SIEW Thinktank Roundtable L, hosted by the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, delved into ways Southeast Asia can build back better in its post-pandemic recovery. Nathaniel Tang reports
How can Southeast Asia’s green recovery efforts in the energy sector be bolder and more inclusive? SIEW Thinktank Roundtable L, helmed by the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS), brought together industry experts to discuss how the region's low carbon energy transition can be vital to its post-pandemic recovery.
Kicking off the roundtable was Choi Shing Kwok, CEO and Director, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, who talked about the promising signs as well as possibilities for a green recovery in Southeast Asia. While the energy transition may not be a smooth ride, he emphasised the importance of making careful but bold and transformative changes for the energy sector.
Driving ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery plan
Melinda Martinus, Lead Researcher (Socio-cultural), ASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, shared her views on the region's recovery plans from a protracted pandemic. She noted that while ASEAN countries are fully committed to the energy transition, there remain untapped opportunities for an inclusive green recovery for the energy sector.
Deo Gabinete, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific and Eastern European, NDC Partnership,
also spoke about the importance of aligning green recovery initiatives with countries' sustainability objectives. He said the pandemic has shown that ASEAN economies can work together in a concerted effort to tackle global threats. Mr Gabinete was hopeful the same can be applied to collectively curb global emissions and increase climate resilience.
Shaping a resilient energy transition
Junice Yeo, Executive Director and Head of Greater China, Eco-Business, touched on ways to foster a more robust energy transition in Southeast Asia. She noted that while there was optimism for Southeast Asia’s energy transition, much more needed to be done to address the prevailing infrastructural, political and social challenges.
Simon Wilson, Head of Utility Scale Renewables Business Development, SG and SEA, Sembcorp Industries Ltd, noted that communities and businesses both thrive when there is a common purpose and empathy. He encouraged businesses to lead by example, both in voice and action, to push the sustainability agenda.
When it came to mobility considerations, Tan Min Yih, Senior Vice President, Global Mobility Network, Shell, said it was crucial to put individuals at its heart. He added that there are real opportunities waiting to be seized in the drive towards lower carbon mobility systems.
Lorraine Elliott, Professor Emerita, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University, outlined key energy justice principles to ensure that the energy transition is as inclusive as possible. She highlighted the need for broader stakeholder participation to strengthen access to energy, and decent work and quality jobs.
In closing, moderator Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, said there is no single blueprint to guide the energy transition. What is needed, she added, are creative solutions to overcome challenges arising from the energy transition.
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