Kuala Lampur, Sept. 27 -- When Japan and its partners launch the third series of the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) on September 28, 2025, it will mark more than the continuation of a climate initiative.

It will signal Japan's determination to sustain its return to the centre of regional development debates - this time by aligning its financial muscle, technological expertise, and political credibility with Asean's most pressing challenge: the energy transition.

From concept to continuity

AZEC began as a bold Japanese proposal to gather like-minded countries into a coalition for decarbonisation. Its first series laid the foundation by outlining broad goals for renewable energy cooperation, hydrogen and ammonia projects, and smart...