Charged for change

How the Philippines can power a cleaner and brighter ASEAN future

- By MILLIE MANAHAN

Prof. Stanley Whittingham, whose discovery of intercalation electrodes paved the way for modern lithium-ion battery tech

When we talk about the future of clean energy, batteries often don't get the same spotlight as solar panels or wind farms.

But at the 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC) in Phuket, Thailand, it became clear: batteries are fast becoming the backbone of ASEAN's clean energy ambitions.

Hosted by Hioki E.E. Corporation, a Japan-based global leader in electrical measuring instruments, the conference gathered policymakers, engineers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to discuss something deceptively simple yet immensely powerful: better batteries mean a more sustainable ASEAN.

For me, being part of this journey feels a little special. I was fortunate to have attended since the initiative's inception in Bali, Indonesia. Watching the growth of ABTC over the years is like seeing an idea bloom into something much bigger — a movement that could reshape how Southeast Asia powers its cities, industries, and even our daily commute.

The Philippines' unique position

Batteries are no longer just AA cells for remote controls or the lithium-ion packs inside smartphones. They are the silent workhorses behind electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and grid resilience during disasters.