KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- At the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25), a clear message emerged: ASEAN must unite. Championing this cause, Abdul Aziz Othman, MGA President and IGU Regional Coordinator, highlighted regional collaboration as the cornerstone strategy for the gas industry. The urgency is clear: the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook projects gas demand will grow by more than two fold by 2050, requiring a coordinated approach to balance this growth with the global push for secure and sustainable energy.
Speaking in a panel session on ‘Oil and Gas Business Strategies in the Energy Transition Era’ at the AEBF-25, MGA acknowledges ASEAN’s increasing reliance on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The unavoidable reality is that the region will become a net importer of natural gas as early as 2027, exposing economies to the vagaries of global prices. The region cannot afford the delay. Immediate, coordinated action is essential to safeguard regional energy security.
The association emphasised that ASEAN countries should work together, sharing infrastructure and aligning investments to strengthen the reliability and resilience of energy systems. They should also develop a stable carbon market to accelerate the region’s energy transition. Clear policies, predictable regulatory frameworks, a business-friendly environment and accessible funding are crucial to attract investors and ensure the viability of capital-intensive projects, such as LNG terminals and cross-border pipelines. MGA also highlighted the value of energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions, including Cogeneration, biogas and biomethane, which can deliver immediate emissions reductions while larger projects, like Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), are being developed.
MGA commends Malaysia's leadership as the 2025 ASEAN Chair and endorses its pivotal efforts to drive regional energy integration. This includes critical initiatives to accelerate the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), establish a cohesive regional energy market and shape ambitious new frameworks through key forums like the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the deliberations for the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC 2026–2030), marking a new chapter in the region’s energy collaboration and transition.
“ASEAN must transition from being fragmented and competitive to a cohesive, collaborative region to optimise costs, securing our energy for the future. We have the capability and now it’s time to strengthen what ASEAN has built over the past decades. It’s no longer just about our own energy transition; we are designing a regional transformation,” says Abdul Aziz.
On the role of smaller local gas industry players, Abdul Aziz added, “Every action may seem small on its own, but together, they move the industry forward. Each company progresses at its own pace. MGA makes sure no one is left behind, supported, included and aligned with Malaysia’s national energy transition goals. We will continue working with policymakers and stakeholders so that government policies and industry actions come together seamlessly, strengthening energy security in Malaysia and across the region.” Today, natural gas industry contributes around RM52 billion annually to Malaysia’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and has long been a cornerstone of socioeconomic development. Beyond powering industries and households, the industry directly supports over 80,000 jobs and underpins supply chains across manufacturing and services. Gas’s role goes far beyond energy supply; it sustains livelihoods, creates opportunities for local OGSE businesses and drives national development.
About MGA:Founded in 1986, the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) is the nation’s lead advocate for the natural gas industry, playing a prominent role in promoting engagement, discourse and dialogue with key stakeholders to develop a vibrant and sustainable gas industry, to fuel Malaysia's socio-economic growth. With 150 corporate members, MGA champions natural gas as a clean and efficient source of energy to drive demand and increase industry participation.
Website: www.malaysiangas.com
Twitter: @MGA_Official1
Attachment:
1. Access press kits at this link ->
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dnJmWdXD8AY9Q7aCCUrTNEHFHoLB9WTW?usp=drive_link
2. Photo 1 caption – Abdul Aziz Othman speaks at AEBF-25 on how ASEAN can strengthen energy security while advancing a responsible energy transition SOURCE: Malaysian Gas Association (MGA)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nabilah Zulkefli
Tel: +60 12 349 9596
Email: nabilah@malaysiangas.com
--BERNAMA
