Empowering the future: Clean energy innovations, regional cooperation and integration, and financing solutions.
2 – 6 June 2025 | ADB Headquarters, Manila
ACEF 2025 Speakers
ALL SPEAKERS
Sunghoon Park
Company
Sunghoon Park
Company
Bio
Mr. Sunghooon Park received his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University. He began his career at Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2008, working for 14 years in the EPC sector with a focus on mechanical engineering. During this time, he participated in a wide range of onshore and offshore plant projects, developing strong technical expertise and project execution capabilities.Since 2022, he has been with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, specializing in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). He has led several government-funded CCS R&D projects and is currently serving as the Pre-FEED Project Manager for a CCS demonstration project utilizing the Donghae Gas Field—overseeing technical evaluations, schedule management, and stakeholder coordination.With a strong background in plant engineering and a deep understanding of CCS systems, he is committed to advancing low-carbon technologies and contributing to the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Susann Roth
ADB
Susann Roth
ADB
Bio
Susann leads knowledge management at ADB, where her team also established the Innovation Hub to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. She spearheaded ADB’s first futures and foresight program and led ADB’s first technology innovation challenge. Her team developed a comprehensive approach to knowledge management, enhancing the interaction between digital technology and human behavior to generate, capture, share, and apply knowledge.
Swati Mitchelle Dsouza
Asian Development Bank
Swati Mitchelle Dsouza
Asian Development Bank
Bio
Swati is the Climate Change Specialist (Just Transition) at the Asian Development Bank, where she leads just transition efforts under the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) and supports the integration of just transition principles in energy and transport projects. With over 12 years of experience in clean energy and transition strategies, she specializes in the political economy of fossil fuel systems and has worked extensively across developed and developing countries. Prior to ADB, she was Lead Analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA) in India, where she shaped regional strategies, launched new initiatives on green steel, critical minerals, and transport, and partnered with the Indian government. She also co-founded the India Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) center at UC Davis and led a key study on just transition in India’s coal sector. Swati holds an MA in International Studies and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Syed Munir Khasru
The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG)
Syed Munir Khasru
The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG)
Bio
An MBA from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, US, one of the world’s leading business schools, Prof. Syed Munir Khasru (www.syedmunirkhasru.org) founded, led, and successfully built two world-class institutes in the global knowledge industry. The international civil society knowledge outfit, the Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG) (www.ipag.org) and the international project and management consulting firm e.Gen Consultants Ltd. (e.Gen) (www.egenconsultants.com). Both have gained international recognition with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) ranking e.Gen it as one of its top international consulting firms for more than a decade. IPAG and e.Gen now have presence in five continents – South Asia (Dhaka & Delhi), Asia Pacific (Melbourne), Europe (Vienna), Middle East (Dubai) and Africa (Mauritius). Under Prof. Munir’s leadership, IPAG has become a well respected international knowledge outfit from the developing Global South addressing global challenges in key policy and strategy in areas like geopolitics & multilateral affairs, sustainable development & green growth, climate change & energy transition, digital transformation & cyber security. His innovative approach combined a policy-focused knowledge outfit IPAG with a project implementation wing i.e. e.Gen, creating a unique synergy in the global knowledge industry. In other words, Prof. Munir has led from the front in translating policies into practices and strategies into impactful solutions on a global scale.Prof. Munir has been Co-chair of multiple G20 and G7 Task Forces and has authored around twenty policy briefs for G20 and G7 leadership summits, addressing critical issues like climate change & energy transition, SDG & trade, and digital transformation & AI. In collaboration with senior experts from the likes of UN, World Bank, and ADB, Prof. Munir has led multi-stakeholder teams to tackling global challenges. His work demonstrates a unique ability to synthesize cross-functional knowledge into actionable policy recommendations. Prof. Munir has edited eight international book publications covering topics such as SDGs, regional cooperation, energy transitions, Fourth Industrial Revolution, and digital transformation. He curated chapters from both academicians and industry practitioners, featuring contributions from the likes of UN, World Bank, EU, ADB, OECD, Carnegie, Brookings, OECD etc. Prof. Munir's commentary are published by some of the leading international media outlets which include Project Syndicate (Global), World Economic Forum (Global), The Straits Times (Singapore), Nikkei Asia (Japan), and South China Morning Post (Hong Kong). In India, his work is featured in The Hindu, Indian Express, and Hindustan Times. The BBC World Service seeks his expert analysis on complex global matters.
Taalaibek Ibraev
Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Taalaibek Ibraev
Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Bio
Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich – Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic. Born on September 28, 1961. Graduated from Vocational School No. 1 (1979-1980) and Frunze Polytechnic Institute, majoring in “Electricity Supply (1997-2003).1980-1980 - 4-degree electrician of Frunze Sewing Factory "50 Years of October";1980-1982 - service in the ranks of the Soviet Army;1982-1992 – 3-degree electrician of Construction and Installation Department of the Ministry of Construction of the Kirghiz SSR;1992-1997 - electrician of the MP "Uz";1998-2001 - controller, technician, inspector of the household group of the electric power sales department of Bishkek PES;2001-2005 - inspector, senior inspector of the 2nd category. group for household consumers of the Bishkek city energy sales department, deputy head of the Bishkek city sales service, senior inspector of the industrial inspection group of the sales service, deputy head of the Sokuluk RES - head of energy sales, deputy head of the Bishkek city electric power sales service of Severelectro OJSC;2005-2008 - Commercial Director of Severelectro OJSC;2008 - Deputy General Director of the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan OJSC;2011 - Acting Expert of the Department of the Committee on Fuel and Energy Complex and Subsoil Use of the Apparatus of the Zhogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic;2011 - Deputy General Director of the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan OJSC;2014 - Chairman of the Board of Orgtekhstroy OJSC;2016 - Director of Chui branch - National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan OJSC.2015 - Deputy of the Zhogorku Kenesh of the 5th2022 - Deputy Minister of Energy and Acting Head of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic.2022 - Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz RepublicAwards:Certificate of Honor of the State Committee for State Property Management of the Kyrgyz Republic.Ministry of Industry, Energy and Fuel Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic.Badge “Excellent worker of industry, energy and fuel resources of the Kyrgyz Republic”. “Honored power engineer of the CIS”.
Taehoon Kim
K-water
Taehoon Kim
K-water
Bio
Mr. Taehoon Kim is Senior Manager responsible for project finance on renewable energy projects including Floating Solar PV as well as trading of carbon emission credit of K-water. He has worked in various fields of international cooperation on water management, renewable energy project in domestic and international areas over 18 years. He was a Former Policy Analyst, Environment Directorate, OECD during 2021-2023 in charge of National Dialogues on water in 8 Asian countries including Thailand, Indonesia and Mongolia. From 2019 to 2020, he was Operation Director of Asia Water Council, one of most influential water management cooperation in Asia. In addition, he served as Water Advisor of Climate Change and Environment Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, for drafting water diplomacy of South Korea to promoting water management cooperation with other countries and international organizations. Before he was seconded to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he worked as financial manager of Overseas Business Department of K-water handled Project Finance of Patrind Hydropower (Capacity 150 MW) project in Pakistan and M&A deal of Angat Hydropower (Capacity 218MW) in the Philippines. He has a a BSc and MSc from the Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Taha Yasin Bhatti
Aliera Ltd UK
Taha Yasin Bhatti
Aliera Ltd UK
Bio
Taha Yasin Bhatti is the Director and CTO at Aliera Ltd UK and a leading expert in Machine Learning and Data Science, specializing in AI-driven solutions for sustainable energy, green technology, and environmental management. With a master’s degree in Data Science from FAST-NUCES and a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Information Technology University, he brings both academic excellence and practical innovation to his work. He currently leads *MASEMO*, a groundbreaking initiative enhancing energy distribution and EV infrastructure in Karachi using advanced machine learning techniques for demand forecasting and anomaly detection. He has also developed AI-powered air quality monitoring tools for real-time AQI prediction as part of the Lahore Academic Alliance for Climate Action (LAACA). His work in electric mobility includes intelligent EV infrastructure planning through predictive modeling and geospatial analytics. A frequent keynote speaker, he consults for organizations such as the Tara Climate Foundation, WWF, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change, driving impact at the intersection of AI and climate action.
Teddy G. Monroy
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Teddy G. Monroy
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Bio
Teddy Monroy is the Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in the Philippines, with 15 years of experience in advancing inclusive socioeconomic growth and environmental sustainability through sustainable industrial development. His work focuses on transitioning the country’s productive sectors toward a resilient, inclusive, competitive, and green economy. Key priorities include promoting industry-related policies, capacity-building, technology transfer, and green financing to support the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, sustainable resource-based manufacturing, plastic pollution prevention, and climate action through renewable energy and decarbonization. He collaborates closely with government and leverages UNIDO’s global networks, working with partners from the private sector, academia, civil society, and financial institutions. With a graduate degree in chemical engineering and prior experience in both the private sector and academia, his work at UNIDO has enriched his expertise, particularly in the Asia-Pacific context.
Teppei Takahashi
Mitsubishi Heavy Industies Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd.
Teppei Takahashi
Mitsubishi Heavy Industies Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd.
Bio
Takahashi is the Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific (MHI-AP), where he oversees the company’s business development activities in Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Takahashi oversees MHI-AP’s project development with focus on energy transition using hydrogen and ammonia. He has over 15 years of experience in commercial management for thermal and geothermal projects. Takahashi joined MHI in 2001, where he started in the accounting and corporate finance department. After four years at these departments, he moved on to oversee thermal and geothermal power plant projects all over the world, with a focus on projects in Mexico and Kenya. Leveraging his expertise in thermal and geothermal power projects, Takahashi currently oversees the development of energy projects in Asia Pacific to drive the energy transition in the region.
Thomas Lynch
CTC Global
Thomas Lynch
CTC Global
Bio
Tom Lynch is a senior power-sector management consultant and electrical engineer with over 25 years of international experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His career has focused on enabling the energy transition to net-zero through innovative business and operational strategies that deliver reliable, low-carbon, and affordable power solutions—addressing the complex challenges of the Energy Trilemma.Tom has advised utilities, governments, and international financial institutions—including the World Bank, ADB, and other multilateral lenders—on energy policy, market design, strategy, power system engineering, energy efficiency, procurement, and renewable integration. He has worked in more than 18 countries, leading multidisciplinary project teams in regions such as Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Georgia, and Vietnam.Over the past two decades, Tom has specialised in the technical, commercial, and regulatory frameworks required to integrate high levels of intermittent renewable energy into national power systems. He has presented expert insights to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the Intergovernmental Governmental Conference (IGC), reinforcing his thought leadership in the global clean energy space.From 2013 to 2020, Tom served as Chief Advisor to the CEO and Managing Director of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), where he played a pivotal role in the development of the 5GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. His contributions included technology evaluation, strategic procurement, and commercial contract structuring for PV, CPV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and the region’s first Green Hydrogen Electrolysis plant.Following this, Tom was CEO of Ireland’s largest green hydrogen company, subsequently moving back to UAE to advise TAQA in Abu Dhabi on strategic planning, network investments, and acquisitions. In 2024, he joined CTC Global to develop high-capacity low-loss transmission conductor markets and continues to lead his consultancy firm, Energy Transition Consultant (ETC), based in the Middle East.
Tom Wang
People of Asia for Climate Solutions
Tom Wang
People of Asia for Climate Solutions
Bio
Xiaojun Wang has over 20 years of experience in the development sector and communications. As a journalist and contributor, Xiaojun has worked with Xinhua Finance Network, Caixin, 21st Century Business Herald. Before moving to Manila in 2018 to found People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS), Xiaojun led communications work for Greenpeace, World Animal Protection, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids in China. Today, he leads PACS in building an engagement and communications BRIDGE (BRI Directed towards Green Energy) between China and Southeast Asian and South Asian countries.
Toru Kubo
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Toru Kubo
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Bio
Toru is the Senior Director for Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment in ADB’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department. Toru joined ADB in 2004 as one of the original members of ADB’s climate and clean energy team. He was ADB's focal staff for UNFCCC COPs and other global fora, established and led the Carbon Market Program, and authored ADB’s first climate change action plan. He also led ADB's work to promote clean energy and climate change technologies through venture capital funds and helped launch various other initiatives focused on the nexus of climate change, environment, energy, and transport. In 2011 he was seconded to the UNFCCC Secretariat to help design the Climate Technology Centre and Network and the Green Climate Fund. He joined ADB's Southeast Asia Department in 2014 where he served as the country energy sector focal for Indonesia and the Philippines and team leader for multiple projects exceeding $2 billion in financing with significant contribution to climate and environment solutions. He was appointed as Energy Director for Southeast Asia in 2020 overseeing policy dialogue, technical assistance, investment programs and projects, and regional cooperation efforts across ASEAN developing member countries and Timor-Leste. He was the director in charge of the Energy Transition Mechanism, which is now one of ADB’s flagship climate mitigation initiatives. He was also heavily involved in the formation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership for Indonesia. Prior to ADB, he was Asian Business Manager and Policy Analyst at Trexler Climate and Energy Services Inc., and Research Associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, in the United States. Toru is a national of Japan and holds a Master’s degree in Environment and Energy Policy from the Biden School of Public Policy at the University of Delaware, United States and Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Waseda University, Japan.