Launch of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF)’s Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) for Energy: Accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid (APG)

ASEAN Finance Ministers welcome the launch of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) for Energy under the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), as a side event of the ASEAN Finance Deputies’ Meeting. The event featured opening remarks by Mr. Joven Balbosa, Undersecretary, Department of Finance, Philippines, followed by scene-setting remarks from YBhg. Dato’ Zamzuri Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Ministry of Finance, Malaysia, in his capacity as Chair of the AIF. A dedicated segment introduced the RCF and highlighted contributions from development partners, alongside insights from Mr. Nanshan Zhang, Director General, Southeast Asia, Asian Development Bank (ADB), on financing regional energy connectivity. The session concluded with remarks from Mr. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Secretariat. This initiative marks an important step in advancing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and strengthening regional energy connectivity. 

The RCF will support cross-border energy infrastructure by addressing technical and financial constraints through project preparation financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building helping to unlock bankable projects and facilitate regional power trade. 
The launch is timely amid growing global uncertainties. Energy supply disruptions, price volatility, and rising demand alongside the urgent need for a clean energy transition have heightened the importance of regional cooperation. In this context, the APG enables ASEAN to enhance energy security, optimize resources, and strengthen resilience through greater cross-border connectivity. 

The RCF is a key deliverable under the AIF Action Plan 2025–2028, launched on 10 April 2025 in conjunction with the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to translating regional priorities into tangible outcomes. 

Supported by development partners including Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and European Union, the RCF also demonstrates strong international confidence in ASEAN’s energy transition agenda. The initiative reinforces the AIF’s role as a platform for mobilizing financing and partnerships to support a more connected, sustainable, and resilient ASEAN.