TEA-LP building connections at the 8th ASEAN Smart Grid Congress

The 8th ASEAN Smart Grid Congress (ASGC 8) in Malaysia from 12-13 August, brought together academia, industry, government and energy experts from across Asia and the Pacific to advance discussions in smart grids, energy management, and climate resilience. The Transforming Energy Access Learning Partnership (TEA-LP) sent three partners to the event to present research, network and engage with host partners at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Building Global Connections

For Dr. Kiran Siraj from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in Pakistan, the congress was a chance to represent the TEA-LP network on an international stage. “It was a privilege to participate in the 8th ASEAN Mini Grids Congress, an inspiring platform that brought together experts and practitioners working to advance sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy access solutions,” she reflected.

Dr. Siraj highlighted how the sessions emphasised mini-grids’ role in tackling climate change and supporting rural development. A key moment was the visit to the UiTM campus to view their solar projects and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). “Truly an enriching experience to learn, connect, and share ideas with such a diverse community,” she said, noting how the event underscored the importance of regional collaboration in achieving shared energy access goals.

A Platform for Voices from the Pacific

For Dr. Ramendra Prasad of the University of Fiji, ASGC 8 was both his first visit to Malaysia and his first opportunity to share Pacific perspectives on microgrid development. He contributed as a panelist during the plenary session “From Innovation to Implementation – Regional Experiences in Smart Energy Solutions.” His presentation, “Microgrid Implementations – A Small Islands Perspective,” underscored the unique challenges of electrification in Fiji and other Pacific islands, emphasising the need for decision-making approaches that balance technological, social, and environmental considerations.

“Discussing Fiji’s experiences in front of such a diverse audience allowed me to highlight the realities of small islands while also learning from ASEAN counterparts who face different but related challenges,” Dr. Prasad said.

His second-day paper presentation on cloud cover forecasting for smart grids, co-authored with Ayesha Reddy, drew significant attention. It went on to receive the Best Presentation Award, marking a milestone for Pacific representation in the energy access dialogue. Beyond the recognition, DR. Prasad valued the opportunity to connect with academics and industry experts across ASEAN, South Asia, and the United States. “The networking sessions were invaluable—these exchanges have already opened doors for possible collaborations.”

Learning for Local Application

Dr. Khosru Salim of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) also presented his work, focusing on the “Design of a Solar Microgrid for Electric Rickshaw Charging Stations.” The pilot project— a 20 kW system powering ten rickshaws in rural Bangladesh—drew strong interest, though he noted that Malaysia’s context differs, with fewer off-grid areas. “Still, it was encouraging to see the attention our project received, and it affirmed the relevance of microgrids in diverse contexts,” he reflected.

Dr. Salim was particularly inspired by a presentation on floating solar power plants from Indonesia, which he believes could be adapted to Bangladesh’s rivers and ponds. The UiTM field visits, showcasing rooftop and carpark solar plants, were another highlight. “It helped us understand practically some details about hybrid systems, MPPT charge controllers, and battery storage systems. At my university we have a rooftop solar plant, but we would like to expand it further—and this experience will help me to do so.”

He also appreciated the cultural exchanges woven into the event, from dinners to musical performances, which added warmth to the technical discussions.

Strengthening the TEA-LP Network

For all three attendees, the congress reaffirmed the value of platforms like ASGC 8 in advancing both knowledge and networks. As Dr. Siraj put it, the gathering was “an enriching experience to learn, connect, and share ideas with such a diverse community.”

Together, their experiences illustrate the growing relevance of TEA-LP’s participation in such forums. Beyond individual benefits, their presence ensured that voices from South Asia and the Pacific were part of regional and global conversations shaping the future of mini-grids.

The 8th ASEAN Smart Grid Congress demonstrated how collaboration across geographies can spark innovation, build resilience, and accelerate the just energy transition. For our TEA-LP members, it was not only a chance to showcase their work, but also to return home with new knowledge, partnerships, and a renewed sense of collaboration.

– Andrea Fitzpatrick