China's Best Practices Set Precedent For Malaysia, Aligning With NETR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia can draw on China’s best practices to advance its energy transition within the framework of its new economic development, ensuring a fair and equitable shift that aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir stated that, according to the International Energy Agency, China has made significant strides, with renewable energy capacity growing at an annual rate of approximately 12 percent and the number of electric vehicles on the road increasing by around 20 percent each year.

“China's increasing technological adoption, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, sets a precedent for Malaysia to enhance its technological landscape.

“Our strategic collaboration with China will enable us to leverage their technological advancements to drive sustainable growth. It is a prime example of how bilateral relationships can drive meaningful progress,” he said in his keynote address at the 2024 Leadership Conference, Malaysia-China Summit at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre today.

Akmal Nasrullah said the collaboration demonstrates how shared goals can lead to innovation and impactful outcomes through investments in green hydrogen production, advancements in energy storage, and electric vehicles. 

He noted that during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to China in June this year, which marked 50 years of bilateral diplomatic ties between the two nations, clean and renewable energy was highlighted as one of the key areas of cooperation in the 14 bilateral memorandums of understanding signed.

As part of ASEAN, Akmal Nasrullah said Malaysia actively contributes to regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, which targets 23 percent renewable energy in the region’s energy mix by 2025.

“Our leadership is evident in initiatives such as the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) which enables multilateral electricity trading, showcasing the value of cross-border energy cooperation.

“These efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in achieving shared sustainability goals, while ASEAN’s collective efforts in tackling climate challenges reinforce the potential of regional partnerships to drive resilience and sustainable growth across borders,” he said.

The 2024 Malaysia-China Summit marks 50 years of enduring friendship between the two nations, serving as a testament to a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

The summit, organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia, celebrates a rich history of achievements in diplomacy, trade, economic cooperation, educational exchange, cultural understanding, and vibrant people-to-people connections.

-- BERNAMA