25^th Novernment, 2020

          Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Win Khaing participated in the 38th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations–CAFEO 38 hosted by Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) via videoconferencing yesterday morning.

          During the ceremony, Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister Mr Vu Duc Dam and ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO) Chairperson Dr Sc. Nghiem Vu Khai delivered opening speeches and presented ASEAN Awards to the winners.

          Union Minister U Win Khaing delivered a video message entitled “Industry 4.0 & engineering solutions in the new era for climate and disaster-proof and resilient ASEAN”. He said that Industry 4.0 is important for the sustainable development goal of the ASEAN. Countries around the world are adopting Industry 4.0 as a strategy to use intelligent machines and advanced technologies.

          He said that according to reports issued by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy consumption, including consumption of fossil fuels, fell sharply during the COVID-19 crisis, and increased use of renewable energy such as solar energy has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. He added that clean energy sectors could create many jobs.

          Before 2016, only 34 per cent of Myanmar’s population had access to the electricity, but because of the efforts of the government, the rate increased to 56 per cent in 2020, according to the Union Minister. The government is making efforts in order that 75 per cent of Myanmar’s population can access electricity by 2025 and 100 per cent can access electricity by 2030.

          He said that Myanmar’s energy resources are mainly based on renewable energy such as hydropower and solar energy and clean energy such as natural gas and LNG. In 2021, Myanmar’s generation mix will be 40 per cent hydropower; natural gas 34 per cent, LNG 11 per cent; and solar 14 per cent.

          The Union Minister added that Myanmar is planning to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions from the current level by 10.5 Million tonnes in 2030.

          Malaysia’s Institution of Engineers and ASEAN Academy of Science and Technology Chairperson Dr Chua Hean Teik delivered a speech entitled “Future-ready labour force: Innovative education for the next generation of ASEAN Engineers”. Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) Vice President Mr Ngo Son Hai delivered a speech entitled “People-centred connectivity: advanced connectivity, technology and solutions in the Electricity and Power sector of Viet Nam.”

          During the meeting, Federation of Myanmar Engineering Societies President  U Aung Myint gave a talk entitled “Fostering Initiatives and Actions by AFEO to Build a Sustainable and Prosperous ASEAN Community”.

          Associated meetings of the 38th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations — AEI Building, AEI Manufacturing, AEI Electrical Installation, Sustainable Cities, Engineering Education and Capacity Building, AEI Boiler, Energy, Transport Workshop Webinar, Disaster Workshop Webinar — was being held from 18-26 November. The meeting was also participated by representatives of AFEO, and the President and officials of the Federation of Myanmar Engineering Societies.

—MNA

(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)