Photo 1. Group Photo of the APAEC Post 2025 Consultation Workshop with RE-SSN 

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia (PETRA), organised the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Post 2025 Consultation Workshop with RE-SSN. This event was held on 13 June 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of the 31st Renewable Energy Sub-Sector Network (RE-SSN) and its Associated Meetings. The workshop was attended in person by experts from nearly all ASEAN Member States (AMS), as well as representatives from various government ministries or agencies, international organisations, dialogue partners. 

The progress of APAEC Phase II:2021-2025 was assessed during the meeting, consensus was looked up on its key direction, particularly in the renewable energy (RE) programme area, and discussions were held regarding the proposed regional theme, objectives, targets, and metrics for developing RE Outcome-Based Strategies (OBS) in the next APAEC cycle. 

The one-day discussion explores key directions for APAEC post-2025, review the progress of APAEC Phase II (2021-2025), and engage in consultations with dialogue partners and international organisations. Additionally, there are consultations on the proposed theme of APAEC, as well as priorities, strategies, and action plans within the RE program area. 

The event started with a warm welcome from Asdirhyme Bin Abdul Rasib, Undersecretary of Sustainable Energy, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia as the Chair. Following that, Christopher G Zamora, Senior Head of APAEC Deptartment at ACE extended a warm welcome to the participants highlighting the significance of APAEC. They emphasised that significant changes in the global energy sector are driven by technological advancements, a shift in policy priorities toward sustainability, and evolving dynamics in renewable energy markets.  

Photo 2. Asdirhyme Bin Abdul Rasib, Undersecretary of Sustainable Energy, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia as Chair delivered opening remarks 

The first session, led by the MC, Zahrah Zafira, Associate Research Analyst of Sustainable and Renewable Energy (SRE) Department at ACE, focused on key directions for APAEC Post 2025, progress of APAEC Phase II: 2021-2025, and consultation with dialogue partners and international organisations. Septia Buntara Supendi, Senior Officer of the Energy and Mineral Division at ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), provided high-level directions for APAEC Post 2025 based on related ASEAN meetings related to RE Cooperation. Following that, Dynta Trishana Munardy, Technical Officer of APAEC at ACE, presented progress updates on APAEC Phase II: 2021-2025 toward its finalisation in 2025 and APAEC post-2025 development.  

Photo 3. Dynta Trishana Munardy, Technical Officer of ACE presented progress updates on APAEC Phase II (2021-2025) 

Following the presentations, the chair facilitated roundtable discussions involving various dialogue partners and international organisations, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI), and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). These discussions aimed to exchange insights and recommendations related to the ASEAN renewable energy sector post-2025. Additionally, participants explored potential cooperation activities. Notably, the fruitful discussion highlighted opportunities for collaboration among international organisations to address critical concerns regarding renewable energy dynamics in ASEAN countries. 

Photo 4. Muhammad Ilham Rizaldi, Research Analyst of ACE delivered proposed theme, key priorities and proposed OBS for the next cycle of APAEC on RE programme area 

The following session, led by Chair, focused on consultations regarding the proposed theme of APAEC, as well as priorities, strategies, and action plans within the RE program area.
Dynta Trishana Munardy, Technical Officer of APAEC at ACE, delivered the first presentation, discussing outcomes from the 1st and 2nd APAEC Drafting Meetings (ADC). This was followed with a presentation by Septia Buntara Supendi, Senior Officer of ASEC, on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on planning guidance for the post-2025 period and cross-cutting sustainability issues relevant to RE. Lastly, Muhammad Ilham Rizaldi, Research Analyst of SRE at ACE, presented the proposed theme, key priorities, and suggested OBS for the next APAEC cycle in the RE program area.  

The second session involved discussions with RE-SSN focal points from all AMS using an interactive online survey tool. Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Senior Research Analyst of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) at ACE, moderated this discussion. The interactive online survey served as a valuable platform for gathering people’s thoughts and insights. Following that, a consultation session with RE-SSN focal points was conducted, led by the Chair. The purpose was to gather insights and identify expected priorities for APAEC over the next five years. The discussion covered the proposed theme of APAEC, key priorities, metrics, and strategies and action plans within the renewable energy (RE) program areas. 

Photo 5. Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Senior Research Analyst of ACE, moderated discussion session using interactive online survey 

Concluding the meeting, Asdirhyme Bin Abdul Rasib emphasised the significance of our discussions during the event. He highlighted their critical role in shaping the future of APAEC. Furthermore, he expressed the importance of ongoing collaboration and dedication to achieving the goals outlined in the sessions. His confidence in the collective efforts and shared insights forecasts well for significant progress in regional energy cooperation and sustainability within ASEAN.