Anutin seeks Temasek Trust backing for regional energy grid

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has invited Temasek Trust to explore cooperation on a regional energy network linking Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, as the two sides discussed clean energy, philanthropy, healthcare and sustainable development.

Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Trust, paid a courtesy call on Anutin, who is also interior minister, at Government House on October 12.

The meeting focused on ways to strengthen cooperation in philanthropy and sustainable development by bringing together government, businesses and philanthropic organisations to support innovative pilot projects that could later be expanded.

Anutin said Thailand had opportunities to develop more systematic cooperation between businesses and other organisations to support projects delivering measurable and lasting results, going beyond short-term assistance or traditional corporate social responsibility programmes.

Temasek Trust expressed interest in working with the Thai government and businesses on projects addressing social challenges with the potential to be scaled up.

Three-country energy network proposed

Energy cooperation was a major focus of the talks, covering the transition to cleaner energy, greater use of renewables and the potential role of small modular reactors (SMRs) in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Anutin said Thailand needed an energy policy suited to its circumstances, combining greater use of clean energy with efficient management of existing resources.

He stressed that any adoption of new energy technologies must take account of safety, waste management and public acceptance, supported by accurate information and effective communication.

The prime minister also proposed stronger energy cooperation among Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore by drawing on each country’s strengths.

Thailand could contribute its land and renewable-energy potential, while Malaysia could provide resources and infrastructure and Singapore could contribute capital and investment capabilities.

Anutin said such cooperation could support the development of an interconnected regional energy network, strengthen long-term energy security and deepen cross-border infrastructure and supply chains.

Data centres and AI require infrastructure investment

Anutin also raised investment in future industries, particularly data centres and infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence.

He said Thailand needed to balance efforts to attract investment with the need to ensure sufficient resources remained available for the public.

Private investors should contribute to infrastructure development and use energy responsibly so that economic expansion could proceed alongside environmental protection and wider social interests, he added.

Health preparedness also discussed

The two sides also discussed preparations for emerging infectious diseases, including diagnostic and disease-surveillance systems and regional capacity to manufacture essential medical equipment and supplies.

Anutin stressed the importance of financial and healthcare-system preparedness to reduce pressure on public health services during future crises.

He also supported shifting healthcare policy from an emphasis on treating illness towards health promotion and disease prevention, particularly for older people, with the aim of helping people remain healthy and independent for longer.

Kuek outlined Temasek Trust’s approach to strengthening capabilities through innovation and pilot programmes developed with governments and businesses.

Successful projects could then be transferred to relevant agencies and expanded nationally or regionally, he said.

He noted that energy, environmental and health challenges were shared by countries across Asia and would require cooperation among governments, businesses and other sectors.

Greetings from Ho Ching and Lee Hsien Loong

Kuek also conveyed greetings from Temasek Trust chairman Ho Ching and Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and congratulated Thailand on hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

He also referred to Temasek Trust’s cooperation with the World Bank Group on mechanisms linking philanthropic capital with development finance to support innovation and projects capable of generating wider social impact.

Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Ekkaphop Phianphiset said Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to work with Temasek Trust and regional partners and exchange knowledge on common challenges.

“No country can solve every problem alone,” Ekkaphop quoted the prime minister as saying, adding that shared learning and practical cooperation could help produce development approaches delivering tangible and sustainable benefits for people across the region.