KUCHING: Timor-Leste’s accession as a full member of Asean was formally acknowledged during the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME), currently taking place here from Jun 16 to 18.
A delegate from Timor-Leste attended the high-level meeting as an observer, marking a historic milestone for the newest Asean member state.
Organised by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), the meeting brings together senior energy officials from all Asean member states (AMS) to chart the region’s strategic energy direction and enhance cooperation.
According to a PETRA statement, a key focus of this year’s SOME is the advancement of cross-border interconnection projects under the Asean Power Grid (APG) initiative.
“Asean SOME continues to serve as a vital platform for deliberating regional energy policies and reinforcing the long-term strategic direction of Asean energy cooperation,” the statement said.
Chaired by PETRA secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, who serves as chairman of Asean SOME 2025, the meeting also reviewed progress under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II (2021–2025) and initiated discussions for the next roadmap, APAEC 2026–2030.
Delegates also examined developments in multilateral electricity trade under the Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP), a landmark effort to enhance regional power connectivity.
The meeting further addressed key aspects of energy transition, including the acceleration of renewable energy deployment, enhancement of energy efficiency, exploration of nuclear energy potential, and the coordination of regional energy policies.
In addition, preparations are underway for the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, which will serve as a major follow-up platform to advance the outcomes of SOME.
