The economies of Southeast Asia are rapidly emerging as energy-consuming giants, driven by demographic and economic factors. According to the International Energy Agency’s Southeast Asia Energy Outlook, 2015, electricity demand in the region is expected to almost triple between 2013 and 2040. This implies that the challenge to catch up with growing demand will only intensify in the future. This month’s cover story, “Catching Up”, is about the projected electricity consumption growth, demand drivers, and the capacity addition plans of the countries to meet the burgeoning demand.
To meet the growing energy demand, almost all countries in the region are exploring renewable options. Our story, “Green Growth” highlights the initiatives of Thailand to increase the penetration of clean energy sources in the generation fuel mix. The supportive policy framework has helped attract substantial investment into the segment. However, multiple barriers, including technical, institutional and financial, continue to exist.
Besides energy, the demand for water is also increasing at an unprecedented rate. Various options such as desalination, recycling wastewater, etc. are being explored to augment water supply. In our story “Reclaiming Waste”, we take a look at how setting up of water reclamation plants by the Public Utilities Board, Singapore, has completely transformed the water availability scenario in the city state.
In another major development, the Singapore government has established the Changi Airport Development Fund (CADF). Our story “Push for Growth” highlights how the amendment and creation of the CADF will allow Changi to maintain its position as a major air transport hub in Asia.
A vexing issue in many developing countries is that of effective financing. We look at the challenges faced by Vietnam in our story “Long Road Ahead”. Vietnam’s banking sector is underdeveloped compared to those of some other countries in the region. Delays in banking sector reforms could lead to prolonged bad debt problems and eventual bankruptcy for a few weak banks, undermining confidence in the sector as a whole.
Our telecom story, “Regaining Lost Ground”, looks at what Maxis Communication has done to reclaim its leadership position. New schemes and innovative offers have been launched. The company, however, will have to continue undertaking significant investments towards network improvement and expansion to withstand competition in the long term.
On this note, here is wishing all our readers Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!