KUCHING: Cross-border power connectivity and Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition will take the spotlight at the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0), happening at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on September 3 to 4.
With this year’s theme ‘Partnerships for Our Goals – Sustainable Growth & Prosperity for the Region’, it will highlight how cooperation across ASEAN can boost energy security, resilience and inclusive growth.
Sarawak Energy Group’s Chief Executive Officer and SAREF 4.0 organising chairman, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, said the forum is about building meaningful partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future.
“By strengthening regional cooperation and advancing initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, we can make the energy transition fast, fair and inclusive,” he said in a press release today.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the forum and speak at the opening plenary session, while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof will speak at the closing plenary on the second day.
High-level speakers will also be joining the forum.
Among them are Board Member of International Hydropower Association, Erik Solheim; ASEAN Centre for Energy’s Executive Director, Datuk Abdul Razib Dawood; Director for Energy, ERIA, Dr Nuki Agya Utama; IEA Regional Cooperation Centre head, Tan Sun Ern; and chair of Impact, World Energy Council, Naomi Hirose.
They will be joined by Sarawak’s ministers, regional energy leaders such as Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PT PLN (Persero), and industry experts including Pablo Valverde from the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Tri Mumpuni of IBEKA, and Datuk Hamzah Hussin of SEDA Malaysia.
Launched in 2019, SAREF has become a leading regional platform for advancing sustainable energy.
Past editions have shaped ASEAN policy dialogues, sparked partnerships, and deepened discussions on energy equity and resilience.
This year’s focus would see high-level dialogues on cross-border interconnections, inclusive growth, and sustainable development and exhibition of renewable energy technologies and innovations.
There will also be Youth Pavilion with cultural workshops, interactive talks, panel discussion and a
fireside conversation with Datuk Pandelela Rinong, Malaysia ‘s two-time Olympic medallist.
The 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Awards will also take place, showcasing youth innovation in ASEAN’s energy transition, while a Community Market will showcase local products and creativity.
Apart from that, there will be side event to the first hydroelectric plant in Sarawak – the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this coming October.
Registration is open until September 1, using the link: https://form.evenesis.com/SAREF4.0/Conference.
For details on the programme, speakers, sponsorship and exhibition, visit www.saref.com.my.
