Singapore signs MoU on energy cooperation with Malaysia, Hong Kong
Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia's energy commission Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) as well as the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of China's Hong Kong on October 28.
Singapore (VNA) - Singapore's EnergyMarket Authority (EMA) signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia'senergy commission Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) as well as the Electricaland Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of China's Hong Kong on October 28.
EMA's MOU with ST was signed on the sidelines of the13th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). It aims to strengthenbilateral cooperation in the energy sector, said both parties in a mediarelease.
"The MOU provides a framework for bothorganisations to enhance knowledge sharing and technical cooperation in theplanning and reliability of gas and electricity systems, regulation ofwholesale and retail electricity markets; and cooperation at multilateralmeetings," added the media release.
The first activity as part of the MOU will be avirtual dialogue between EMA and ST to discuss the challenges and impact ofCOVID-19 on the energy sectors in Singapore and Malaysia. This will be held inthe first half of next year.
EMA's MOU with EMSD will provide a framework to promote cooperation andsharing of regulatory practices in three key areas, said both parties in aseparate press release. The MOU was signed virtually on the sidelines of SIEW.
These areas include electricity, gas systems andmarkets, renewable energy and cooperation at multilateral forums.
"Activities between the two agencies willinclude knowledge and experience sharing, and technical cooperation involvingtraining and exchange programmes between EMA and EMSD," said the mediarelease.
EMSD director Eric Pang noted that the MOU wouldstrengthen EMA and EMSD's partnership on the sharing of knowledge andexperience in energy related areas./.
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