News
ASEAN
January 20, 2026
Malaysia’s Khazanah bets on grid resilience to power AI, semiconductor growth
Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to deploy more capital into strengthening the country’s power system and supporting domestic semiconductor firms, as artificial intelligence accelerates a new investment cycle.
January 20, 2026Indonesia sues 6 companies over alleged links to deadly floods, landslides
Indonesia’s environment ministry is seeking 4.8 trillion rupiah ($284 million) in environmental damages from six companies it has linked to deadly floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar in November.
January 19, 2026VinFast launches battery-swap e-scooters, expands charging stations across Vietnam
As major cities such as Hanoi weigh bans on gasoline motorbikes to curb air pollution, Vietnam’s leading EV maker VinFast on Jan. 15 unveiled three new battery-swappable electric scooters.
January 19, 2026ASEAN Weekly: Indonesia delays B50 biodiesel plan; Vietnam NDC 3.0 flags major investment
Indonesia has confirmed a delay to its B50 biodiesel mandate, while Thailand pushes ahead with electric mobility, power sector planning, and CBAM compliance.
January 16, 2026After years of progress, Indonesia risks ‘tragedy’ of a deforestation spike
Deforestation is accelerating, underscoring Indonesia’s reputation as a big greenhouse gas emitter and potentially inviting more scrutiny of its commodity exports.
January 16, 2026Unlocking ASEAN bioenergy: Malaysia fuels bioenergy momentum with Wasco IPO, widening investor interest
Malaysia’s National Biomass Action Plan published in 2023 projected up to 182 million tons of biomass output annually, with the potential to generate RM17 billion in economic value by 2030.
January 15, 2026ASEAN power grid secures LTMS-PIP 2.0 deal to expand Laos-to-Singapore power exports
The ASEAN Power Grid’s only existing multilateral electricity trading scheme has finally secured a new agreement. Malaysia’s TNB announced on Jan. 14 that the second phase of the LTMS-PIP 2.0 has been formally signed.
January 15, 2026Vietnam’s motorbike ban looms: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City push for green transport, but real-world challenges remain
Vietnam has long struggled with severe air pollution, with its capital Hanoi frequently topping global rankings for the worst air quality. In response, both central and local governments are stepping up efforts to restore cleaner air.
January 15, 2026Indonesia postpones B50 biodiesel mandate as fiscal, supply pressures mount
Indonesia has officially postponed its plan to mandate a 50% biodiesel blending rate (B50), originally slated for 2026. Following a government meeting on Jan. 14, the country will instead maintain its current B40 policy.
January 15, 2026Unlocking ASEAN bioenergy: Indonesia accelerates biofuels in transport, Thailand advances alcohol-to-jet SAF
Endowed with abundant natural resources, Southeast Asia shows strong promise for bioenergy development. With relatively stable feedstock supplies, the region has the potential to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar.