At the Japan-Malaysia Leaders' Summit held in Tokyo on June 10, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia issued a joint statement highlighting the deep progress in economic and energy cooperation between the two nations.

In Paragraph 12 of this Joint Statement, as part of deepening cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, the initiative to establish the "first Nearly Zero Energy Building (Nearly ZEB) in Malaysia" was highly commended and explicitly recognized as a vital step toward energy efficiency. This project is currently being driven by member companies of the ZEB Solution Working Group (WG) within the Japanese Business Alliance for Smart Energy Worldwide (JASE-W).

About the Project Recognized in the Joint Statement

This demonstration project targets the existing headquarters building of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia. By implementing an integrated total solution that combines Japan’s advanced energy-saving technologies, Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), and renewable energy technologies, the project aims to drastically reduce energy consumption and transform the facility into a "Nearly ZEB."

For years, the JASE-W ZEB Solution WG has consistently worked in tandem with Japanese government entities, including the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). These efforts have focused on popularizing the concept of ZEB across Southeast Asian countries, establishing regional standards, and deploying Japanese-developed energy simulation tools. Its inclusion in the leaders' joint statement marks a milestone outcome, proving that creating a public-private "Japanese-style ZEB demonstration case" directly strengthens strategic, state-level partnerships.

Future Outlook

Spurred by this high-level recognition from both prime ministers, the JASE-W ZEB Solution WG will use this momentum to scale the initiative further within Malaysia—including expansions to local governments. Furthermore, we will accelerate the deployment of Japan’s leading decarbonization solutions and market creation across other ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Moving forward, we will continue to pool the collective technical expertise and know-how of our member companies to simultaneously contribute to energy security, economic growth, and carbon neutrality throughout the Asian region.

Reference Links

･Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Japan-Malaysia Joint Statement (June 10, 2026)

  Japanese Text (PDF)

  English Text (PDF)

     On April 22, 2026, the 9th Public-Private Forum of "CEFIA" (Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN), proposed by the Japanese government, was held online. The purpose of this forum is to promote the introduction of clean energy technologies and decarbonization in the ASEAN region through business-led initiatives.

     Representing JASE-W, a secretariat of the ZEB Solution WG spoke during the "Flagship Project" session. He emphasized that promoting Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) is essential, as the building sector accounts for approximately one-third of global CO2 emissions. He also reported on the renovation project in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, which will achieve a 54% reduction in energy consumption.

     Through this presentation, we were able to raise awareness among ASEAN government officials regarding JASE-W's role as a key partner for developing future pilot projects. Furthermore, the framework for public-private cooperation continues to expand, with CCUS being newly established as a flagship project during this forum.

     JASE-W will continue to contribute to both energy security and decarbonization in ASEAN countries by providing Japan's advanced energy-saving technologies and solutions.