Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
1. We meet at a time when the world is in the grip of an escalating energy crisis. Indeed, stemming from the Strait of Hormuz, the epicentre is nowhere near here, but its tremors rumble across the entire region, straining the supply lines that feed industries and power homes, and triggering energy emergencies in various countries.
2. It is a stark reminder that our world is intrinsically interconnected and in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty, we are all equally exposed to external vulnerabilities.
3. This crisis compels us to confront the reality that fossil fuels, which has powered our civilisation since the Industrial Age, is not just finite, but may be less secure and reliable than we once assumed.
4. Compounding this problem is the fact that our region is projected to witness an increase in energy demand by more than 60 percent by 2040, no thanks indeed to further urbanisation and industrialisation.
5. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is likely to accelerate this trajectory further, with data centres and advanced computing infrastructure requiring unprecedented levels of electricity. As countries race to build digital economies and harness AI-driven growth, the challenge before us is not only to generate more energy, but to ensure that it remains secure, affordable and sustainable.
6. This is why as ASEAN Chair last year, I pressed for commitment on the ASEAN Power Grid because no single country can meet this demand efficiently on its own. Deepening regional integration is not just aspirational, it is essential.
7. In this regard, I am pleased to share that recently at the ASEAN Summit at Cebu, the operationalisation of the ASEAN Power Grid Enhanced MoU was reaffirmed as a priority deliverable under the Philippines’ Chairmanship this year.
8. Encouragingly, we are not starting from scratch. Since 2022, renewable hydropower generated in Lao PDR has been transmitted through Thailand and Malaysia into Singapore, establishing Southeast Asia’s first multilateral cross-border electricity trade. This pioneering initiative has demonstrated not only the technical feasibility of regional energy integration, but also ASEAN’s ability to translate shared ambition into tangible cooperation.
9. Yet, such progress also compels us to confront a broader question: how do we accelerate the transition — as countries, economies and societies — towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, while ensuring resilience, affordability and security? Answering this will require not only technological innovation, but also difficult choices on policy, investment and regional cooperation.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
10. This year’s Energy Transition Conference takes place at this critical juncture. Our energy systems are being reshaped by geopolitical and technological imperatives – with one affecting supply while the other increasing demand. Similarly, this year’s theme of “Energy & AI — the Synergy for Energy Transition” is fitting for the moment we are in, where the confluence of energy and digital intelligence is redefining our world and economies.
11. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, industries and societies, but this transformation comes with significant energy implications. The expansion of data centres, cloud computing and AI infrastructure is driving unprecedented electricity demand, raising urgent questions about grid resilience, energy affordability and long-term sustainability.
12. At the same time, AI also presents opportunities to accelerate energy transition efforts. From improving grid efficiency and forecasting renewable energy generation to optimising industrial energy use, AI has the potential to strengthen energy systems. The challenge, however, lies in ensuring that Page 5 of 6 the growth of AI does not outpace the sustainability ambitions it is also expected to support.
13. In the case of Malaysia, due to our strategic location and competitive investment environment, we have emerged as a key destination in this global digital infrastructure race. We continue to attract major data centre investments, particularly in Johor and the Klang Valley. This raises the stakes – but in this regard, I have full confidence in TNB’s ability to guide our energy transition and to deliver on the promises of AI and energy.
14. We will deliver on our promise to the rakyat, that our transition will be just, our energy will be secure, and that AI will serve this nation’s interests. That is, and must continue to be, the measure of this work.
15. In closing, I commend TNB for once again convening the Energy Transition Conference to foster discussions, deliberations, and critical dialogue on the energy transition agenda.
Thank you.
***Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered this keynote address at the Energy Transition Conference today (June 4, 2026)