As I reflect on my time at the recent International Energy Week in London, I am reminded of the immense responsibility we share in shaping a sustainable and secure energy future.

Conversations with industry leaders, policymakers and innovators underscored a common truth – no single entity can drive the energy transformation alone. Collaboration is the key to progress.

It was in this spirit that Petronas took a significant step forwards by forging a partnership with the Energy Institute (EI). This marks a milestone achievement as Petronas becomes the first Southeast Asia-headquartered company to join the EI as a Technical Partner. More than just a partnership, this is a testament to our commitment to accelerating a just and inclusive energy transformation in Asia and beyond.

For over 50 years, Petronas has been at the forefront of the energy sector, pioneering innovation and driving industry transformation to meet the world’s growing demands while prioritising sustainability. The energy landscape, however, is shifting at an unprecedented pace.

Our partnership with the EI is built on a shared vision – to create a more informed, resilient and efficient energy landscape to catalyse the progress towards a sustainable and resilient energy future that the world needs. The EI brings a legacy of technical expertise, research and best practices, while Petronas contributes deep industry insights, innovation and on-the-ground experience in Asia’s dynamic energy markets. Together, we are bridging the gap between knowledge and action.

This collaboration is especially significant for Asia, home to more than half of the world’s population and a region at the heart of the global energy transformation. While Asia’s economic growth presents enormous opportunities, it also brings unique challenges in balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability. By working with the EI, we aim to empower Asia’s energy sector with the knowledge and networks needed to drive an equitable transformation.

Three pillars of impact
Our partnership focuses on three interconnected pillars, each designed to drive meaningful change:

1. Fostering innovation and best practices
   Innovation is the lifeblood of the energy transformation. Whether through advanced decarbonisation technologies, digitalisation or operational excellence, we must continuously push the boundaries of what is possible. Through this partnership, we will accelerate the adoption of global best practices and cutting-edge solutions that enhance energy efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility across the industry.
2. Enabling informed decision-making
   In an era of rapid change, data-driven insights are crucial. By integrating Petronas’ industry expertise with the EI’s technical knowledge, we can empower stakeholders to make well-informed and data-backed strategic decisions. This will help shape policies, investments and industry standards that support long-term sustainability.
3. Cultivating the next generation of energy talent
   The future of energy lies in the hands of young talent. We are committed to empowering the next generation of energy professionals with the knowledge in sustainable practices, technical and technological expertise, and leadership skills needed to shape a sustainable future. With that, we are laying the foundation for a talent pipeline that will sustain Asia’s energy industry for decades to come.

Turning momentum into action
As I engaged with industry peers at International Energy Week, one recurring theme stood out – momentum alone is not enough. We need actionable solutions, scalable technologies and policies that drive meaningful change.

With its extensive experience and deep-rooted industry knowledge, Petronas is committed to leading this transformation in Asia through different pathways enabled by purposeful collaborations, aligned with Petronas’ pursuit towards its net zero carbon emissions by 2050 aspiration under the Petronas energy transition strategy.

We are already making strides in delivering more energy with fewer emissions towards strengthening our core business. From our progressing work in carbon capture and storage (CCS) to advancements in hydrogen and renewable energy, we are actively shaping Asia’s low-carbon future. But we recognise that true progress requires the approach of innovation ecosystems – one where businesses, governments and institutions work in concert to innovate effectively towards a sustainable tomorrow.

This is why platforms like International Energy Week and Energy Asia, which Petronas will co-host in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this June, are vital. We invite our global partners to join us in Kuala Lumpur for Energy Asia 2025, where we will continue these critical conversations and drive collective action.

With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the timing could not be more crucial. As Chair, Malaysia aims to promote strategic trust among nations through sustained dialogues, diplomacy and goodwill. Petronas supports Malaysia’s call for sustainability and inclusivity under its ASEAN chairmanship, pursuing shared progress and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Shaping the future, together
Standing at the intersection of challenge and opportunity, I remain optimistic. The road to net zero is not without its complexities, but I believe in the power of collaboration to overcome them.

Petronas, together with partners like the Energy Institute, is committed to leading Asia’s energy transformation with purpose and urgency.

The future of energy is one we must shape together – through bold ideas, unwavering commitment and, above all, a shared belief that a sustainable future is within our reach.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

• Further reading: ‘Transition technology: no time for unicorns’. The second day of International Energy Week 2023 focused on technology opportunities in the energy transition, with an emphasis on innovation and changing business models. Discover why the presenters felt there was no time for ‘unicorns’ (breakthrough technologies) as opposed to the incremental development of established solutions on the road to net zero.
• Find out more about the rapid expansion of the Australian LNG industry on both the east and west coasts, which has led Australia to become one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.