As Southeast Asia accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy and electric mobility, batteries have become one of the region's most strategic industries. From powering electric vehicles to supporting renewable energy storage, battery technology is expected to play a major role in ASEAN's economic and sustainability goals over the coming years.
This growing momentum will take center stage at the ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC 2026), which will be held from August 19 to 21, 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA in Sepang, Malaysia. The event will bring together policymakers, manufacturers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss how ASEAN can strengthen its battery value chain and compete on the global stage.
ABTC 2026 Puts Malaysia at the Heart of ASEAN's Battery Industry
Organized by NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), this year's conference carries the theme "Industrialising Battery Technologies: Strengthening ASEAN's Battery Value Chain for Global Competitiveness."
The event reflects the region's growing ambition to move beyond simply adopting battery technologies toward becoming a leading hub for manufacturing, innovation, investment, and commercialization.
Following successful editions in Bali, Singapore, and Phuket, ABTC has evolved into one of Southeast Asia's key industry gatherings, encouraging collaboration between governments, research institutions, technology companies, and manufacturers.
Hosting the conference also highlights Malaysia's increasing focus on clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and industrial innovation.
The demand for batteries continues to grow as more countries invest in electric vehicles, renewable energy projects, and energy storage systems.
For ASEAN, this presents significant opportunities to build stronger regional supply chains, attract international investments, and create new industries that support long-term economic growth.
Rather than relying solely on imported technologies, many ASEAN countries are now exploring ways to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities while improving safety standards, research collaboration, and battery recycling initiatives.
ABTC 2026 aims to support these efforts by encouraging discussions that translate into practical industry partnerships.
What to Expect at the Conference
Over three days, delegates will participate in keynote presentations, technical discussions, and networking sessions focused on the future of battery technology across Southeast Asia.
The conference will revolve around three major themes:
1. Battery Safety and Industry Collaboration
Experts will discuss battery safety, regulatory standards, policy development, and strategies that encourage wider adoption across ASEAN markets.
Advancing Battery Manufacturing
Industry leaders will examine manufacturing scale-up, supply chain resilience, technology innovation, and production capabilities needed to strengthen ASEAN's competitiveness.
2. Expanding Battery Applications
Sessions will also explore how batteries are being integrated into electric mobility, renewable energy storage, smart infrastructure, and other emerging technologies shaping the region's energy future.
Additional discussions will cover battery recycling, circular economy initiatives, and next-generation battery technologies.
3. International Experts and Regional Industry Leaders to Speak
ABTC 2026 will feature presentations from globally respected researchers and industry experts, including:
- Professor Ying Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory
- Professor Khalil Amine, Argonne Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Advanced Lithium Battery Technology Programme
The conference is also expected to welcome representatives from organizations including, SEDA, MARii, Pertamina, A*STAR, and Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).
Together, these speakers will provide insights into emerging technologies, policy developments, investment opportunities, and regional collaboration.
Strategic Partnerships Expected During ABTC 2026
Beyond the conference sessions, several partnerships are expected to be formalized during the event, demonstrating ASEAN's commitment to expanding its battery ecosystem.
Among the planned collaborations are:
- NanoMalaysia Berhad and The Institution of Engineers Malaysia on energy storage development and technology transfer
- GigaFactory Malaysia and Milan Utama for compact Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) prototyping
- Infineon Technologies and Ampace on strategic battery technology collaboration
- Green Tenaga and Go Rental Singapore on regional partnership initiatives
These agreements reflect the conference's emphasis on turning discussions into concrete projects that accelerate battery innovation and commercialization across Southeast Asia.
Building a More Competitive Battery Ecosystem for ASEAN
According to Prof. (Adj.) Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of NMB Group, ASEAN already possesses strong capabilities in research, manufacturing, electric mobility, energy storage, and circular economy initiatives.
He emphasized that realizing the region's full potential will require stronger collaboration between governments, industry players, researchers, and investors.
Ts. Dr. Nurul Akmaliah Dzulkurnain, Chief Executive Officer of the International Battery Centre, echoed this view, noting that every ASEAN country contributes unique strengths in areas such as policy, financing, manufacturing, deployment, and research. She believes closer regional cooperation will help create a more competitive battery industry.
A Milestone for Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Future
As governments and industries continue investing in renewable energy and sustainable transportation, the battery sector is becoming one of ASEAN's fastest-growing industries.
ABTC 2026 offers more than an opportunity to exchange ideas. It serves as a platform for building partnerships, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the regional battery ecosystem for years to come.
For businesses, researchers, policymakers, and technology leaders, the conference represents an important step toward shaping a more resilient and globally competitive battery industry across Southeast Asia.