Kuala Lumpur: The 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) highlighted ASEAN's ongoing progress towards building a connected energy future, with the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (LTMS) Power Integration Project being recognised as a key success story. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the project, which serves as a model for future regional energy cooperation, demonstrates ASEAN's efforts to strengthen energy connectivity, security, and sustainability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah explained that the LTMS project is a preview to the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and currently facilitates cross-border energy exports between Thailand, Malaysia, and eventually Singapore. He mentioned that Thailand is expected to formalise its participation soon, with an agreement anticipated by November, despite previous delays due to changes in the Thai government.
Fadillah further highlighted that the LTMS project provides a viable business model that can be expanded under the broader APG framework. This initiative aims to ensure the security of supply, sustainability, and affordability of energy across ASEAN nations, enabling them to support each other during peak demand or low generation periods.
He also shared that Malaysia, as chair of AMEM this year, successfully led discussions resulting in the completion of eight ASEAN Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs). These include an ASEAN Memorandum of Understanding on Petroleum Security, a renewable energy roadmap, and initiatives in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and World Bank to support grid investments.
The deputy prime minister noted that the Philippines will continue to implement the regional energy cooperation agenda as the next chair of AMEM. Furthermore, ASEAN plans to review the progress of its energy initiatives next year, taking into account Timor-Leste's development needs, with energy ministers scheduled to meet in June and October for assessments.
Finally, Fadillah mentioned that Timor-Leste's strengths and energy development needs, presented during the AMEM meeting, will be considered in future ASEAN energy cooperation plans.