6th ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment at AEBF-26 Spotlights Research and Innovation to Support ASEAN’s Regional Energy Cooperation

Photo 1. Participants of the 6^th AICEE at the 26^th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-26) at the Philippines International Convention Center (PICC), Metro Manila, Philippines, 5 October 2026.

Manila, 5 October 2026 – The ASEAN International Conference on Energy Environment returns for its sixth edition at the 26^th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-26) held in conjunction with the 44^th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Manila, Philippines. The conference is hosted by the Department of Energy of the Philippines (DOE) and organised by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE).

With more than 180 abstract submissions, the 6^th AICEE brings together scholars, policymakers, industry practitioners, and financial experts to explore interdisciplinary solutions and evidence-based insights. Aligned with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026, the theme of the 6^th AICEE, “Sustainable Energy System, Resilient Infrastructure, and Innovative Finance for ASEAN Community”, reflects ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen its energy systems, build resilient infrastructure, and foster innovative financing solutions.

Scholars were invited to submit abstracts for seven (7) topics based on the programme areas of ASEAN’s regional energy blueprint, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030:

1. Programme Area 1: ASEAN Power Grid (APG)
2. Programme Area 2: Oil & Gas Connectivity, Security, and Sustainability (OGCSS)
3. Programme Area 3: Clean Coal Transformation (CCTR) 
4. Programme Area 4: Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C)
5. Programme Area 5: Renewable Energy (RE)
6. Programme Area 6: Regional Energy Policy and Planning (REPP)
7. Programme Area 7: Civilian Nuclear Energy (CNE)

At AEBF-26, selected submissions are invited to present their abstract during the full-day academic conference. A keynote presentation was also featured from Prof Raymond Tan, Vice-President Research of De La Salle University.

“The 6^th AICEE topics are aligned with the seven programme areas of the APAEC 2026-2030, creating a stronger connection between research and innovation with ASEAN’s regional energy priorities. The evidence and perspectives shared through AICEE can help inform the implementation of APAEC, while bringing forward practical ideas and solutions to support ASEAN’s energy transition towards a more secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future,” said Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of the Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department, ACE.

The success of the 6^th AICEE is greatly facilitated by its co-host institutions: De La Salle University Manila and Gokongwei College of Engineering. Additional support is also provided by knowledge partners from the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT), Ateneo De Manila University, and Caraga State University Philippines.

“As an academic institution, De La Salle University believes universities must do more than study the energy transition; we must help shape it. We are honored to be the co-host of the 6th AICEE. Through this, we hope to connect our researchers with ASEAN's energy leaders and policymakers, and build partnerships that will develop solutions for a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future,” said Kathleen Aviso, Lead of the 6th AICEE Scientific Committee, De La Salle University.

At the closing ceremony, selected abstracts were awarded Best Oral Presentation, Best Paper, and Honourable Mention for Oral Presentation.

The 6^th AICEE marked another milestone in advancing regional dialogue and collaboration on energy and environmental solutions. The presented research may provide valuable input the APAEC and other regional energy cooperation frameworks. Through the exchange of research findings, industry perspectives, and policy insights, the conference contributed to strengthening ASEAN’s collective efforts towards a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future.

The AICEE will return next year in Singapore, held at the 27^th ASEAN Energy Business Forum in conjunction with the 45^th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), aligned with Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship of 2027.