Kuala Lumpur: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (Sabah Electricity) Chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for deeper Asean–China energy cooperation to help build a green and interconnected energy future.
He made the call during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Conference held recently, at the invitation of Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew and Tan Siew Ling, Vice President and Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee.
As a keynote speaker and forum panellist, Madius highlighted that Asean is at a critical juncture in its energy transition and underscored the importance of striking a balance between reliability, affordability and sustainability in power supply.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He said China, as a global leader in energy technology and industrial development, could play a pivotal role in supporting Asean’s green transition through technology sharing, investment and technical expertise.
“To realise these goals, regional collaboration is vital. Working closely with global leaders such as China, and engaging in the exchange of technology, investments and knowledge, will accelerate our progress,” he said.
Madius cited Malaysia’s proactive development in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and its close cooperation with other Asean nations as a reflection of the country’s strong commitment to a sustainable and integrated regional energy landscape.
He said Malaysia, through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and policy leadership, is playing a key role in driving the region’s energy transition.
“China’s advancements in photovoltaic module manufacturing are set to play a crucial role in the global shift towards renewable energy,” he added.
Madius also commended the organisers of the conference and congratulated them on the establishment of the China–Asean Photovoltaic Industry Cooperation Committee and the China–Asean New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Committee.
He expressed hope that these new mechanisms would foster deeper collaboration in key green sectors, particularly photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, across the region.
During the conference, Madius also introduced Sabah Electricity to international delegates. He explained that the company is 83 per cent owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), 17 per cent by the Sabah State Government, with the Ministry of Finance Malaysia holding a one per cent “golden share.”
He said Sabah, located in East Malaysia, faces unique challenges in power grid infrastructure due to its geographical landscape, but holds immense potential in advancing the green energy agenda.
“As the main utility provider for Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah Electricity currently serves over 700,000 customers. Beyond supplying power, the company is committed to promoting energy diversification and enhancing efficiency to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy structure, contributing to Malaysia’s national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” he said, wishing the conference every success and hoping for closer collaboration among all parties to usher in a new era of regional energy cooperation.
