7.30am – 9.30am
Registration & Breakfast
8.00am – 9.15am
Southeast Asia High-Level Roundtable:
Advancing the ASEAN Power Grid
(By Invitation Only)
Meeting Room 4 & 5, Level 2
8.10am
Opening of Youth Pavilion
Hall B – Meeting Room 13 & 14, Level 2
9.00am
Opening of Community Market & Circular Economy
Level 1
9.45am – 10.00am
Arrival of Distinguished Guests
10.30am
Arrival of
The Right Honourable
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr)Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg
Premier of Sarawak
Welcome Address
The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki
Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy & PETROS)
Chairman of Sarawak Energy
Speech by
The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak
Opening Plenary: Partnerships for Our Goals
Partnerships are central to Southeast Asia’s energy transition, where rising demand, climate risks and the need for inclusive growth require collective action. This opening fireside chat will set the tone for SAREF 4.0, exploring how collaboration can shape a resilient, low-carbon energy future. The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, will share insights on renewable energy, regional interconnections and Sarawak’s role in advancing shared prosperity through the Borneo Grid.
Panellist:
The Right Honourable
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg
Premier of Sarawak
Moderator:
Kristie Lu Stout
Anchor and Correspondent
CNN
12.30pm
Exhibition Tour
1.00pm
Lunch
Delegates’ Meal Zone, Level 1
1.00pm
Youth Pavilion
Hall B – Meeting Room 13 & 14, Level 2
Special Address:
Hajah Siti Aisah Adenan
Senior Vice President for Corporate Services
Sarawak Energy
1.10pm
Voices of Borneo – Youth, Culture & Climate
Panellist:
Dato Pandelela Rinong
Malaysian National Athlete
Moderator:
Nicholas James Charles
Senior Executive for Strategy & Corporate Development
Sarawak Energy
1.40pm
Youth Lunch Talk
Powering the Future: Youth’s Perspectives on Just and Inclusive Transitions
Panellists:
Ardhi Arsala Rahmani
Research and Development Director
Youth for Energy Southeast Asia
Jason Occidental
Assistant Professor
Ateneo de Davao University
Alice Jipius
Director
TONIBUNG
Danutcha Catriona Singh
Managing Director
SOLS Foundation
Moderator:
Nur Khairin Bujang
Senior Executive for Sustainability
Sarawak Energy
2.00pm
Main Plenary: Sustainable Energy Future for Shared Prosperity
Southeast Asia, with a population of 680 million and a combined GDP of USD3.9 trillion, is experiencing rising energy demand alongside climate risks and unequal access. Securing affordable and sustainable energy is essential for competitiveness and long-term prosperity. This session will discuss energy platforms for inclusive growth, resilience and environmental progress, while examining integrated approaches that connect energy, water, environment and society to deliver shared benefits across the region.
Panellists:
Erik Solheim
Board Member of the International Hydropower Association, President of the Belt and Road Green Development Initiative, The Sixth and former UN Environment Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili
Group Chief Executive Officer
Sarawak Energy
Darmawan Prasodjo
President Director
PT PLN (Persero)
Sue-Ern Tan
Head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Regional Cooperation Centre Singapore
Naomi Hirose
Chair of the Japan Energy Association
Chair of Impact for World Energy Council
Former CEO of Tokyo Electric Power
James Dalton
Director of Global Water Programme
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Moderator:
Kristie Lu Stout
Anchor and Correspondent
CNN
3.00pm
Session 1: Powering Sustainable Growth – A Just, Inclusive and Equitable Energy Transition
Southeast Asia is undergoing a critical transformation to meet rising energy demand while aligning with global climate goals. Despite vast renewable potential, much remains untapped. A just, inclusive and equitable transition is essential – addressing disparities in access, protecting ecosystems, supporting workforce shifts and amplifying community voices. This session provides a high-level platform for policymakers, industry, financiers and civil society to explore strategies that ensure the region’s energy transition drives sustainable growth, strengthens resilience and delivers both social justice and environmental integrity.
Keynote Address:
The Honourable
Datuk Dr. Haji Hazland bin Haji Abang Hipni
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak
Panellists:
Dato’ Hamzah Hussin
Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA)
Dr Keiju Mitsuhashi
Energy Director for Southeast Asia and Pacific
Asian Development Bank
Tri Mumpuni Wiyatno
Founder and Executive Director
People Centred Economic and Business Institute of Indonesia (IBEKA)
Arthur Simatupang
Co-Managing Partner
Mahardika Energy Partners, Indonesia
Dr Nuki Agya Utama
Director for Energy and Head of Asia Zero Emission Centre
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Moderator:
Alain Kilajian
Deputy Executive Director
Hydropower Sustainability Standard
4.00pm
Session 2: Accelerating Regional Energy Connectivity
As Southeast Asia’s energy demand rises and climate change challenges escalate, advancing secure, sustainable, and interconnected power systems is vital. The Borneo Grid and ASEAN Power Grid are central to this transformation towards supporting energy security, decarbonisation and regional trade. In addressing the pressing need to shift focus from planning to execution, this session will convene regional energy leaders to explore actionable strategies, pilot projects, regulatory alignment, and financing solutions – positioning an interconnected Borneo as a catalyst for ASEAN energy integration.
Panellists:
Edwin Nugraha Putra
Director of Transmission and System Planning for PT PLN (Persero)
Dr Simon Harrison
Group Head of Strategy
Mott MacDonald
UK Clean Power Commissioner
Ir. Magdalene Chu Wai Quan
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
(Planning & Economic Regulation)
Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS)
Ritu Bandari
Manager for Policy & Insights for Economist Impact
Dr Chen Shiun
Senior Vice President for Strategy & Corporate Development, Sarawak Energy
Moderator:
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Razib Dawood
Executive Director
ASEAN Centre for Energy
5.00pm
Session 3: Sustainable Hydropower Development: Social Management and Benefit Sharing, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
This session will examine international best practices in climate adaptation, benefit sharing and social management through the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). Case studies will demonstrate how the HSS enables responsible growth by balancing economic development, community benefits and environmental stewardship. An interactive panel will provide practical insights to encourage wider industry adoption. As an internationally recognised certification system, the HSS is governed by governments, civil society, financiers and industry and is aligned with global safeguards and renewable energy markets.
Presentation of the World Hydropower Outlook 2025 by International Hydropower Association
Panellists:
Pablo Valverde
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
International Hydropower Association
Zhang Kaihong
Vice President
China Three Gorges International Limited
Darylynn Chung Yiu Li
Sustainability/ESG Lead
Sarawak Energy
HSS Accredited Assessor
Tommy T. Valdez
Vice President for Corporate Affairs
Head of Sustainability Group
San Roque Power Corporation
Moderator:
Amina Kadyrzhanova
Senior Sustainability Specialist
Hydropower Sustainability Alliance
6.00pm
Networking Session
7.00pm
Gala Dinner
Great Hall C & D, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
7.30am – 9.30am
Registration & Breakfast
8.10am
Opening of Youth Pavilion
8.30am
Start of Youth Pavilion
8.45am
Opening Address
Yang Berbahagia
Datu Jafri Bin Lias
Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication
9.00am
Energising Southeast Asia: Youth Voices Driving Energy Transition
Dr. Ardhi Arsala Rahmani
Research & Development Director
Youth for Energy Southeast Asia
Jason Occidental
Assistant Professor
Ateneo de Davao University
9.20am
Powering with Purpose: A Career in Sustainable Energy,
From Bhutan’s GNH to Global Action
Tashi Pem
Senior Sustainability Specialist
Hydropower Sustainability Alliance
9.50am
Sape Demonstration
10.30am
Sarawak Youth Stories: Green Hands Make Green Plans
Sapphire Young Professional Network
Meredith En Kho
Executive for Human Resources
Sarawak Energy
Nicholas Lau
Executive for Project Delivery
Sarawak Energy
10.50am
Weaving Demonstration
Beading Workshop
11.30am
From Rivers to Renewable Power: Life as a Hydrologist
Gertrude Audrey
Engineer for Hydro
Sarawak Energy
11.50am
Birds, Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship in Sarawak
Zahirunisa Abd Rahim
Consultant (Wildlife Ecologist) for Research & Development
Sarawak Energy
12.10pm
Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG30)
TPr. Tn Hj Rasid Che Seman
Pusat SDG Negara
12.25pm
Break
1.00pm
Special Address
Hajah Siti Aisah Adenan
Senior Vice President for Corporate Services
Sarawak Energy
1.10pm
Voices of Borneo – Youth, Culture & Climate
In Conversation with
Dato Pandelela Rinong
Malaysian National Athlete
1.40pm
Youth Lunch Talk
Powering the Future: Youth’s Perspectives on Just and Inclusive Transitions
Dr. Ardhi Arsala Rahmani
Research & Development Director
Youth for Energy Southeast Asia
Alice Jipius
Director
TONIBUNG
Jason Occidental
Assistant Professor
Ateneo de Davao University
Danutcha Catriona Singh
Managing Director
SOLS Foundation
2.40pm
Break
2.50pm
The Big Picture: Sarawak’s Climate Plans and What They Mean for You(th)
Ir Dr. Angelia Liew San Chuin
Advisor for Climate Change, Energy and Sustainable Development
Department of the Premier of Sarawak
3.20pm
Final Presentation of 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Award 2025
Innovation Lab Track – Policy Pitch
4.20pm
Final Presentation of 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Award 2025
Creative Advocacy Track – Video
4.55pm
Final Presentation of 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Award 2025
Creative Advocacy Track – Infographic
5.30pm
Closing Address
Marconi Madai
Senior Vice President for Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Sarawak Energy
5.40pm
End
7.00am – 8.30am
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Parallel Session
Hall A
Great Hall A & B
Hall B
Meeting Room 13 & 14
8.15am – 9.00am
Session 4: Developing Workforces for the Energy Transition
The energy transition is not only technological but also profoundly human, requiring new skills, roles and workforce strategies to deliver and sustain green energy innovation. This session will examine how opportunities are emerging, how traditional roles are evolving and the challenges accompanying this shift. Discussions will focus on essential capabilities, collaborative approaches across ASEAN and Asia-Pacific and strategies for training, re-skilling and empowerment to ensure a just, inclusive and sustainable workforce transformation for a resilient energy future.
Dr Andrea North-Samardzic
Associate Professor
Associate Dean Executive Degree Programmes
Melbourne Business School
9.00am – 10.00am
Great Hall A &B
Session 5: Financing the Future: Unlocking The Commercial Pathways for Renewable Energy
The global energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. As the shift to a low-carbon economy accelerates, companies must adapt and embrace innovative solutions to remain competitive and sustainable. Designed for corporate leaders, investors, financial institutions and policymakers, this session will discuss evolving business models in renewable energy and emerging technologies, including hydro, solar and energy storage. Discussions will cover financial mechanisms, strategic approaches and risk mitigation to commercialise renewable energy investments and drive sustainable growth.
Panellists:
Eugene Toh
Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Services)
Chief Commercial Officer
Energy Market Authority
Gladys Chua
Chief Executive Officer
RAM Sustainability Sdn. Bhd.
Angus Salim Salleh Amran
Group Chief Sustainability Officer
RHB Group
Henry Loh
Head of Asian Credit
Aberdeen Investments
Moderator:
Leslie Chai
Vice President for Commercial, Sarawak Energy
Meeting Room 13 & 14
Session 6: Advancing Circular Economy in Energy Sector: Maximising Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
ASEAN’s reliance on coal, oil and natural gas presents pressing environmental, economic and security challenges, including high emissions, resource depletion and price volatility. As regional economies expand, transitioning to a sustainable energy model is urgent. A circular economy (CE) approach offers a pathway by enhancing resource efficiency, reducing waste and integrating renewables. This session will explore how CE adoption can reduce fossil fuel dependency, strengthen resilience, and drive sustainability through innovation, cross-sector collaboration and progressive policies in ASEAN’s energylandscape.
Keynote Address:
The Honourable
Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning Land Administration and Environment Sarawak
Panellists:
Dr Anthony Pramualratana
Deputy Executive Director for ASEAN Centre
Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue
Norita Ja’afar
Independent Non-Executive Director
Cypark Resources Berhad
Peter Godfrey
Managing Director APAC
Energy Institute
Moderator:
Dr Mildred Voon Hian Ya
Head of Sectoral Planning Division
Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak
10.00am – 11.00am
Great Hall A &B
Session 7: The Role of Gas in ASEAN’s Energy Future: Primary Fuel and Transitional Bridge to Sustainability
As economies grow, the need for reliable and cleaner energy is rising. Natural gas, with its lower carbon footprint, supports energy security and economic growth while enabling a smoother transition to renewables. This session will explore the evolving role of natural gas in ASEAN’s transition to a more sustainable energy system, highlighting its contribution to energy security, renewable energy integration and emissions reduction as the region moves towards a low-carbon future.
Panellists:
Dato Abang Arabi Abang Narudin
Senior Vice President for Sarawak Resource Management
Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS)
Anil Kumar Addanky
Director of Services for South & Southeast Asia, Taiwan
Black & Veatch
Dr I Gusti Suarnaya Sidemen
Senior Consultant for Energy
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Shania Esmeralda Manaloe
Research Analyst
ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)
Moderator:
Ilham Fadilah Sunhaji
Vice President/Head, Corporate Strategy & Research
Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation
Meeting Room 13 & 14
Session 8: Nature-Based Solutions Towards Net Zero: Perspectives from the Energy Sector
Southeast Asia’s energy transition must accelerate renewables while safeguarding ecosystems vital to energy security. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects – including aVorestation and reforestation, wetland and mangrove restoration, conservation and sustainable land management – enhance asset resilience, reduce climate-related physical and transition risks while delivering community benefits. This session will explore how multisector collaboration, policy coherence and community engagement can integrate NBS into energy strategies, ensuring a just, sustainable transition – safeguarding natural landscapes and advancing conservation, climate adaptation and inclusive growth across ASEAN.
Panellists:
Dr Satrio Adi Wicaksono
Regional Coordinator for Forest and Drylands
IUCN Asia Regional Office
Ivy Wong Abdullah
Chief Executive Officer Malaysia
Permian Global
Suhaini Haron
Senior Director Corporate & Strategy
Malaysia Forest Fund
Dr Malcom Demies
Head of Carbon Unit
Forest Department Sarawak
Moderator:
Mohamad Irwan Aman
General Manager for Sustainability
Sarawak Energy
11.00am – 12.00pm
Great Hall A &B
Session 9: Advancing Next Generation Energy: Innovation and Technology in Energy Transition
Technology and innovation are central to building an efficient, resilient and sustainable energy future. This session explores how digitalisation, automation and advanced systems, including smart grids, storage and hydrogen, can address decarbonisation, energy security and affordability. Participants will gain insights into how emerging and proven solutions enhance efficiency, resilience and renewable integration, while fostering collaboration across industries, policymakers and communities to ensure innovation delivers tangible benefits for a just and inclusive energy transition.
Panellists:
Zhou Hao Jie
Chief Operating Officer
Huawei
(Electric Power Digitalisation Business Unit)
Nadzifah Hayati Ariffin
Chief Engineer (Asset Strategy & Policies) for Distribution Network, Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Dr Ng Sing Muk
General Manager for Research & Development
Sarawak Energy
Prayag Parikh
Senior Technical Leader
Electric Power Research Institute
Moderator:
Ho Sue Yuin
Vice President
ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP)
Meeting Room 13 & 14
Session 10: The Future of Energy in ASEAN: Towards Synchronised Regulatory Framework – Challenges and Opportunities
ASEAN nations have set ambitious net-zero targets, yet progress is uneven due to fragmented regulations and differing policy capacities. A coordinated regulatory framework is essential to unlock cross-border investment, accelerate clean energy adoption and ensure an inclusive transition. This session convenes regional experts in policy, markets, finance, and law to explore strategies for harmonising energy governance. Panellists will share practical insights on regulatory alignment to support climate goals, enable carbon pricing, reduce investor uncertainty and promote socially equitable outcomes.
Panellists:
Lachlan McPhee
Second Secretary, Political & Economic
Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur
Dr Wei-nee Chen
Head of Carbon Market
Bursa Malaysia
Vu Minh Thu
Senior Energy Analyst
TransitionZero
Fiona Gulliford
Partner for Trinity International
Head of Asia-Pacific Practice
Moderator:
Edey Suresh
Director
UN Global Compact Network
Malaysia & Brunei
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Great Hall A &B
Session 11: Position of Nuclear in Energy Sustainability
Nuclear power, providing around 10% of global electricity, remains polarising despite its low-carbon profile. This plenary aims to provide a holistic platform for a balanced and regionally contextualised dialogue on nuclear energy. While Sarawak is not currently pursuing nuclear power, building informed awareness is key to future policy readiness, cross-border cooperation and broader sustainable energy discussions.
Panellists:
Yang Mulia Raja Dato’ (Dr) Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan
Principal Advisor
eCEOs
Former Director
Security for International Atomic Energy Agency
Naomi Hirose
Chair of the Japan Energy Association
Chair of Impact for World Energy Council
Former CEO of Tokyo Electric Power
Dr Jan Van Der Lee
Chief Executive Officer
International Institute for Nuclear Energy
Former Director of Nuclear Technologies with Electricite de France
Dr Julia Abdul Karim
Director of the Technical Support Division
Malaysian Nuclear Agency
Exco Member of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Malaysia
Moderator:
Dr Chen Shiun
Senior Vice President for Strategy & Corporate Development
Sarawak Energy
Meeting Room 13 & 14
Session 12: Driving Sustainable Cities & Communities – Pathway Towards Net Zero
Cities, responsible for over 70% of global emissions, face urgent climate challenges from rapid urbanisation. Achieving net-zero urban centres requires integrated strategies combining green infrastructure, clean mobility, circular economy principles and multistakeholder collaboration. This session will explore electrified transport, district energy, smart grids and waste-to-resource approaches, alongside public-private partnerships and community engagement. By aligning urban development with United Nations’ SDG 11 and SDG 17, cities can create liveable, low-carbon environments, enhance regional
prosperity and ensure equitable access to resilient, sustainable urban spaces.
Panellists:
Dr Julian Neo
Managing Director
DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei
Vivien Zheng
Senior Manager
Net Zero Centre of Excellence, Univers
Surendro
Regional Senior Programme Manager
UCAP CAI Programme (Southeast Asia), C40 Cities
Dr Matt Benson
Senior Director
Think City
Moderator:
Dr Tajang Jinggut
Co-Founder, Project Development
Nature Based Solutions Sdn. Bhd.
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Great Hall A &B
Lunch
Delegates’ Meal Zone, Level 1
Meeting Room 13 & 14
Session 13: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Lunch Talk – Redefining Excellence: How Inclusive Leadership is Reshaping
Meritocracy in the Energy Transition
Across the energy sector, conversations on leadership are shifting. Beyond technical expertise and performance, there is growing recognition that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential to driving innovation, resilience and long-term success. Yet, debates around meritocracy often raise difficult questions: are DEI initiatives truly advancing equal opportunity, or are they seen as quota-driven? This session brings together industry leaders to explore how inclusive leadership is redefining excellence in the energy transition. Panellists will share strategies for bridging the gender gap in leadership, examine the business case for DEI and reflect on how to create workplaces and boardrooms that are not only equitable, but also better equipped to lead a just and sustainable future for all.
Special Address:
Sim Ko Sin
Chief Digital Officer, Sarawak Energy
Executive Champion for Sarawak Energy Leading Women Network (SELWN)
Panellists:
Alvin Lim Khiok Leong
Chief Operating Officer for Sarawak Energy Resources
SELWN Council Member
Sarawak Energy
Dr. Kalanithi Nesaretnam
Non-Executive Director
IOI Corporation Berhad and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad
Jukhee Hong
Executive Director
ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia
Pablo Valverde
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
International Hydropower Association
Moderator:
Anne Abraham
Founder and Chairperson
LeadWomen
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Session 14: Energy Leaders Forum: Power Beyond Borders
As ASEAN pursues a sustainable, low-carbon energy future, success depends not only on technical advancement and competence but also from cross-border partnerships and collaborations. The ASEAN Power Grid highlights the urgency of regional energy trade, requiring policy alignment and robust governance. This session will convene senior leaders from the energy sector to discuss combining strategic investment, bold leadership and shared accountability to deliver reliable, inclusive and clean energy across the region.
Panellists:
Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili
Group Chief Executive Officer
Sarawak Energy
His Excellency Ajay Sharma
British High Commissioner to Malaysia
Eugene Toh
Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Services)
Chief Commercial Officer
Energy Market Authority
Yanuar Fajari
Head of the Energy
Mineral Division
ASEAN Secretariat
Moderator:
Freda Liu
Global Speaker and Former Journalist
3.00pm – 3.15pm
3.15pm – 4:15pm
Speech by
Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili
Group Chief Executive Officer
Chairman for SAREF 4.0
Sarawak Energy
Closing Plenary by
The Right Honourable
Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
Moderator:
Zahir Kelvin Ong Abdullah
Host
Money Matters TV3
Presentation of the 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Awards (AEYA) 2025
5.00pm
Networking Cocktail
As of 30 August 2025 – the Organiser retains the right to modify any component of the conference format, agenda, or programme, as required.
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