Top (From Left): Mr. Xavier Faugeras, Prof Ir Dr M Shahir Liew. Below (From Left): Mr. Peter
Godfrey, Mr. Abang Jimmy Abang Mordian, and Mr. Ganesha Pillai A/L Prathapa Senan
The first ET-MAce webinar series on the Challenges and Opportunities of Energy Transition in Malaysia was successfully held on 17th May 2022, from 3 to 5 pm, with more than 150 participants. The welcoming remarks was delivered by Professor Ir Dr Shahir Liew.
"ET-MAce activities comprise of several phases of Council roundtable discussion, followed by Webinar and Workshop."
Moderated by Mr. Xavier from TotalEnergies EP, the Webinar begun with a very apt topic on "Challenges & Opportunities in Energy Transition" presented by Mr Peter (E1). He shared that the primary hurdles faced in energy transition is due to big investment requirement, as such, 70-80% projects are not investable yet in the Southeast Asia region. Accordingly establishing transparent carbon pricing mechanisms need to be addressed to stimulate investors in low carbon alternatives. Further, integral of six
factors for a practical policy point of view will be essential for a smart ecosystem; including the environment, mobility, society, economy, qualities of life,, circular economy, and government.
Next, Mr. Abang Jimmy (PETRONAS) shared his insights on the role of human capital development in accelerating the energy transition.
Mr. Abang Jimmy emphasized on the needs for talents to have both technical and skillsets i.e., agility, innovative to adapt to the new norm. Particularly in PETRONAS, a Working Backward culture has been inculcated to deliver the client-centric solution in innovative manners. Not only that, reskilling the (future) leader is important too in term of learning, and embracing digitalization for a conducive ecosystem to flourish.
The last speaker, Mr. Ganesha Pillai (SEDA) presented Malaysian RE Roadmap towards achieving 31% RE share by 2025 and 40% by the end of 2035. Driven by Paris Agreement 2015, 12th Malaysian Plan, and SDG 7, 11, and 13, key actions up to 2025 and 2035 for 4 main pillars inclusive of solar, biomass, hydro, and new technology & solution has been outlined.
"To ensure the success of RE targets that bring 46,636 job opportunities and 60% reduction in the carbon emission, emphasis need to be placed on the public awareness, financial mechanism, supporting policy, and collaboration among policy maker, industry player, and strategic partner."
Towards the end of webinar, queries from the audience had been well-addressed by these 4 panelist. Topic of the question ranged from the potential of nuclear along with the other potential sustainable energy, localization, and role of various entities toward prominence of transition energy i.e.., policy makers, SMEs, university, etc. Overall, key takeaway from the webinar will be taken into consideration in
future workshops.
