Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting 2025, together with ETP/UNOPS and partner organizations, has launched the ASEAN School of Regulation (ASR) Phase II initiative to identify a host institution for the pilot implementation of the ASEAN School of Regulation. The programme supports regulatory harmonization, regional power trade, energy sector cooperation, training programmes, and sustainability planning across ASEAN.
Eligible academic and research institutions can apply for funding of up to USD 500,000 to support the operationalisation and pilot activities of the ASEAN School of Regulation.
Overview of the ASEAN School of Regulation (ASR) Phase II
The ASEAN School of Regulation (ASR) Phase II aims to strengthen regional cooperation and regulatory capacity in the ASEAN energy sector.
The initiative focuses on developing a regional platform for:
- Regulatory learning
- Energy policy cooperation
- Knowledge exchange
- Capacity building
- Regional electricity market integration
The programme also contributes to broader sustainable development goals related to:
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Climate Action
Key Objectives
The ASR Phase II initiative aims to:
- Support regulatory harmonization across ASEAN
- Strengthen regional power trade cooperation
- Establish operational and administrative functions for the School
- Deliver pilot training programmes
- Promote research and policy learning
- Facilitate regional knowledge exchange
- Develop a long-term sustainability framework
The selected host institution will help operationalize the ASEAN School of Regulation during its pilot phase.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports activities related to:
- Energy regulation and governance
- Regional electricity market integration
- Regulatory capacity building
- Sustainable energy policy
- Climate and clean energy transition
- Cross-border energy cooperation
- Institutional development and sustainability planning
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Maximum Funding Available: USD 500,000
The funding will support:
- Administrative establishment
- Pilot implementation activities
- Training and research programmes
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Sustainability framework development
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to:
- Academic institutions
- Research institutions
- Eligible organizations with expertise in energy regulation and policy
Applicants should demonstrate capacity in:
- Energy sector research
- Policy and regulatory training
- Regional cooperation initiatives
- Institutional management
- Sustainable energy governance
Role of the Selected Institution
The selected institution will support the pilot implementation of the ASEAN School of Regulation through:
- Establishment of administrative and secretariat functions
- Delivery of pilot training activities
- Coordination of research initiatives
- Facilitation of regional knowledge exchange
- Development of sustainability and funding plans
- Support for regional regulatory cooperation
The institution will also contribute to designing the School’s future long-term operational structure.
Why the Programme Matters
ASEAN countries are increasingly working toward:
- Regional energy integration
- Cross-border electricity trade
- Sustainable energy transitions
- Climate action commitments
- Harmonized regulatory systems
However, differences in regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities continue to create challenges for regional cooperation.
The ASEAN School of Regulation aims to strengthen regional expertise and create a collaborative platform for regulatory learning and policy coordination.
How the Programme Works
The pilot phase will establish the operational foundation of the ASEAN School of Regulation.
Implementation Process
- Selection of eligible host institution
- Establishment of secretariat and administrative systems
- Delivery of pilot training programmes
- Research and policy exchange activities
- Regional stakeholder engagement
- Development of long-term sustainability framework
The programme is expected to contribute to long-term institutional cooperation across ASEAN’s energy sector.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate expertise in energy regulation and policy
- Show experience managing regional or international programmes
- Present strong institutional governance systems
- Highlight capacity for training and research delivery
- Include realistic sustainability and operational plans
- Demonstrate understanding of ASEAN energy priorities
Strong proposals usually include:
- Regional collaboration strategies
- Detailed implementation frameworks
- Stakeholder engagement plans
- Sustainability and funding models
- Capacity-building methodologies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ASEAN School of Regulation (ASR) Phase II?
It is an initiative supporting the pilot implementation of the ASEAN School of Regulation to strengthen energy sector regulatory cooperation in ASEAN.
Who is launching the programme?
The initiative is launched through the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting 2025, ETP/UNOPS, and partner organizations.
How much funding is available?
Eligible institutions can receive up to USD 500,000.
Who can apply?
Academic and research institutions with relevant expertise can apply.
What activities are supported?
The programme supports regulatory harmonization, training programmes, research, knowledge exchange, and sustainability planning.
What is the role of the selected institution?
The selected institution will host and operationalize the pilot phase of the ASEAN School of Regulation.
What sectors does the programme support?
The initiative supports clean energy, climate action, regional power trade, and energy governance.
Conclusion
The ASEAN School of Regulation Phase II initiative represents an important step toward strengthening regional energy cooperation, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable energy governance across ASEAN. By supporting the establishment of a pilot regional regulatory learning platform, the programme aims to improve institutional capacity, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support long-term energy integration and climate goals within the region.
The initiative also contributes to building a sustainable framework for future regional collaboration in energy regulation and policy development.
For more information, visit UNOPS.