Sarawak Energy Reinforces Governance And Digital Resilience At HAPUA Internal Audit Summit 2026
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy hosted the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) Internal Audit Summit 2026 here on August 12, highlighting the growing importance of strong governance, internal audit, and digital resilience in the region's energy sector.
Held under the theme ‘Leading with Assurance: Digital Trust, Resilience & Value Creation in Power Utilities’, the summit convened HAPUA country representatives, chief audit executives, and industry delegates to foster regional collaboration and exchange insights on internal auditing.
In his keynote address, Sarawak Energy Board Member and Chairman of the Board Audit Committee, Ainul Azhar Ainul Jamal, emphasized that internal audit functions must evolve beyond traditional compliance.
“Internal Audit plays a greater role than providing independent assurance. It is a strategic partner that helps boards and management build confidence that risks are understood, governance remains robust, resources are managed responsibly, and transformation programmes deliver their intended value,” he said.
He also noted that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances audit practices through advanced data analytics, it requires diligent oversight regarding cybersecurity, data governance, and ethics.
Welcoming the delegates, Sarawak Energy Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Marconi Madai, reiterated HAPUA's vital role in driving collective solutions across ASEAN power utilities.
He stated that a unified approach not only strengthens individual utility organizations but also accelerates ASEAN's vision for a more integrated and sustainable regional power grid.
Sarawak Energy Vice President for Group Internal Audit, Steven Kho Chai Huat, concluded the event by noting that despite diverse operating environments, ASEAN utilities share similar challenges, making shared learning invaluable.
Organised by the Malaysia Chapter of HAPUA Working Group No 5 alongside Sarawak Energy’s Internal Audit team, the two-day summit featured seven sessions and 20 speakers covering AI, cybersecurity, digital assurance, ESG governance, and capital project oversight.
Delegates were also hosted on a sunset river cruise along Sungai Sarawak to experience Kuching's local landmarks and culture. - UKASnews
