From March 4 to 6, the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit was held in Melbourne, hosted by Australian Prime Minister, Honorable Anthony Albanese. The summit commemorated the 50-year partnership between the Australian government and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Leaders from Southeast Asian countries, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Australian business stakeholders gathered to discuss practical cooperation initiatives such as connections between our communities and economies, promote education, and address environmental concerns.
SunAsia Energy Inc.’s CEO and President, Tetchi Capellan, was also present.
During a meeting on the sidelines, Shemara Wikramanayake, the CEO of Macquarie Group, expressed her excitement about the Philippines’ potential, citing its young and rapidly growing population as a key factor to fuel the economy’s growth. Wikramanayake is optimistic about the country’s prospects.
“What we’re keen to do is to partner with Southeast Asia, particularly with places like the Philippines, which are proving to be very good to create that environment for the pension savers money here. To bring capital to health, investing in infrastructure, etcetera,”
Meanwhile, President Marcos commended Macquarie Group’s 1.3 GW floating solar project in Laguna Lake. He stated the project provides opportunities for sustainable jobs and cleaner industries.
The solar on-water project is an initiative of SunAsia Energy Inc. after winning the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s bidding on areas of the lake. In 2021 SunAsia partnered with Blue Leaf Energy – Macquarie’s unit – to develop the project.
The strategic partnership between SunAsia and Blueleaf is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines’ renewable energy targets. This collaboration comes at a critical juncture, with the country’s solar energy market experiencing a notable upsurge.
SunAsia has recently secured its 10 Solar Energy Operating Contracts from the Department of Energy and is expected to begin construction by the end of 2024.
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