Malaysia Backs South Korea’s APEC Energy Transition Goals

From Harizah Hanim Mohamed

BUSAN, Aug 27 (Bernama) – Malaysia fully supports South Korea’s goals for the 15th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting (APEC EMM15), themed ‘Sustainable Growth through Innovative and Inclusive Transition’, as they are timely, relevant and align with the nation’s energy transition agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah said the goals resonate closely with Malaysia’s national priorities of balancing energy security, sustainability and affordability.

“Energy has always been central to APEC’s mission of fostering sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth. The policy directions and priorities that we collectively pursue are crucial in ensuring that our energy transitions are just and orderly, and that all economies, especially developing members, are supported along the way,” he said during his three-minute opening remarks at the APEC EMM15 here today.

The opening at the Nurimaru APEC House marked the start of the two-day meeting, which saw energy ministers from the 21 APEC member economies gathered in Busan on Wednesday.

Also present were officials from the International Energy Agency, Mission Innovation, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other key international organisations who took part in the discussions to share their initiatives on the global energy agenda.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said Malaysia strongly welcomes APEC’s focus on advancing clean energy technologies, strengthening energy security and enhancing regional connectivity, which together underpin the delivery of the energy trilemma.

“We have seen important progress, including APEC’s achievements in reducing energy intensity and advancing towards the target of doubling the share of renewable energy.

"The Economic Working Group’s (EWG) work on hydrogen, carbon neutrality pathways, and innovative financing mechanisms for energy transition has provided valuable insights and practical tools for member economies,” he added.

Fadillah said cooperation on grid resilience, digitalisation and strengthening clean energy supply chains demonstrates the relevance of APEC in shaping collaborative solutions for the region.

He added that Malaysia believes the EWG can further strengthen its role by deepening cooperation on innovation and digitalisation.

“This includes the use of artificial intelligence in energy systems, advancing policy dialogue on financing frameworks and green investments to accelerate transition, and enhancing collaboration on cross-border power trade and regional grids, which are critical to ensuring reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply,” he said.

Fadillah further emphasised that Malaysia remains committed to contributing actively, with the country’s National Energy Transition Roadmap outlining the pathway to increase renewable energy capacity to 70 per cent by 2050.

He concluded that Malaysia looks forward to working closely with all APEC members to ensure that the EWG continues to deliver impactful initiatives that drive sustainable growth, enhance energy security and enable a fair and inclusive energy transition across the region.

-- BERNAMA