(L-R): Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA; Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran; and Ng Wai Choong, Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority
By Choo Zu Kai
Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), today weclomed Singapore as an IEA Association Country – a move that strengthens Singapore’s role in international energy cooperation to ensure energy security and sustainability.
“Being an Association Country is a natural extension of Singapore’s already close collaboration with the IEA. It will allow us to further participate in the global energy dialogue and keep abreast of new technical developments in the energy sector,” said Mr Iswaran during his opening address at Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).
Singapore becomes the 4th country, after China, Indonesia and Thailand, to join the IEA through the Association initiative which was launched in 2015 to allow the IEA to engage non-OECD countries as part of efforts to modernise the IEA.
“Modernisation of the IEA includes opening the doors to emerging countries and developing nations – and Asia, ASEAN, is at the heart of it. The importance of Singapore to the global energy trade is undisputed,” said Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA.
To mark the closer ties between Singapore and the IEA, Singapore will establish a regional training hub that will enable the IEA to use Singapore as a base to build capabilities in the region. This includes hosting a regional run of the IEA Energy Efficiency Training Week aimed at policymakers and officials.
Singapore will also host an annual Singapore-IEA Forum at SIEW to provide a regular platform to drive future-oriented energy discussions on topics such as new technologies and innovation.
“Singapore and IEA are committed to ensuring that our enhanced relationship is underpinned by substantive cooperation for the benefit of the region,” said Mr Iswaran.