Voices of foreign training participants: Learning from China to attain future with cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy

Editor's Note: The first Seminar on ASEAN Energy Transition and Development was held from Aug 17 to 26 in Nanning, the capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

It was co-hosted by the Chinese and Singaporean governments, and was organized by Guangxi International Business Vocational College and Singapore Management University.

Twenty participants from ASEAN countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam, attended the seminar. They acquired professional knowledge in the energy sector and gained insights through field visits into how China strikes a fine balance between energy security, green development and economic growth.

From Classroom to Field Visit

 "Apart from learning about energy transition at lectures, we also witnessed how theories are translated into practice with our own eyes," said Kristian, a senior scientific research expert from the Department of Energy of the Philippines.

Concepts like power generation through waste and green buildings were turned into realities, which could be observed, touched and discussed through field visits.

Kristian noted that the seminar enabled him to "gain a clearer understanding of the future direction of energy transition and the issues that should be considered when proposing an energy transition solution in light of his country's conditions".

Learning from China

ASEAN countries vary in development levels and resource profiles, making it essential for each nation to adjust its energy policies in line with local conditions.

Dang Bang Viet, deputy director of the science, technology and digital transformation department of Vietnam Electricity, proposed potential areas for cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese power companies, such as large-scale integration of photovoltaic power generation and energy storage.

Regional Coordination

Beyond focusing on energy challenges in their own countries, participants broadened their perspectives to consider regional development as a whole.

Laos has long been regarded as the "battery of Southeast Asia". However, Chanthaboun Soukaloun, deputy director of Department of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Laos, stressed that "our energy transition cannot be achieved in isolation". He proposed a possible shift from a sole power source in Southeast Asia to a collaborative mechanism that the countries in the region work together to achieve energy balance and power connectivity.

New Starting Point of Cooperation

At the end of the 10-day seminar, Kristian from the Philippines expressed the hope of creating more exchange opportunities for ASEAN participants to share their national experiences and practices.

As China and ASEAN countries further share experiences, pool resources and deepen cooperation, the region will become increasingly able to attain a future with cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy.