On 28 October, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) of Singapore signed two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Malaysia and Hong Kong, China to bolster bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
Closer collaboration with Malaysia on key energy developments
The MOU with the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga – ST) of Malaysia provides a framework for both organisations to enhance knowledge sharing and technical cooperation in the planning and reliability of gas and electricity systems, regulation of wholesale and retail electricity markets, and cooperation at multilateral meetings.
Mr Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of EMA, welcomed the MOU as a significant milestone in EMA’s bilateral cooperation with ST. "This MOU will strengthen the exchanges between EMA and ST. I look forward to closer collaboration on issues of mutual interest, such as greater integration of renewable energy into our national grids.”
The first activity under the MOU will be a virtual dialogue between EMA and ST in the first half of 2021 to discuss the challenges and impact of COVID-19. The dialogue will allow both organisations to share best practices on regulatory responses to support energy markets while safeguarding consumers’ interests.
Mr Razib Dawood, Chief Executive Officer of ST, said: “The industry landscape as a whole is becoming more challenging than ever, especially post COVID-19. We look forward to a greater relationship with our peer in Singapore and we are sure that this will be a win-win collaboration for both countries.”
Partnership with Hong Kong to build a resilient, future-ready energy system
The MOU signed with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of Hong Kong, China provides a framework to promote cooperation and sharing of regulatory practices in three key areas:
- Electricity and gas systems and markets, including planning and operations
- Renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, district cooling, and technologies such as hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage
- Cooperation at multilateral forums, such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Mr Eric Pang, Director of EMSD, said: “The MOU brings a closer EMSD and EMA energy cooperation by deepening our partnership on sharing of knowledge and experience in energy-related areas. Through strengthening our bilateral energy ties, EMSD and EMA excel our visionary and collaborative endeavour in shaping a green and sustainable future."
Activities between the two agencies will include knowledge and experience sharing, and technical cooperation involving training and exchange programmes between EMA and EMSD.
Mr Ngiam added: "This MOU demonstrates our commitment to advance our bilateral cooperation even as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has highlighted the importance of international cooperation in building a resilient and future-ready energy system and workforce.”
Follow us on Twitter (@SIEW_sg) to get the latest #SIEW2020 updates throughout the day!