THE 43rd Conference of the Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (Cafeo 43) was successfully held from 28 to 30 October 2025 at the SMX Convention Centre, Clark, Pampanga, Philippines.
With the inspiring theme “Asean Engineers: Beacons of Prosperity, Inclusivity, Equity, Resilience and Sustainability,” the annual gathering united engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders across Southeast Asia to reaffirm Afeo’s shared mission – advancing technology, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Hosted by the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), Cafeo 43 was a resounding success, following the momentum of Cafeo 42 held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (2024), and paving the way toward Cafeo 44, to be held in Bandung, Indonesia (2026).
Afeo: Building One Asean Engineering Community
The Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (Aefo) stands as a vital platform promoting unity, excellence, and collaboration among the engineering communities of Asean countries.
Afeo’s core mission is to harmonize engineering education, qualifications, and professional standards across Asean nations – empowering engineers to contribute effectively toward the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
Through shared knowledge, innovation, and mutual recognition, Afeo continues to strengthen regional ties and drive sustainable development.
Afeo Governance and Leadership
Afeo operates under a distinguished Governing Board, which includes representatives from all Asean member institutions. As of 2025, the Afeo Governing Board comprises:
1. Engr. Federico A. Monsada – Chairman of AFEO
2. Ir. Khin Maung Htay – Vice Chairman of AFEO
3. Ir. Chin Lee Tuck – PUJA (Brunei)
4. H.E. Sokhom Rithivuth – BEC (Cambodia)
5. Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie – PII (Indonesia)
6. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khampaseuth – ALACE (Lao PDR)
7. Er. Chan Ewe Jin – IES (Singapore)
8. Dr. WatcharinGasaluck – EIT (Thailand)
9. Dr. S. C. Phan Xuan Dung – Vusta (Vietnam)
10. Ir. Dr. David Chua – Afeo Secretary General
11.Ir. Chan Harn Shean – Afeo Hon. Treasurer
12. Ir. Simon Yeong – AER Head Commissioner
13. Ir. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Chiang – Immediate Past Chairman of Afeo and current President of IEM Together, this leadership team guides Afeo toward realizing its vision of “One Asean Engineering Community.”
Mission and Objectives of Afeo
Afeo’s objectives align closely with Asean’s goals for integration, innovation, and sustainable development:
Promoting Engineering Excellence and Professional Mobility
Through the Asean Engineer Register (AER), Afeo harmonizes qualifications and encourages cross-border professional recognition.
Fostering Research, Innovation, and Technology Sharing
Afeo hosts annual forums and technical sessions addressing renewable energy, AI, smart infrastructure, and green transformation.
Contributing to Sustainable and Resilient Development
Afeo advocates environmentally responsible engineering practices that support climate adaptation and regional sustainability.
Strengthening Regional Solidarity and People-to-People Connectivity
Through youth exchanges and cultural engagement, Afeo reinforces friendship and trust among Asean engineers.
Cafeo 43: A Hub of Knowledge, Innovation, and Fellowship
Cafeo 43 featured dynamic plenary sessions, exhibitions, and paper presentations that reflected the region’s shared priorities: digital transformation, decarbonisation, energy transition, and sustainable urban development.
Over 70 delegates from Malaysia, led by the President of IEM Ir. Prof. Dr Chiang, included Deputy President Ir. Yau Chau Fong, AEO Secretary General Ir. Dr. David Chua and AER Head Commissioner Ir. Simon Yeong.
They have been actively participated in technical sessions and fellowship events, who proudly carrying the spirit of collaboration and professional excellence.
Key Speakers and Malaysian Contributions
Malaysia made a significant intellectual contribution to CAFEO 43, with several renowned engineers invited as keynote and technical speakers.
Keynote Speakers
1. Ir. Prof. Dr. Tan Chee-Fai
Topic: “Engineering Capacity Building in Emerging Technologies: Advancing Asean’s Competitiveness through AI and Robotics”
Prof. Tan shared insights into how artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics are transforming manufacturing, logistics, and urban systems. He emphasized the importance of developing regional talent and upskilling engineers to ensure Asean remains competitive in the global digital economy.
2. Ir. Noor Iziddin Abdullah Bin Haji Ghazali
Topic: “Decarbonising Cities: Integrating Solar + BESS into Urban Infrastructure Towards Net Zero in Asean”
Ir. Noor Iziddin highlighted Malaysia’s pioneering role in urban decarbonisation through solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), advocating scalable models for Asean cities to accelerate their transition to net-zero emissions.
Technical Speakers
Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Bin Jaafar, CEO of SESB and Chairman of IEM Sabah with co-authors Ir. Ts. Qaddafi Abdullah Bajerai and Ir. Ts. Leona Ng
Topic: “Transforming Sabah’s Energy Future: Deployment of Southeast Asia’s Largest 100MW/400MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Lahad Datu”
This presentation showcased Sabah’s groundbreaking step toward energy stability and renewable integration. The Lahad Datu BESS project stands as one of Southeast Asia’s largest, representing a transformative milestone in sustainable energy resilience for East Malaysia.
Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, JP Vice Chairman 1 of IEM Sabah
Topic: “Upper Padas River Dam Development in Sabah, Malaysia: Strategic Infrastructure for Water Security and Renewable Energy”
Ir. Tan discussed the strategic role of the Upper Padas River Dam in securing long-term water supply and supporting renewable hydropower generation for Sabah.
The project exemplifies integrated resource management and sustainable engineering in action.
Engr. Rusnida Talib
Topic: “Pioneering Climate-Smart Roadways in Kuala Lumpur: A Vision for Low-Carbon, Heat-Resilient Infrastructure in Asean Cities”
Engr. Rusnida’s presentation focused on next-generation roadway materials and design that mitigate urban heat and reduce carbon footprint, offering a replicable model for future Asean cities.
Ir. Chin Lee Tuck
Topic: “Engineering Capacity Building in Emerging Technologies: Advancing Asean’s Competitiveness through AI and Robotics”
Reinforcing Prof. Tan’s keynote theme, Ir. Chin emphasized institutional collaboration and continuous learning as key strategies for Asean engineers to adapt to the technological shifts shaping future industries.
These sessions underscored Malaysia’s leadership in energy transition, water resource management, AI innovation, and climate-resilient infrastructure – demonstrating how engineering expertise directly supports Asean’s sustainability agenda.
Honoring Engineering Excellence: Asean Awards 2025
A highlight of Cafeo 43 was the Asean Honorary and Fellowship Awards Ceremony, where exceptional individuals and organizations from Malaysia were recognized for their service and contribution to engineering and society.
Asean Honorary Fellows (Malaysia)
- Datuk Seri Christina Liew Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah
- Ir. Simon Yeong Chin – AER Head Commissioner (2024-2026)
- Datuk Ir. Willy Chin – OC for Cafeo 42 in Sabah, Malaysia Past Chairman, IEM Sabah
- Ir. Dr. Siow Chun Lim – Past Honorary Treasurer, IEM
- Ir. Thayala Rajah C. Selvaduray – Past Chairman, IEM Southern Branch, Organising Chairman of 21st AFEO Midterm Meeting held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 2022
Asean Honorary Members (for IEM Malaysia)
The following Malaysian engineers were conferred Honorary Member titles in recognition of their leadership and service:
- Ir. Stephanie Sim Hui Kheng – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Sarawak Branch
- Ir. Ong Yee Pin – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Melaka Branch
- Ir. Ab Rahman Bin Hashim – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Pahang Branch
- Ir. Shahrin Amri Bin Jahari – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Negeri Sembilan Branch
- Ir. Chan Wah Cheong – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Penang Branch
- Ir. Dr Nursyarizal Bin Mohd Nor – Immediate Past Chairman, IEM Perak Branch
- Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Bin Abdul Wahid – CEO, Energy Commission of Sabah (EcoS)
- Dato’ Ir. Abdul Razib Bin Dawood – Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)
- Ir. Kwok Yew Hoe – Chairman, EETD IEM, Chairman AFEO Energy WG
- Muhammad Ashiq Marecan Bin Hamid Marecan – Immediate Past Chairman, YES IEM
Sabah’s presence was notably distinguished, with three esteemed recipients: YB Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Datuk Ir. Willy Chin, and Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Bin Abdul Wahid.
Their conferment of the Honorary Award stands as a strong testament to Sabah’s rising influence and leadership in Asean’s engineering and sustainability arena.
The Malaysian delegation also delighted the audience during the closing ceremony, performing two songs namely “We Are the Engineers” and “Ali, Ah Kau and Muthu” which is a lively showcase of Malaysia’s multicultural unity and engineering pride that drew warm applause from fellow Asean participants.
Conclusion: Sabah’s Leadership in Asean Engineering
Cafeo 43 in Clark showcased the power of engineering collaboration in shaping Asean’s future. Malaysia and particularly Sabah which stood proudly at the centre of this progress, contributing both intellectual leadership and exemplary achievements.
The recognition of Sabah’s honourees, along with landmark projects like Lahad Datu’s Battery Energy Storage System and Upper Padas Dam, demonstrates the state’s pivotal role in advancing energy resilience, water security, and environmental sustainability in the region.
As Cafeo 43 concluded, the spirit of camaraderie and innovation among Asean engineers remained strong, reaffirming Afeo’s enduring vision of a united, sustainable, and technologically advanced “One Asean Engineering Community.”
