Future Energy Leaders 2025: Shaping the Next Wave of Changemakers
The Future Energy Leaders (FEL) 2025, held on 13–14 June at PETRONAS Leadership Centre (PLC), brought together an inspiring cohort of young professionals committed to shaping Asia’s Just Energy Transition. Hosted by PLC as part of the lead-up to Energy Asia 2025, the two-day programme sharpened leadership capabilities, fostered cross-sector collaboration, and sparked bold ideas to address the region’s energy challenges.
This year’s FEL welcomed 82 participants from across the PETRONAS Group, Energy Asia partners, government agencies, ASCOPE members, GLCs, and industry partners. Representing a truly regional gathering, participants came from Malaysia, Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. Most were under 35, bringing diverse perspectives that reflect the leadership needed to drive sustainable and inclusive energy solutions across Asia.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Change
The programme opened with Unconference: Breaking Barriers—an interactive, small-group session where participants, guided by moderators, explored the challenges and opportunities in achieving Asia’s Just Energy Transition. Honest conversations encouraged reflection on how young professionals can champion equitable and inclusive solutions in their organisations.
Adding a creative touch, participants wore outfits featuring sustainability messages—some even handcrafting their own. Prizes were awarded for the most meaningful expressions, energising the room with purpose and personality.
Next, the Insights Exchange panel brought together internal and external subject matter experts, offering practical takeaways on navigating leadership complexity. Panelists included:
Ir. Siti Rafidah Moslim – Senior General Manager, Corporate Sustainability Division, PETRONAS
M. Arien Zackery M. Ritzal – Chief Talent Officer, Gentari
Yin Sern Lim – SEA Energy Lead, Accenture
Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrina Md Nordin – Energy Institute Malaysia
Arshad Nuval Othman – Head of Sustainable Finance, CIMB Islamic
Their insights sparked rich discussion on leadership, sustainability, and systems thinking in action.
The day culminated in The Guardian’s Gambit—a fast-paced simulation challenging participants to balance personal ambitions with economic, environmental, and social trade-offs. The immersive experience encouraged deep reflection on real-world decision-making in the energy sector.

Day 2: Stepping Up with Strategy and Purpose
Day 2 delved deeper into energy transition planning and leadership in action.
The Agents of Change panel explored the role of young professionals in accelerating the Just Energy Transition. Moderated by Syed Muhsin Syed Abdul Hamid (PETRONAS), the panel featured:
Jenny Yang – Head of Global Power, S&P Commodity Insights
Aidil Iman Aidid – Climate Change and Environment Policy Analyst, WWF
Ewanina Hani Mohd Effandie – Founder, Duasen
Their stories of impact and resilience sparked thoughtful conversations on agency, influence, and meaningful leadership.
Participants then collaborated in focused strategy labs to develop bold, realistic JET Masterplans. These sessions pushed teams to navigate complex trade-offs across sustainability, cost, and policy—mirroring real-world energy challenges.
The programme concluded with The Guardians Summit, where participants pitched their strategies to a distinguished Guardian Council:
Wan Sayuti Wan Hussin – Senior General Manager (Strategy, Policy & Regulation), PETRONAS
Dr. Siti Noor Baiti Mustafa – Principal Assistant Director, Energy Division, Ministry of Economy
Peter Godfrey – Managing Director, APAC, Energy Institute
Teams defended their proposals under high-pressure Q&A, sharpening their clarity, confidence, and critical thinking in the process.

“The FEL event was eye-opening, emphasizing that youth leadership is essential to an inclusive just energy transition that leaves no one behind.”
— Richard Miguel, Philippine National Oil Company
“The sessions reinforced the responsibility of youth to take initiative and bring innovative solutions to make the world a better place. Saving the planet inspires transformational action.”
— Sunita, Quaker Chemical India
FEL 2025 closed with a memorable themed dinner, “Guardians of Tomorrow: Ethical Elegance,” where participants expressed their values through fashion—wearing outfits that reflected sustainability, craftsmanship, or personal stories. The evening also marked the official launch of YES Net (Youth for Energy Transition & Sustainability Network)—a new platform designed to foster collaboration between FEL participants, YPC, and beyond. Positioned as more than just a platform, YES Net is a movement that empowers young professionals to lead Asia’s energy transition through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Trailblazers of Tomorrow
Across two transformative days, FEL 2025 fostered a strong, diverse community of young professionals ready to champion change. With sharpened strategies, deeper insight, and a shared commitment to action, these future energy leaders are well-equipped to drive Asia’s Just Energy Transition forward.