Episode 1: Rethinking energy systems for a changing world

01:15 | Rising stakes for global energy

The global energy landscape is becoming more complex amid geopolitical uncertainty, rising demand and climate pressures. Countries must balance the energy trilemma of security, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. This means planning for a wider range of scenarios.

04:20 | Building ahead of demand

Artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, semiconductors and electrification are driving rapid growth in energy demand. Power grids take longer to build than new data centres and factories. Countries therefore need to anticipate future needs, diversify supply and build capacity ahead of demand.

06:15 | Renewables and nuclear gain momentum

Solar and wind capacity are reaching new heights globally. This offers countries more secure, competitive and lower-carbon energy options. Nuclear is also seeing renewed interest, with some countries reconsidering earlier plans to phase it out.

09:05 | Connecting Southeast Asia's energy systems

Southeast Asia has abundant renewable resources, but much of this potential remains untapped. Advancing the ASEAN Power Grid will require more cross-border infrastructure, including subsea cables. Countries will also need aligned policies, regulations and market frameworks to enable regional electricity trade to reduce the region reliance on fossil fuels.

11:23 | Strengthening Singapore's energy future and Singapore’s Climate Goals

Singapore reached 2GWp of installed solar capacity five years ahead of its original 2030 target. The country is also expanding grid capacity, enabling regional electricity imports and preparing for future energy options, including geothermal and nuclear.

14:01 | Turning dialogue into action at SIEW 2026

SIEW 2026 will convene global energy stakeholders to exchange perspectives, deepen collaboration and share insights. Discussions will span regional connectivity, renewables, nuclear energy and other emerging technologies, with a focus on advancing practical solutions.

About our guest

Mr Puah Kok Keong is the Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority, which ensures a reliable and secure energy supply, promotes effective competition in the energy market, and develops a dynamic energy sector in Singapore.

From 2016 to 2024, Mr Puah served as Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Home Affairs. In this role, he oversaw policy development, strategy planning, resource management, international cooperation, and research and statistics.

He began his career in 2002 as an economist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and became the Deputy Director of Energy Policy in 2007. In 2008, he joined the Ministry of Health as Deputy Director of Primary and Community Care. Mr Puah later assumed the role of Director of Governance and Planning in 2010. From 2011 to 2015, he served as Director for Fiscal Policy at the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Puah also sits on the Board of the National Environment Agency and Meranti Power.

He received both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000. He also earned a Master's degree in Management Science from Stanford University in 2016.