KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand have advanced regional energy integration with the signing of an electricity transmission agreement under the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, officials said.

The signing ceremony was held on January 14 at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior executives and government officials from all three countries.

The agreement allows 100MW of electricity from Laos to be transmitted to Singapore using Thailand and Malaysia’s existing networks over a two-year contract.

The project’s second phase is part of the ASEAN Power Grid vision, which aims to improve energy security, optimise resources, and support sustainable economic growth through better electricity interconnections among ASEAN countries.

The agreement was signed by Electricite du Laos (EDL) Deputy Managing Director Souksavath Sosouphanh, EGAT Governor Dr Nerin Phauwanit, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad Chief Grid Officer Hasmarizal Hassan.

High-level officials witnessing the signing included Thailand’s Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Prasert Sinsukprasert, Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce Director General Santisouk Phimphachanh, and Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary General (Energy)  Mareena binti Mahpudz.

Officials said the project is not just an electricity trade deal but a strategic initiative that strengthens regional energy connectivity and enhances power system reliability.

By using existing transmission infrastructure, the project is expected to improve efficiency while cutting costs and reducing environmental impact.

Experts say the project marks a milestone for ASEAN energy cooperation and provides a practical model for future cross-border electricity trading, contributing to regional stability and economic integration.

Laos has expanded its role as a major electricity exporter in the Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN through partnerships with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

These collaborations, along with energy links to China, show Laos’ efforts to promote regional integration and support multilateral initiatives like the Laos- Thailand -Malaysia- Singapore Power Integration Project.