KUCHING: The Asean Power Grid (APG) initiative will improve power connectivity and energy security across the region, says Datuk Fadillah Yusof.

The Deputy Prime Minister said an enhanced memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the APG was set to be signed at the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October, along with the formal endorsement of the terms of reference of the subsea power cable development framework.

"This critical advancement will undoubtedly propel our regional energy integration forward," he said at the welcoming dinner of the 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy here on Monday (June 16) night.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the APG was the cornerstone for cultivating a more resilient and sustainable energy future across Asean.

He described it as an infrastructure project with a vision of electricity flowing seamlessly across borders and shared energy security and prosperity.

"By interconnecting our national grids, we are creating the backbone of a truly integrated Asean energy market," he said.

Fadillah called for stronger political will, deeper technical cooperation and smarter investment strategies to fully realise the APG.

He said harmonised regulations, open and transparent markets and digital innovation were needed to make real-time regional power trading a reality.

"We need to embrace not just the hardware cables, substations and control systems, but also the software: governance frameworks, data sharing and mutual trust.

"In essence, the Asean Power Grid is about turning our diversity into strength. It is about leveraging our shared geography and complementary resources to build a future that is greener, more inclusive and more secure," he said.

He added that the APG enhanced MOU, coupled with the forthcoming Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030 document, will be a powerful catalyst for economic growth across all Asean member states.