Science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang said the collaboration reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to a sustainable and resilient energy future, in line with the Asean Community Vision 2045 and the principles of Malaysia Madani.

“The interconnected challenges of ensuring energy security and tackling climate change demand a collective response.

“The Azec platform stands as an important vehicle for our region to pursue the shared goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously ensuring economic growth and maintaining energy affordable to all,” he said at a press conference.

Chang said the meeting produced concrete results, including six MoUs between Malaysian and Japanese entities, covering areas such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), biofuels, financing and decarbonisation.

“Our collaboration has yielded concrete results. The third Azec ministerial meeting has successfully achieved its objectives, strengthening our close cooperation and taking meaningful steps to enhance the energy trilemma, namely, security, affordability and sustainability.”

The ministry’s statement listed several key agreements, including a memorandum of cooperation on CCS between Putrajaya and Japan’s economy, trade and industry ministry; an equity investment agreement for a biofuel production plant in Pengerang; and a collaboration between the Development Bank of Sarawak and Mizuho Bank for strategic cooperation.

Other agreements involve feasibility studies for carbon dioxide capture from emission sources in Malaysia and partnerships to advance biomass energy production and rubber industry operations.

Chang said discussions during the meeting centred on three key pillars for future cooperation — ensuring a just transition, accelerating green mobility and sustainable aviation fuel, and mobilising transition finance.

“These pillars also underpin Malaysia’s own transition pathway. The National Energy Transition Roadmap is a testament of a living blueprint that embodies the same ambition and aligns closely with the principle of ‘one goal, various pathways’.”

He added that Malaysia was preparing for the next chapter of its transition, including the development of nuclear energy as a clean energy source under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

“Hosting this meeting in Kuala Lumpur underscores our commitment, not only to decarbonisation, but also to establishing Malaysia as a leading energy hub in the region.”