IEA And Singapore to Convene First-Ever Governing Board Meeting In Asia On 28–29 October 2025, Highlighting ASEAN’s Role In Energy Security

The International Energy Agency (IEA), together with Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), has announced that the 295th meeting of the IEA Governing Board will take place in Singapore on 28–29 October 2025. This milestone event, held alongside the 18th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), marks the first-ever IEA Governing Board meeting in Asia, underscoring the region’s growing importance in the global energy landscape.

Singapore and the IEA reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on regional energy interconnectivity and energy security. Both parties emphasized the critical role of the ASEAN Power Grid in building a sustainable, secure, and resilient energy future for Southeast Asia. The Singapore-IEA Forum at SIEW, scheduled for 28 October 2025, will spotlight energy security and explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance energy efficiency and grid resilience.

The IEA Governing Board meeting will feature a Special Joint Session bringing together senior energy policymakers from ASEAN Member States and representatives from the IEA’s 32 Member countries. Discussions will center on strengthening energy security across Southeast Asia, with a focus on accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and deepening the region’s participation in global critical mineral supply chains.

This high-level meeting also aims to reinforce collaboration between the IEA and Southeast Asian countries ahead of the IEA Ministerial Meeting scheduled in Paris in February 2026. Both Singapore and the IEA view this as an opportunity to advance joint efforts in energy technologies, regional interconnectivity, and energy transition strategies.

IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol highlighted the significance of Southeast Asia’s role in global energy trends, stating, “Southeast Asia is fundamental to the future of global energy. The region’s energy demand, which has grown by 80% over the past two decades, is projected to contribute one-quarter of global energy demand growth by 2050, second only to India. This outlook presents major implications for energy security, affordability, and emissions. However, the region holds powerful tools for change—particularly through stronger regional coordination and international partnerships.”

Echoing this sentiment, IEA Governing Board Chair Anders Hoffman remarked, “Energy security is a shared responsibility – no country can achieve it alone. We need global cooperation and mutual understanding. This will be the first time the IEA Governing Board convenes in the heart of Southeast Asia, and we are deeply grateful to Singapore for hosting. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity for IEA Members to strengthen trusted relationships and build on the tangible results of our ongoing collaboration. As we mark one year since the inauguration of the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, our commitment to deepening cooperation with Southeast Asian and Pacific nations remains steadfast.”

Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology, Dr. Tan See Leng, expressed Singapore’s honour in hosting the historic gathering, stating, “The IEA has been a longstanding and trusted partner in Southeast Asia’s pursuit of energy security, sustainability, and innovation. Singapore is proud to host the IEA Governing Board for its first-ever meeting outside Paris. We also congratulate the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre on a successful first year. As ASEAN advances toward greater regional energy connectivity and new renewable energy and energy intensity reduction goals, we look forward to deepening our partnership with the IEA.”

EMA Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong added, “The convening of the IEA Governing Board meeting in Singapore is timely as ASEAN works toward realizing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and achieving the renewable energy and energy intensity reduction goals outlined in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (2026–2030). On the first anniversary of the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, this meeting reaffirms our joint commitment to advancing regional energy security and accelerating decarbonisation efforts.”

The event signifies a major step in global energy diplomacy—strengthening collaboration between Southeast Asia and the IEA, fostering dialogue on energy transition challenges, and paving the way for a more secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future for the region and beyond.