A new chapter in ASEAN’s energy future has begun with the launch of the ASEAN School of Regulation.
Southeast Asia is expected to drive 25% of global energy demand growth by 2035, creating a critical need for new power sources.
The region has the potential for 200 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with 25 GW suitable for cross-border trade. Developing a regional power grid is a key opportunity, as it could cut energy costs by up to 10%. To realize these economic and sustainability benefits, regulatory harmonization is necessary to ensure seamless cross-border power flow and maximize the potential of the ASEAN Power Grid.
The opening ceremony for the pilot Summer School for Regulators was held on the 22nd of September, at the PETRONAS Leadership Centre in Malaysia. This pilot program is a key step in a larger initiative to empower energy regulators across the region.
Hosted by the Energy Commission of Malaysia as the Chair of the ASEAN Energy Regulatory Network (AERN) and designed in collaboration with ETP, the Florence School of Regulation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), aims to build a sustainable institution that will provide ongoing technical assistance. The school’s mission is to equip regulators with the skills and knowledge needed to support the energy transition and facilitate cross-border power trade under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.
This vital work is supported by ETP-UNOPS, ESCAP, and the ASEAN Secretariat, as part of ETP’s ongoing project ‘The ASEAN School of Regulation’.
The project follows a three-phase process, including preparatory, piloting, and transition towards a sustainable institution. In its current preparatory stage, the project will deliver:
- A Needs Assessment to identify specific challenges of regulatory capacity building.
- The pilot Summer School to test and refine the curriculum and modalities.
- A Sustainable Concept Proposal to ensure the school’s long-term viability.
Ultimately, the school will foster a collaborative environment, promoting equal access and knowledge-sharing to help regulators build more sustainable energy systems.
In his speech, (delivered on his behalf by Ms. Siti Safinah binti Salleh) YBhg. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia identified regulators as a backbone of ASEAN’s energy integration, with their collective cooperation being a determining factor of the region’s shared vision.
ETP’s Director, Mr. Philip Rose (pictured above), drew attention to how ETP is fulfilling its core mission to build the regional capacity required for the energy transition, including expertise in renewable energy trading through the pooled fund model which allows ETP to bring together various funders to support the ASEAN School of Regulation with essential technical assistance.
The pilot Summer School was held from the 22 – 26 September, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on the project and its outcomes.
