KUCHING: The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), spearheaded by Japan, is a strategic platform to expand cooperation in technology, trade and clean energy economic development among Asian countries.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said closer collaboration among Asean nations developing clean energy economies should be strengthened through the exchange of ideas, technology sharing and the establishment of mutually beneficial trade mechanisms.
“The cooperation initiated by Japan also creates opportunities for technology transfer, expertise sharing and the development of new energy industries that will benefit all participating countries.
“In fact, there is already cooperation between Malaysia and Japan, particularly in new technologies and green energy,” he said in response to a question from moderator and International Energy Agency (IEA) executive director emeritus Nobuo Tanaka during a dialogue session at the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition 2026 here today (June 9).
AZEC is a regional cooperation platform proposed by Japan in 2022 to accelerate decarbonisation efforts among Asian countries without compromising regional economic growth.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said regional clean energy cooperation could also be strengthened through the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which brings together several major economies around the world.
“The CPTPP has the potential to become a platform for expanding cooperation in hydrogen, clean technology and low-carbon energy trade among member countries.
“In principle, I agree. If countries with strengths in the energy sector can work together, exchange ideas and establish trade protocols among member nations, it will certainly benefit all parties,” he said.
Elaborating further, he noted that Malaysia is among the founding members of the CPTPP, while Japan has also played a significant role in promoting the agreement.
“Besides the United Kingdom, which has already joined, several other countries including Indonesia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China and Taiwan have also expressed interest in becoming members.
“The framework has the potential to serve as a foundation for broader cooperation among countries developing new energy economies through technology sharing, knowledge exchange and the establishment of mutually beneficial trade protocols,” he said.
He said such an approach would not only accelerate the development of hydrogen and clean energy technologies but also strengthen economic ties between Asia, Europe and other regions in the future.
However, he stressed that any official Malaysian position on broader cooperation under specific frameworks remains subject to the decision of the Federal Government.
“At this stage, I cannot comment further because it is a decision for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“However, I believe the Prime Minister will support cooperation that benefits all parties,” he said.
