Photo 1. ACErs actively
participating in the E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game session.
On Friday, 6 March 2026 , the
ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the ASEAN Climate Change
and Energy Project Phase II (ACCEPT II), organised an interactive session
titled E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game (Engaging Minds to Promote Opportunities for Women
in EneRgy). The activity was held as part of ACE’s International Women’s
Day 2026 campaign, which spotlights women’s contributions and perspectives in
ASEAN’s energy sector throughout March.
Following the United Nation (UN) Women’s theme for this year, “Rights. Justice. and Action. for ALL Women and Girls,” the session aimed to create an engaging platform for ACE staff, also known as ACErs, to reflect on the importance of inclusivity, gender equality, and shared responsibility in advancing a just and inclusive energy transition in ASEAN. The E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game was designed as a learning experience that combines teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and reflection on ACE’s institutional values in empowering women. In line with the IWD 2026 campaign, the game served as a creative way to familiarise ACErs with the pledge’s principles and encourage deeper understanding of how these commitments can be further applied in everyday interactions and professional practices.
Photo 2. ACErs forming
teams as they prepare to take part in the E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game challenges.
Hosted by Indira Pradnyaswari, Research Analyst of ACCEPT II, and Nathania Azalia, Junior Research Analyst of ACCEPT II, the event gathered ACErs to collaborate and compete in a series of interactive challenges. Through the activities, participants were encouraged to learn, exchange perspectives, strengthen collaboration among colleagues, and explore the role of inclusive values within the organisation.
A central highlight of the event was the introduction of
the ACE Inclusivity Pledge and continued
efforts toward its implementation. The pledge affirms ACE’s collective
commitment to fostering a workplace culture where every individual must be valued,
respected, and empowered, while promoting fairness, open communication, and
mutual support across the organisation.
Photo 3. ACErs participating
in the Empower Game, where teams tested their knowledge on the APAEC, ACE, and
the ACE Inclusivity Pledge.
As part of the interactive session, participants were invited to engage in activities designed to deepen their familiarity with ACE’s institutional priorities, including the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, ACE’s organisational values, and the principles embedded in the Inclusivity Pledge. These activities aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of how inclusivity, collaboration, and shared accountability contribute to advancing ACE’s mission in supporting ASEAN’s energy transition.
Through the first activity, participants were encouraged to reflect on key aspects of ASEAN’s energy cooperation agenda and ACE’s institutional role, while also reinforcing the core principles outlined in the Inclusivity Pledge. The activity served as an engaging way to enhance participants’ awareness of how these frameworks guide ACE’s work in supporting a collaborative and inclusive energy transition across the region.
Photo 4. ACErs participating in the Empower Game
Another segment of the session focused on recognising the achievements and leadership of women figures from ASEAN and beyond. Through this activity, ACErs were encouraged to reflect on the contributions of women across various sectors, highlighting the importance of representation, leadership, and visibility for women in shaping the region’s future. The segment served as a reminder that celebrating women’s achievements is not only about recognition, but also about inspiring continued progress towards greater equality and opportunity.
Beyond its playful nature, the game aimed to highlight women’s leadership and contributions across various fields, reinforcing the broader message of recognising and empowering women in the energy sector and beyond.
Photo 5. Winners of the E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game
Through initiatives such as the E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game, ACE and ACCEPT II continue to demonstrate that building an inclusive organisational culture requires more than formal commitments. It involves continuous engagement, dialogue, and shared learning among all members of the organisation. By combining interactive activities with meaningful discussions, the event provided ACErs with an opportunity to reflect on the values embedded in the ACE Inclusivity Pledge while celebrating the spirit of International Women’s Day.
Stay tuned on ACE and ACCEPT’s social media for more IWD 2026 content.