Malaysia to Host 4th ASEAN Battery Technology Conference as ASEAN Moves to Scale Battery Industry

ABTC 2026 will gather policymakers, manufacturers, investors and researchers in Sepang to advance battery manufacturing, safety, investment and market deployment across the region

Putrajaya: Malaysia will host the 4th ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC 2026) from 19 to 21 August 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, Sepang, placing the country at the centre of ASEAN’s next major conversation on battery industrialisation.

Organised by NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad), ABTC 2026 will be held under the theme “Industrialising Battery Technologies: Strengthening ASEAN’s Battery Value Chain for Global Competitiveness”. The conference comes as demand for electric mobility, renewable energy storage and battery-enabled technologies continues to grow across ASEAN and beyond, creating new opportunities for the region to scale its role in the global battery economy.

Building a Sustainable Local Cacao Business: Lessons from a Women-Led Village Enterprise

In Pejalin Village, Indonesia, women are turning cacao into premium chocolate while protecting nature.

Chocolate fever is sweeping the globe. From the rise of premium chocolate trends in Europe to the viral "Dubai chocolate" phenomenon on social media, cacao has once again ascended as a high-value commodity. Yet cacao is far from a new crop in the Philippines. Introduced during the Spanish colonial period, it has long been woven into Filipino culture through traditional products such as tablea and tsokolate de batirol. Today, chocolate is no longer just a confectionery staple, it is a premium product that reflects origin, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

The Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for cacao, with the country's chocolate confectionery market projected to reach USD 707.52 million by 2030. To ensure this growth translates into long-term value for farmers and the industry, the Department of Agriculture and industry stakeholders have launched the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap 2026–2030, which aims to build a more productive, profitable, resilient, and globally competitive cacao sector. The roadmap comes as the Philippines continues to gain international recognition, including being named among the world's Top 50 Cacao of Excellence producers, reflecting the country's potential to compete in the premium cacao market.

Building a Sustainable Local Cacao Business: Lessons from a Women-Led Village Enterprise

In Pejalin Village, Indonesia, women are turning cacao into premium chocolate while protecting nature.

Chocolate fever is sweeping the globe. From the rise of premium chocolate trends in Europe to the viral "Dubai chocolate" phenomenon on social media, cacao has once again ascended as a high-value commodity. Yet cacao is far from a new crop in the Philippines. Introduced during the Spanish colonial period, it has long been woven into Filipino culture through traditional products such as tablea and tsokolate de batirol. Today, chocolate is no longer just a confectionery staple, it is a premium product that reflects origin, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

The Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for cacao, with the country's chocolate confectionery market projected to reach USD 707.52 million by 2030. To ensure this growth translates into long-term value for farmers and the industry, the Department of Agriculture and industry stakeholders have launched the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap 2026–2030, which aims to build a more productive, profitable, resilient, and globally competitive cacao sector. The roadmap comes as the Philippines continues to gain international recognition, including being named among the world's Top 50 Cacao of Excellence producers, reflecting the country's potential to compete in the premium cacao market.

SNAP-Benguet recognized by ERC for operational excellence

SNAP AVP for Regulatory Affairs Andrea Toyoda receives award from ERC Chairperson and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin, and ERC commissioners Marko Romeo Fuentes, Floresinda Baldo-Digal, Paris Real, and Amante Liberato

SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) was recognized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for Binga hydroelectric power plant’s outstanding operational performance and steadfast commitment to ensuring reliable and secure electricity supply. The award was presented during the ERC’s 25th Founding Anniversary celebration on June 26, 2026.

How Cassava Is Evolving From a Commodity Crop Into a Source of Health and Opportunity

Siak, Indonesia’s Telarasa transforms cassava into healthier food products and community opportunities.

Wibowo Nugroho engaging in a brand consultation

Cassava has shaped Southeast Asia's agricultural history for centuries. It became a vital crop because of its ability to thrive in poor soils and withstand drought. In countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, cassava served as a reliable food source during periods of scarcity before evolving into an important commodity for the food, feed, starch, and biofuel industries. Today, its resilience and versatility are giving the crop new relevance beyond food security, including meeting Asia’s growing demand for healthier and more inclusive dietary options.

Empowering Education: Vena Energy Mobilizes Teams and Resources Across the Philippines for Brigada Eskwela

Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment, renewable energy leader Vena Energy, together with its project companies across the Philippines, has mobilized resources and volunteers in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela program.

Through targeted donations of maintenance materials, classroom equipment, and employee volunteerism, Vena Energy has provided meaningful support to public schools within its host communities, helping create safe, clean, and conducive learning environments for thousands of students as they prepare for the new academic year.

This nationwide initiative reflects Vena Energy's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to advancing education and strengthening community resilience alongside its mission of delivering clean energy. By partnering closely with educators, local government units, and community stakeholders, the company continues to contribute to long-term, sustainable development in the areas where it operates.

SNAP-Benguet earns EMB-CAR BADANG Excellence Award on Solid Waste Management

SN Aboitiz Power Benguet Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) received the BADANG Excellence Award for Solid Waste Management for its exemplary solid waste management practices during the 9th Cordillera Environmental Summit, on June 30, 2026 in Baguio City. 

Awarded by the Environmental Management Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR), the BADANG Excellence Awards recognize industries and institutions with outstanding environmental programs and best practices that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Cordillera Region. Categories include Hazardous Waste Management, Wastewater Treatment and Water Conservation, Air Quality Monitoring and Management, Solid Waste Management, and Environmental IEC Leadership.