THE 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) focused on the latest developments in cross-border grid connectivity projects under the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative, which remains a key pillar in achieving a resilient and integrated regional energy market.
Senior energy policymakers from ASEAN member states gathered for the SOME, organised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
Running from 16 to 18 June 2025, the meeting provided a strategic forum for regional dialogue on energy cooperation and policy, with the APG initiative topping the agenda.
The meeting was chaired by PETRA Secretary-General and Chair of ASEAN SOME 2025 Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. All ASEAN member states were represented, with Timor-Leste present as an observer as it prepares for full membership.
Delegates reviewed the progress of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II (2021–2025) and initiated discussions on the formulation of APAEC Phase III (2026–2030), which will guide regional energy strategy over the coming decade.
Also under discussion was the Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP), a hallmark initiative in ASEAN’s multilateral electricity trade framework.
Broader topics included energy transition pathways, renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, nuclear energy potential, and harmonisation of regional energy policies.
The inclusion of Timor-Leste was highlighted as a significant step in the country’s ASEAN integration journey. Delegates also initiated early preparations for the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), set to take place in October 2025.
PETRA added: “The 43rd SOME underscores ASEAN’s enduring commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future for the region. Through deepened cooperation and shared vision, ASEAN is firmly on course to realise its long-term energy aspirations.” - June 17, 2025
