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The 5th ASEAN Energy Youth Award 2025
(The 5th AEYA 2025)
In Collaboration with
The Sarawak Energy Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0)
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia | 3-4 September 2025
A. Background
Sarawak Energy Berhard (SEB), a global leader in sustainable hydropower development, is
spearheading ASEAN’s renewable energy transition. With over 80% of Sarawak Energy’s
generation mix derived from hydropower—including iconic projects like the 2,520MW Bakun
Dam and the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant—the state exemplifies how clean energy can
drive economic growth and climate resilience. However, ASEAN’s renewable energy
potential remains underutilised, and youth engagement is critical to scaling innovations in
hydropower, solar, and hybrid systems to meet regional targets under the ASEAN Plan of
Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021–2025.
Despite their pivotal role, a study shows 74% of ASEAN youth lack awareness of climate
solutions, limiting their ability to contribute to projects like hydropower optimisation,
community microgrids, or riverine ecosystem conservation. The 5th ASEAN Energy Youth
Awards (AEYA), integrated into Sarawak Energy Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0),
addresses this gap by empowering youth to advance hydropower and renewable energy
solutions. This collaboration between Sarawak Energy and ASEAN Centre for Energy
(ACE) merges technical expertise, policy insights, and youth creativity to accelerate
ASEAN’s sustainable energy future.
Theme
The theme for this year's AEYA is “Powering ASEAN’s Future: Youth Innovation in
Hydropower and Renewable Energy”. Aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship
under the energy theme “Powering ASEAN: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity”, this
AEYA theme aims to ill showcase the perspectives of ASEAN youth in advancing
hydropower and renewable energy solutions that support equitable access, environmental
resilience, and regional integration to promote the next cycle of ASEAN Energy Blueprint and
energy priorities of ASEAN Malaysia Chairmanship.
B. Key Objective
1. To increase awareness and understanding of energy-related issues, sustainable
practices, and the importance of responsible energy consumption among the youth in
the ASEAN region.
2. To foster innovation among youth in the ASEAN region, encouraging the
development of creative and forward-thinking solutions to address energy
challenges.
3. To acknowledge outstanding achievements and contributions made by young
individuals in the energy field, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
4. To empower and recognise youth leadership in the energy sector, providing a
platform for young individuals to showcase their leadership skills, drive positive
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change, and contribute to shaping the future of energy development in the ASEAN
region.
C. Competition Framework
1. Creative Advocacy Track
Infographic (Ages 18–30; team-based)
Design a visual story on hydropower’s role in ASEAN’s energy mix, emphasizing
sustainability and innovation.
Details:
The acceptable file formats are JPG, JPEG, PNG
File size 2 - 5 MB
Language: English
Video Challenge (Ages 16–35; Individual)
Create a 3-minute film showcasing a hydropower project’s impact or proposing a youth-led
renewable energy initiative.
Details:
The acceptable file format is MP4
Video length: 3 Mins, Size: no more than 3 GB
Language: English
The format will be in portrait.
2. Innovation Lab Track
Policy Pitch (Ages 16–35; Individual)
Propose a framework to enhance hydropower sustainability or cross-border renewable
energy trade in ASEAN.
Details:
The acceptable file format is PDF
The length of the policy pitch is no more than 1000 words (Times New Roman, 12,
Spacing: 1,5, Paper Size: A4)
Language: English
D. Event Structure
Phase 1: Capacity Building (July–August 2025)
Virtual Masterclasses (4 July 2025):
o Hydropower 101: Sarawak Energy’s engineers on dam management, eco-
friendly design, and community engagement.
o APAEC Phase II & ASEAN’s Renewable Roadmap.
Phase 2: Competition Submissions (Deadline: 25 July 2025)
Entries evaluated for technical feasibility, sustainability, and community impact.
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Phase 3: SAREF 4.0 Grand Finale (3–4 September 2025, Kuching, Sarawak)
Day 1 (3 September)
11:00–13:00: Innovation Lab Pitch Finals – Teams present hydropower
hacks/policies.
14:30–17:00: Exhibition of shortlisted infographics/videos at SAREF’s Youth Pavilion.
Day 2 (4 September)
09:00–10:30: Panel Discussion – “Balancing Hydropower Growth and Environmental
Protection” with ACE, NGOs.
During SAREF (3-4 September 2025)
14:00–16:00: SAREF–Youth Dialogue – Winners co-design recommendations for
ASEAN energy ministers.
Expected Outcomes
Policy Influence: Winning ideas shared at the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum
(AEBF-24).
Project Incubation: Sarawak Energy to fund top hydropower prototypes for pilot
testing.
Youth Network: ASEAN Hydropower Youth Alliance launched to sustain
collaboration.
Judging Panel
Sarawak Energy Hydropower Experts (2)
ACE Representatives (1)
Environmental NGO Lead (1, from Sarawak/Federal)
Institution in Sarawak (1)
Criteria: Technical rigor, environmental sustainability, and ASEAN relevance.
Cash prize for each category:
1st Place Winner: 1000 USD
2nd Place Winner: 750 USD
3rd Place Winner: 500 USD
Timeline:
Launch Poster: 27 June 2025
Virtual Masterclasses: 4 July 2025
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Submission Deadline: 25 July 2025
SAREF 4.0 & AEYA Finals: 3–4 September 2025
This SAREF 4.0-integrated AEYA positions youth as key players in advancing hydropower
and renewable energy across ASEAN, aligning with Sarawak’s legacy as a global
hydropower innovator. Let’s energize the next generation!
