Energy poverty levels vary within Southeast Asia’s energy sector. Some countries in the region reveal lower energy poverty levels and others much higher. Countries lower in energy poverty are Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. In contrast, the highest levels of energy poverty are in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia. Cambodia has the highest energy poverty in the region, ranking 69th in the world.

Increasing women’s education, specifically preparing them for careers in the energy sector, could be a driving force in reducing energy poverty. The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Mission Director for Regional Development Mission for Asia, Dr. Steven G. Olive, says that “it is a missed economic opportunity for countries, companies and communities”  to keep women on the periphery of the energy sector. 

USAID

USAID is spotlighting the connections among women, education and the workforce in Southeast Asia through its Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA) program. This initiative seeks to address gender disparities in the region’s predominantly male energy industry. E4SEA is opening up deeper career opportunities for women in this sector. USAID’s priorities for this initiative include increasing the number of women entering the industry. The initiative provides support for women currently employed in the industry and offers scholarships and internship programs to women.

Spotlight: Scholarship Programs

Thai universities, in partnership with E4SEA, have developed the Gender Inclusive Energy Scholarship. This scholarship program aims to break down gender discrepancies within the energy sector. This opportunity encourages women to apply for either a two-year full-time master’s degree program or for a part-time semesterly scholarship. Women can also apply for a four-month paid energy internship – an opportunity available to bolster career outcomes. The flexible options demonstrate E4SEA’s commitment to women’s education. 

ASEAN

ASEAN’s Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) is now in its second phase, which began following the 2016-2020 initiative and will extend through 2025. This plan aims to increase the integration of renewable energy throughout the region. In its efforts, APAEC emphasizes the vital role of women in the energy sector, recognizing them as key contributors. Under APAEC, women notably make up the majority of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) team. The ACCEPT team focuses on three main priorities: understanding women’s perspectives in the energy sector, acknowledging the critical roles women play in this field and promoting women as leaders of change.

Spotlight: Monika Merdekawati

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering Monika now works for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a researcher. With ASEAN, she focuses her efforts on policy, technology and mitigation while encouraging other young women to enter the energy sector field. Monika’s advice for women looking to enter the field is to “focus on enhancing your knowledge and skills, to be confident and to be generous in empowering fellow women.” 

Looking Ahead

USAID and ASEAN initiatives are actively addressing energy poverty and improving Southeast Asia’s energy sector. This is achieved by promoting women’s education and careers in the energy sector. Programs like E4SEA and APAEC provide scholarships and internships, encouraging greater female participation and leadership in this field. By integrating more women into the energy sector, these ongoing efforts aim to reduce energy poverty and support sustainable economic development throughout the region.

– Carlee Unger

Carlee is based in Pembroke, NC, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr