goals. He highlighted opportunities for youth in the 14.6 million green jobs projected by 2050, and the importance of building skills in clean technologies and innovation. He also shared ASEAN’s initiatives to support youth engagement, including the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth, ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (AICEE), and the 5th AEYA 2025. He concluded by recommending that the next APAEC cycle adopt a theme focused on a just and inclusive energy transition, with youth inclusion in regional energy planning. 

Photo 6. Presentation by Putri Aprilia Maharani, Junior Officer, Business Development Unit at ACE  

The final session of the day was delivered by Putri Aprilia Maharani, Junior Officer of the Business Development Unit at ACE, who introduced the overall structure and objectives of the fifth edition of AEYA. As part of the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) in 2025, this year’s AEYA aims to amplify youth contributions to ASEAN’s sustainable development by bridging innovation with action under the theme “Powering ASEAN’s Future: Youth Innovation in Hydropower and Renewable Energy”. She provided an overview of the competition details, which are divided into two tracks: the Creative Advocacy Track, comprising the Infographic Poster and Video Challenge, and the Innovation Lab Track, which includes the Policy Pitch competition for ASEAN youth to understand  more on how to showcase their ideas and initiatives in support of regional energy priorities through producing a creative ideas and innovative policy ideas. 

Photo 7. Interactive Q&A session moderated by Syahira Narizta Syahputri, Business Development Unit Officer at ACE 

The interactive Q&A session allowed participants to submit their questions through the Zoom Q&A feature and engage directly with the AEYA organising committee. The session was moderated by Syahira Narizta Syahputri, Business Development Unit Officer at ACE, who addressed technical clarifications regarding the competition including the registration process and key insights shared during the event. 

The webinar concluded by reaffirming the shared commitment between Sarawak Energy and ACE in advancing hydropower innovation and regional cooperation under APAEC and strong encouragement for youth to actively participate in regional initiatives such as SAREF to empowering youth as future leaders of ASEAN’s energy landscape. 

Watch the full webinar: https://youtu.be/7y7jX6AxvI4?si=egmf4tVwP19m1aD1