KUCHING: Sarawak is all set to host EIC CONNECT Energy Borneo 2025 from February 25 to 26 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, putting the state squarely in the limelight as a vital player in ASEAN’s energy transition.
EIC CONNECT Energy Borneo 2025 is a globally recognised platform with the theme ‘Power Borneo Energy Future As ASEAN’s Sustainable Energy Hub’.
It brings together leaders, innovators, and policymakers and is organised by the Energy Industries Council, supported by the Ministry of Energy and Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).
According to Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, this is the first time the EIC will hold a conference in this region.
“This is the EIC’s first time organising a conference in Sarawak.
“The EIC is one of the oldest energy councils in the world, and it started in 1943 in the United Kingdom.
So, this is an important conference, and this will be good for Sarawak,” he added.
Dr Hazland further explained having ambitions to become the regional energy hub with examples such as a roadmap on hydrogen production and renewable energy projects and also to lead in energy transition within ASEAN.
“Sarawak is already an energy hub and will continue to grow and develop into one of the region’s major energy suppliers.
“We have ambitious goals to position ourselves as the energy hub for the region.
“The latest developments, such as our hydrogen production roadmap, our renewable energy projects, and the role of the State in driving ASEAN’s energy transition, showcase the commitment that Sarawak is making,” he added.
He said the conference will emphasise the team driving Borneo’s energy future and Sarawak’s role as ASEAN’s sustainable energy hub by showcasing its commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
“We will also highlight the team powering Borneo’s energy future as Asean’s sustainable energy hub, which will showcase Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
“Collaboration and networking opportunities will also be part of the conference.
“We encourage delegates and exhibitors to seize the networking and collaboration opportunities provided by the event,” he urged.
Dr Hazland added that the EIC CONNECT Energy Borneo 2025 Conference will have three plenary sessions.
“The conference sessions will address the following critical themes for Borneo’s future.
“Session one, ‘Net Zero as a Catalyst for Economic Prosperity,’ discusses how the transition to net zero can serve as a driver for sustainable growth through renewable energy, decarbonization, and green technologies while positioning Borneo as a clean energy manufacturing hub.
“Plenary two, ‘Oil and Gas Resilience’, looks at how oil and gas can be an important part of the energy security equation in a low-carbon transition, underlining progress on cleaner extraction and carbon capture.
“Finally, in the plenary three sessions, ‘Collaborative Actions in ASEAN Interconnectivity’, under the spotlight is Borneo as the potential hub for regional infrastructure, energy grids, and digital networks that will further facilitate trade and development across ASEAN,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific Regional Director of the EIC, Azman Nasir, the programme’s organiser, added that Sarawak is set to host the international event, which will feature about 125 speakers over two days and 25 panel sessions.
“We will have 125 speakers over two days, with 25 panel sessions.
“There will be 22 speakers from Sarawak, 21 from the UK and Europe, about 20 from Peninsular Malaysia and 13 from Indonesia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azman said close to 600 delegates have confirmed their attendance so far, while the event targets participation of 800 to 1,000.
“As of yesterday (Jan 20), we are delighted to report close to 600 delegates confirmed for the event, with a target of 800 to 1,000 participants.
“While achieving 1,000 delegates remains an exciting challenge, we are optimistic about reaching 800 and reserving additional spaces for local delegates to ensure strong regional representation and engagement,” he said.
