By Phubieyas Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 – In the lead-up to one of the region’s most anticipated energy conferences, PETRONAS hosted a special edition of Lunch Escape: Road to Energy Asia 2025 today, drawing together a dynamic mix of media professionals, communication strategists, and industry stakeholders.
Held at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, the session served as a strategic preview to Energy Asia 2025, which will take place from 16 to 18 June 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The three-day conference is expected to attract over 4,000 delegates and 180 global speakers from more than 50 countries.
Jointly organised by PETRONAS and CERAWeek by S&P Global (as Knowledge Partner), the event will convene policymakers, energy executives, financiers, and innovators to shape actionable pathways toward a just and responsible energy transition.
Asia Must Lead Its Own Transition
This year’s theme, “Delivering Asia’s Energy Transition,” underscores the region’s unique opportunity—and responsibility—to chart its own decarbonisation course. With rising energy demand, technological ambition, and development diversity, Asia is well-positioned to lead if empowered with the right platforms.
During the media preview, Datin Arni Laily Anwaruddin, Senior General Manager for Energy Asia & Strategy, PETRONAS, noted:
“Energy Asia 2025 provides a unique opportunity to place Asia’s realities at the forefront. We’re creating a space not just for talk, but for actionable strategies that advance decarbonisation, energy equity, and economic growth.”
She was joined by:
- Smarco Ho, Regional Head, APAC – Consulting & CERAWeek, S&P Global Commodity Insights
- Peter Murray, Country Manager, Malaysia – Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Both panellists echoed the urgency for cross-industry collaboration and digital integration in accelerating the region’s shift to low-carbon solutions.
Grounding the Transition in Asian Realities
Delivering his first public address since assuming his new role, Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President of Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS, called for regional solutions grounded in practicality and inclusion.
Drawing on nearly three decades with PETRONAS, Norafizal highlighted the paradox of Asia’s role in the global energy narrative: despite being home to more than half of the world’s population and a major emissions contributor, Asia is often underrepresented in global policy forums.
“The transition cannot succeed in silos. Cross-sector investment and partnerships are essential. Energy Asia is a platform to translate net-zero ambitions into concrete actions that reflect Asia’s unique needs,” he said.
He further emphasised that media and communicators are key partners in amplifying ASEAN’s voice and ensuring the transition is understood not just in boardrooms, but across societies.
Media as Strategic Partners
Siti Azlina A Latif, Senior General Manager of Strategic Communications, PETRONAS, reinforced the critical role of the media:
“We see media as partners in this journey. This session is about creating excitement, enabling deeper access to energy narratives, and encouraging stronger public engagement.”
She added that achieving energy transition goals depends not only on technology and financing—but also on public education, trust-building, and inclusive dialogue.
Energy Park: The Innovation Core
A key attraction at Energy Asia 2025 will be its Energy Park, a cutting-edge showcase of future-ready technologies spanning:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Climate tech
- Low-carbon fuels
- Circular economy solutions
- Future mobility
- Talent diversity and inclusion
The Energy Park is set to host innovators, startup founders, policymakers, and investors, anchoring the conference’s innovation programming with real-world impact.
Alongside it, more than 50 strategic dialogues across seven core sub-themes—including Policy and Geopolitics, Capital Markets, Climate and Sustainability, and Talent Development—will offer insights into the evolving energy ecosystem.
Institutional Presence and Support
Also in attendance were:
- Datuk Yong Soo Heong, President, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)
- Farrah Naz Abd Karim, Deputy President, MPI and Group Editor, New Straits Times
- Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President, Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS
Their presence reflected high-level support for ensuring Asia’s institutional, corporate, and media ecosystems work together to influence the global discourse on energy transition.
Looking Ahead to June 2025
With just weeks to go, Energy Asia 2025 is set to position Kuala Lumpur as the focal point for regional energy leadership. More than a prelude, today’s Lunch Escape marked the beginning of a deeper public engagement journey—anchored in collaboration, regional relevance, and shared accountability.
🔗 For full programme details or media registration, visit:
www.officialenergyasia.com
— TNS News