IEA Holds First Governing Board Meeting in Asia to Advance Regional Energy Security and Cooperation

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), convened its 295th Governing Board meeting in Singapore on 28–29 October 2025. Marking the first time the IEA Governing Board has met in Asia, the session was held alongside the 18th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), underscoring Singapore’s role as a strategic hub for global energy dialogue.

The meeting reaffirmed a strong commitment to international cooperation on energy security, regional connectivity, and energy transition technologies. A key focus was the advancement of the ASEAN Power Grid, viewed as central to securing a sustainable and resilient energy future in Southeast Asia. The Singapore-IEA Forum, held on 28 October, highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing energy efficiency and grid resilience.

A Special Joint Session brought together senior policymakers from ASEAN member states and the IEA’s 32 member countries to discuss critical energy challenges, including strengthening Southeast Asia’s position in global critical mineral supply chains and accelerating renewable energy deployment.

IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol highlighted Southeast Asia’s growing influence on the global energy landscape, noting that the region is expected to account for 25% of global energy demand growth by 2050. IEA Governing Board Chair Anders Hoffman emphasized that energy security is a shared global responsibility requiring deep collaboration.

Singapore’s Minister-in-Charge of Energy Tan See Leng reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to working with the IEA to advance regional energy connectivity and innovation, while EMA Chief Executive Puah Kok Keong noted the meeting’s significance as ASEAN prepares to implement its latest renewable energy and energy intensity reduction goals.

The convening of the IEA Governing Board in Singapore is expected to play a pivotal role ahead of the upcoming IEA Ministerial Meeting in Paris in February 2026, paving the way for deeper partnerships in energy resilience and decarbonisation initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.