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* Atleast Project Title is Required.
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Project No. |
EWG_201_2024A
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Project Title |
APEC Symposium on Energy Transition: Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Electric Vehicles
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Project Status |
Project in Implementation
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Publication (if any) |
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Fund Account |
APEC Support Fund
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Sub-fund |
ASF: Energy Efficiency, Low Carbon and Energy Resiliency Measures (EELCER)
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Project Year |
2024
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Project Session |
Session 2
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APEC Funding |
85,262
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Co-funding Amount |
0
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Total Project Value |
85,262
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Sponsoring Forum |
Energy Working Group (EWG)
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Topics |
Energy; Green Economy
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Committee |
SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)
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Other Fora Involved |
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Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved |
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Proposing Economy(ies) |
Malaysia
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Co-Sponsoring Economies |
Chile; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Korea; Singapore; Thailand
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Expected Start Date |
01/02/2025
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Expected Completion Date |
30/06/2026
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Project Proponent Name 1 |
Eric Chan Wei Chiang
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Job Title 1 |
Associate Professor
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Organization 1 |
UCSI University
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Postal Address 1 |
Not Applicable
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Telephone 1 |
+60163610678
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Fax 1 |
Not Applicable
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Email 1 |
chanwc@ucsiuniversity.edu.my
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Project Proponent Name 2 |
Not Applicable
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Job Title 2 |
Not Applicable
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Organization 2 |
Not Applicable
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Postal Address 2 |
Not Applicable
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Telephone 2 |
Not Applicable
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Fax 2 |
Not Applicable
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Email 2 |
Not Applicable
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Declaration |
Eric Chan Wei Chiang
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Project Summary |
Our project aims to promote Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption across APEC economies through a holistic approach involving policy, industry, and academia. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders, our Symposium serves as a platform to drive collaboration, foster innovation, and share knowledge that would be compiled as a Project Summary Report. Information gathered from focus group discussions would fuel expert insight that will contribute to a Policy Report. Both publications are complementary and will advance EV adoption and sustainable transportation, with invitations extended to diverse representatives from multiple APEC economies for regional impact.
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Relevance |
Region The Asia-Pacific region faces environmental challenges amid rapid economic growth, impacting APEC economies. The "APEC Symposium on Energy Transition" tackles this by focusing on EVs, batteries, and fuel cells to cut emissions in energy and transport. Aligned with EWG's clean energy goals, it aids APEC's shift to low-carbon futures. EV tech alters energy markets, needing proactive policymaking. New hydrogen FCV may conflict with EV infrastructure, adding complexity and requiring reconciliation with EV grids. The Symposium drives policy dialogue and capacity building, aiming for accelerated tech adoption. Its Policy Report guides APEC economies, especially transitioning ones, towards energy-efficient, low-carbon strategies.
Eligibility and Fund Priorities The APEC Symposium on Energy Transition aligns with EELCER's goals by fostering EWG dialogue on EV, battery, and hydrogen technologies, vital for APEC's energy objectives. It prioritizes expanding EV charging grids and reconciling with newer FCV charging grids, crucial for low-carbon strategies. Through industry and academic forums, it supports capacity building for informed investment decisions. Small-group dialogues generate insights for smooth EV transition, enhancing energy resiliency and access as endorsed by APEC leaders. This aligns with EELCER's focus on low-carbon towns, energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, and energy resiliency measures, ensuring impactful outcomes.
Capacity Building The Symposium enhances capacity-building in APEC economies, especially developing economies with limited infrastructure, aligning with the APEC Roadmap for Electric Vehicles. Activities include: 1. Empowering economies in policy formulation through a Policy Forum and comprehensive Policy Report derived from focus group discussions. 2. Facilitating knowledge transfer in technological advancements via an Industry Forum. 3. Fostering international academic partnerships for evidence-based policy formulation through an Academic Forum. 4. Generating tangible policy recommendations for APEC publication from focus group insights, supporting sustainable transportation solutions.
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Objectives |
Our project aims to promote Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption across APEC economies through a holistic approach involving policy, industry, and academia. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders, our Symposium aims to drive collaboration, foster innovation, and generate actionable recommendations, strengthening the APEC Roadmap for Electric Vehicles and advancing sustainable transportation regionally.
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Alignment |
APEC
The APEC Symposium on Energy Transition seamlessly aligns with APEC's 2024 priorities, encapsulated under "Empower, Include, Grow." This ensures our project advances APEC's vision for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Empowerment through Interconnected Growth: By fostering dialogue among policymakers, academics, and industry experts, the Symposium promotes a resilient ecosystem. Discussions on supply chain resilience and digital solutions for EV infrastructure bolster APEC's mission for robust connectivity. Inclusive Innovation and Digitalization: Our initiative fosters EV innovation and digitalization, aligning with APEC's goal of transitioning to a global economy. By exchanging knowledge on emerging technologies and policy frameworks, the Symposium empowers diverse stakeholders and advances digital transformation integral to EV operations. Sustainable Growth: Championing resilient strategies tailored to member economies' needs, the Symposium aligns with APEC's vision for sustainable development. Engaging stakeholders from developing APEC economies and SMEs ensures inclusivity and sustainability in regional agendas.
Forum The project is implemented in collaboration with EGNRET due to its relevance to EGNRET’s activities. The outputs of the Symposium align closely with EGNRET’s mission and objectives. Symposium discussions and the Project Report will provide insights into promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to energy security and sustainable development, thus supporting EGNRET's aim to increase the use of new and renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the qualitative data from focus groups and expert recommendations in the Policy Report will offer comprehensive guidelines for achieving energy security through EVs, aligning with EGNRET's mission to meet energy challenges and contribute to the EWG's objectives.
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TILF/ASF Justification |
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Beneficiaries and Outputs |
Output
1) Symposium
The symposium will serve as a critical platform for APEC economies to convene and exchange knowledge on the challenges and opportunities in the energy transition, specifically focusing on the role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs). Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and academics, the event fosters collaboration across diverse sectors, leading to actionable insights that support sustainable energy policies. The symposium's discussions will facilitate shared learning and regional cooperation, helping APEC economies to accelerate the deployment of advanced energy technologies and infrastructure, ultimately driving economic growth while reducing environmental impacts. Symposium would be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 3 days. It would be mostly in-person but with the option of speakers to pre-record their talks in the event they cannot be present physically. The three days would cater to different groups comprising: 1. Policy Forum, 2. Industry Forum and 3. Academic Forums.
2) Expert Recommendations in the Form of a Policy Recommendation Report
he policy recommendation report will provide APEC economies with expert-driven, actionable recommendations that address the barriers and enablers of EV and FCV adoption across the region. By synthesizing the insights from focus groups of policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, the report will guide APEC economies in formulating policies that support energy transition, enhance infrastructure development, and promote investment in sustainable transportation. These recommendations will not only foster innovation but also help harmonize policies across the region, ensuring a cohesive and unified approach to achieving long-term sustainability goals. Rough structures as follows: 1. Executive Summary Overview of Key Findings Policy Recommendations 2. Introduction Background and Objectives Scope and Methodology 3. Current State of Energy Transition Global Trends in Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Electric Vehicles Regional Overview: APEC Economies 4. Technological Innovations Advances in Battery Technology Developments in Fuel Cells Innovations in Electric Vehicles 5. Policy Landscape Existing Policies in APEC Economies Comparative Analysis of Policy Effectiveness 6. Challenges and Opportunities Technical and Economic Barriers Environmental and Social Impacts Market Opportunities and Investment Needs 7. Case Studies Successful Implementations in APEC Economies Lessons Learned and Best Practices 8. Policy Recommendations Short-term and Long-term Strategies Collaborative Initiatives and Partnerships 9. Conclusion Summary of Key Insights Future Directions 10. Appendices Example of previous APEC publication: https://www.apec.org/publications/2022/06/best-practices-and- recommended-policies-for-optimising-the-plastic-supply-chain-in- southeast-and-east-asia.
3) Project Summary Report (an APEC Publication)
The project summary report will document the key findings, discussions, and outcomes of the symposium, offering a comprehensive overview of the event for APEC economies. This report will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders by highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and potential pathways for future research and collaboration in energy transition efforts. By capturing the voices of experts and participants, the report ensures that the insights gained from the symposium are accessible to a wider audience within APEC, enabling economies to build on the event's success and drive forward the implementation of sustainable energy policies and initiatives. Rough structures as follows: 1. Executive Summary Brief overview of the symposium’s objectives, key discussions, and outcomes. 2. Introduction Background and context of the symposium. Importance of energy transition in the APEC region. 3. Symposium Overview Dates and location of the symposium. List of participating economies and key stakeholders. 4. Session Summaries Session 1: Policymakers Session 2: Stakeholders Session 3: Academics 5. Conclusion Overall impact of the symposium. Next steps and future initiatives. 7. Appendices Example of previous APEC publication: https://www.apec.org/publications/2022/06/project-report-apec- sustainable-coastal-cities-symposium-2021
Outcome 1) Enhanced Policy and Regulatory Capacity: Policymakers and regulators will gain a clearer understanding of EV and FCV technologies, regulatory frameworks, and market trends through symposium discussions and the Policy Recommendation Report. This will equip them to refine policies, develop supportive regulatory measures, and advocate for effective energy transition strategies in their respective economies. Success will be measured through post-symposium surveys, tracking the extent to which participants report increased knowledge and policy application.
2) Strengthened Industry Readiness and Investment Strategies: Industry stakeholders, including automakers, charging infrastructure providers, and mobility firms, will improve their understanding of evolving regulations, investment opportunities, and best practices for EV and FCV adoption. The Symposium and Project Summary Report will serve as resources for firms to navigate market challenges and align business strategies with energy transition goals. The impact will be assessed through follow-up engagement with participating organizations to monitor investment decisions and technological advancements.
3) Established Professional Networks and Cross-Border Collaborations: The symposium will facilitate connections among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, fostering collaborations that enhance regional capacity for sustainable energy transitions. These networks will serve as a foundation for future policy coordination, joint research initiatives, and knowledge exchange. Outcomes will be tracked through post-event surveys and follow- up assessments on new partnerships formed.
Beneficiaries
The symposium will prioritize participants who can substantively contribute to its core activities, ensuring that the discussions are led by those with significant expertise and influence in the fields of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy transition. The primary beneficiaries will be policymakers with a focus on EV policy and sustainability, stakeholders from the automotive and energy sectors, scholars specializing in EV technology, and subject matter experts in policy analysis. These individuals will be selected based on their ability to contribute meaningfully to the discussions on barriers and enablers of EV and FCV adoption, market trends, and future research directions. The engagement of these professionals is essential to achieving impactful outcomes from the symposium. Direct beneficiaries include professionals and experts working within the EV sector across APEC economies. These individuals will gain access to a collaborative platform that facilitates knowledge exchange, allowing them to explore innovative solutions for scaling up energy transition technologies and infrastructure. Policymakers will particularly benefit from the expert recommendations and discussions on EV policy and infrastructure, enabling them to formulate strategies and regulations that are informed by the latest market trends and technological advancements. Additionally, industry leaders and investors will gain insight into opportunities for scaling up EV infrastructure, creating a more conducive environment for the adoption of sustainable transport across APEC economies. The symposium's outcomes will also indirectly benefit citizens of APEC economies, who stand to gain from more sustainable, efficient, and accessible EV adoption. As APEC economies implement the policies and best practices discussed during the event, citizens will experience improvements in air quality, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and increased accessibility to electric vehicle technology. These benefits align with APEC’s overarching goals of promoting sustainable growth and inclusivity across the region. Researchers and analysts will also be key beneficiaries of the symposium, particularly through the development of the Policy Recommendation Report. The report will serve as a comprehensive resource that compiles expert recommendations, technological trends, and policy analysis, providing researchers with valuable insights to further their work on energy transition and EV technologies. In particular, scholars specializing in EV technology and energy policy will be able to use the findings of the symposium to shape future research directions, ensuring that APEC economies remain at the forefront of energy innovation. In alignment with APEC’s commitment to gender inclusivity, the symposium will emphasize a balanced representation of men and women across all participant groups. By ensuring gender balance among participants, the symposium seeks to promote diverse perspectives in its discussions, which will contribute to more comprehensive and inclusive policy recommendations. This commitment to inclusivity reflects APEC’s broader goals of fostering equitable participation and representation in the region’s economic development efforts.
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Dissemination |
The dissemination of all output documents and reports will follow APEC’s established protocols, ensuring that the project’s results are accessible to relevant stakeholders across the region. Both the Policy Recommendation Report and the Project Summary Report will be published as official APEC publications and made available on the APEC Publications Database in electronic format, aligning with APEC's preference for digital dissemination. Once published, these documents will be featured on the APEC website, where they can be accessed by policymakers, industry leaders, and academics involved in energy transition and electric vehicle (EV) policy.
Additionally, UCSI University's web page will include links to these APEC publications after they are published, providing another access point for researchers and academic institutions interested in the findings. Recordings of the symposium will be limited to sessions involving speakers who are unable to attend in person, and these recordings will be played during the event, with no further distribution permitted, in line with APEC guidelines. There are no plans to sell or commercially distribute any outputs from the project; all dissemination efforts will be focused on ensuring free and broad access to the reports through APEC's official channels.
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Gender |
Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.
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Work Plan |
Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.
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Risks |
Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.
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Monitoring and Evaluation |
Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.
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Linkages |
The project will actively engage members of other relevant APEC fora, particularly the APEC Automotive Dialogue and Transport Working Group (TPTWG), to participate in the workshop. These groups will bring valuable insights from their respective fields, ensuring a well-rounded discussion on electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and energy transition. The Automotive Dialogue will provide industry-specific knowledge, while the TPTWG can contribute to discussions on transportation policy, infrastructure, and regulations related to EV and FCV adoption across APEC economies. Their involvement will enrich the symposium's focus on both technological innovation and policy alignment, helping to create actionable strategies for advancing the energy transition. Beyond APEC fora, the project will engage external organizations, including Malaysia’s Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR). MIGHT’s expertise in high technology and innovation will ensure that discussions are grounded in cutting-edge developments in EV and FCV technology, while IDFR’s diplomatic and international relations expertise will provide a broader geopolitical and policy framework. These partnerships will help attract diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, enhancing the depth of the discussions and ensuring a wide range of perspectives are represented. To avoid duplication and build on previous APEC initiatives, the project will leverage past work by the Energy Working Group (EWG). For example, the symposium will build on insights from projects such as the "APEC Workshop on Promoting Technology to Contribute to Sustainable Energy Transition" (EWG 02 2023A) and "Driving Trade & Investment for DC Power Systems and Microgrid Frameworks" (EWG_208_2023A), ensuring continuity with ongoing efforts in the energy sector. This project will focus specifically on the unique challenges posed by the simultaneous introduction of EV and FCV technologies, which require different charging infrastructures, an issue not fully addressed in previous initiatives. By concentrating on this critical intersection, the symposium will provide a timely contribution to the region’s energy transition efforts, ensuring that APEC economies are better prepared to manage these emerging technologies concurrently. Through these engagement strategies and by building on prior work, the project will foster collaboration, avoid overlap, and ensure that all relevant APEC fora and external partners are actively involved in shaping the future of energy transition in the region.
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Sustainability |
The impact of the project is designed to extend well beyond the conclusion of APEC funding, ensuring that the beneficiaries continue to build upon the results and lessons learned. After the symposium, participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, will have access to the reports and policy recommendations generated from the discussions, which will serve as ongoing resources for shaping policy and research in their respective economies. Additionally, UCSI University, through its Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy (IISDS), will offer a potential platform for continued engagement and knowledge dissemination. By leveraging IISDS’s focus on science diplomacy and sustainability, the project outcomes can be integrated into broader regional initiatives, ensuring that the conversations around electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and energy transition continue to evolve and mature. To support beneficiaries in carrying forward the results, the project will encourage the formation of ongoing working groups or networks, composed of symposium participants who can collaborate on implementing the recommendations. These networks can facilitate further discussions, workshops, or initiatives that focus on addressing specific barriers and enablers identified during the symposium. IISDS, as part of UCSI University’s broader mission to lead in sustainability and science-policy interaction, could serve as a host for these follow-up activities, helping to bridge gaps between research, policy, and industry. The next steps to build on the project’s outputs and outcomes include developing collaborative projects that focus on scaling up the adoption of EVs and FCVs in APEC economies. Progress will be tracked through periodic follow-up surveys, interviews, and updates from participants on how they have implemented the lessons learned or incorporated the policy recommendations into their work. The success of these outcomes will be measured by tangible indicators such as the creation of new policies, increased investments in sustainable infrastructure, or enhanced regional collaborations among APEC economies. By fostering long-term partnerships and using UCSI University as a center for ongoing dialogue, the project will ensure that its impact continues to grow even after the formal funding period ends.
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Project Overseers |
As Project Overseer, Dr. Eric Chan Wei Chiang brings extensive experience in leading international projects, notably his role as Project Overseer for OFWG 10 2020A for the APEC Sustainable Coastal Cities Symposium. His deep academic and research background, with a Ph.D. in Natural Product Chemistry from Monash University, positions him as a strong leader for managing the technical, logistical, and reporting aspects of the project. Dr. Chan’s professional accolades, including being ranked among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists for three consecutive years, highlight his expertise in medicinal and biomolecular chemistry as well as his commitment to sustainability, particularly in green chemistry. His work in bioprospecting and waste conversion technologies aligns with the project’s goals on sustainable energy transition. Additionally, Dr. Chan’s experience with multi-stakeholder projects, awards for innovation in green chemistry, and long-standing memberships in global scientific societies, equip him with the skills needed for effective stakeholder engagement, coordination of research outcomes, and ensuring that project goals are met, including the dissemination of APEC publications.
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Cost Efficiency |
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Drawdown Timetable |
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Direct Labour |
Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.
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Waivers |
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Are there any supporting document attached? |
Yes
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Attachments
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