Photo 1. Group photo during the official launch of ASEAN Energy Investment 2025 reports at the AEBF-25
Kuala Lumpur, 15 October 2025 – The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) officially launched two (2) flagship reports on ASEAN Energy Investment (AEI) 2025 and ASEAN Capacity Building Roadmap on Energy Investment on 15 October 2025, at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25), in conjunction with the 43rd Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia. The two reports on energy investment in ASEAN are supported by the Energy Foundation China (EFC), which shares a vision of scaling energy financing in the region while meeting the rising energy demand and net-zero pledges. Each report is the second edition of its series, aiming to provide a strategic insight towards the implementation of the upcoming ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030.
The first report, the 2025 ASEAN Capacity Building Roadmap on Energy Investment, emphasises the importance of tracking and monitoring the progress of ASEAN countries based on selected relevant indicators related to energy investment. The understanding of the current energy landscape and ongoing enabling policies for its financing were then developed into capacity-building priorities for the next five years, aimed at enhancing energy investment in the region.
Further detailed analysis of the regional progress on energy investment is provided in the second report, the ASEAN Energy Investment 2025. The annual report examines key challenges and opportunities in ASEAN, while taking lessons from global practices. Policy recommendations to address the key challenges and narrow the investment gap in the energy sector of ASEAN are developed based on evidence-based policies through desk research and closed Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with representatives of ASEAN Member States. During the development and public launch of the two reports, ACE and EFC emphasised the strengthening of the international and multisectoral collaboration. This is reflected in the FGD series with AMS representatives, workshops, and site visits in China, as well as site visits to companies in Malaysia.
Zhang Huiyong, Executive Director of International Cooperation, EFC, underlined the significance of these two reports. “The AEI 2025 provides a comprehensive assessment of current investment trends, opportunities, and challenges. It offers valuable guidance for policymakers and industry players to make informed decisions that align with ASEAN’s energy goals. Meanwhile, the roadmap serves as a strategic blueprint to strengthen regional expertise,” he said.
The launching event was officiated by Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director, ACE and Zhang Huiyong, Executive Director from EFC followed by a keynote presentation delivered by DG Rajat Misra from AIIB on the importance of upscaling energy investment for ASEAN. The key findings of two reports were presented by Dr. Ambiyah Abdullah, Senior Researcher of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning, ACE. For in-depth discussion, the panel session was moderated by Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) at ACE with panellists consisted of Chen Ji, Managing Director, Global Institute of China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Dr. Allen Wang, Executive Director of APAC Power and Renewables, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Dr. Sun Xiansheng, Chairman, International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS).The discussion emphasises the importance of government role in providing policy supports and giving incentives, particularly for energy transition towards renewables and emerging technologies. However, increasing the role of private investment is also crucial to meet the investment gap needed for energy transition. Last, cross-border corporation neds a stronger and customised enabling environment and policy support from the member states.
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood highlighted the significance of this launching, with both documents reflect our shared commitment to enhancing cooperation, attracting sustainable investments, and empowering our people with the knowledge and skills needed for the transition.
“Without innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms, even the most promising projects risk stagnation. We must mobilise public and private capital, mitigate investment risks, and foster enabling environments that attract long-term commitments. Financing is about trust, vision, and shared opportunity,” he stated. The launch of the two reports marks a pivotal step in advancing ASEAN’s energy transition agenda under APAEC 2026-2030. ACE reaffirms its commitment to driving evidence-based policymaking and investment strategies to support ASEAN’s transition to a resilient and sustainable energy future.
** About ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)Established on 1 January 1999, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is an intergovernmental organisation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) structure that represents the 10 ASEAN Member States’ (AMS) interests in the energy sector. ACE supports the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), a blueprint for ASEAN energy sector. The Centre is guided by a Governing Council composed of Senior Officials on Energy from each AMS and a representative from the ASEAN Secretariat as an ex-officio member. The three key roles of ACE:
- As a catalyst to unify and strengthen ASEAN energy cooperation and integration by implementing relevant capacity building programmes and projects to assist the AMS develop their energy sector.
- As the ASEAN energy data centre and knowledge hub to provide a knowledge repository for the AMS
- As an ASEAN energy think tank to assist the AMS by identifying and surfacing innovative solutions for ASEAN’s energy challenges on policies, legal & regulatory frameworks and technologies.
Keeping the region’s improvement, sustainable and harmless to the ecosystem is a fundamental concern of the ASEAN energy sector. Hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, ACE’s office is located in Jakarta, Indonesia. For more information on ACE, check our website: aseanenergy.org. For further information, please contact:
- Communications at ACE: [email protected]
