Audience members explore approaches to the energy transition, the low-altitude economy, and China acquiring 'fourth-best' AI chips.Have strong opinions about these letters or other elements of the news? Express your thoughts by sending us your Letter to the Editor via email. letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions must not go beyond 400 words, and should contain your full name and address, along with a phone number for verification
In South Papua, Indonesia, a nine-year-old girl named Ulin dedicates many hours every day to gathering water and firewood—time that could otherwise be used for attending school or studying online. Her village, which previously depended on diesel generators, has found it difficult to pay for fuel due to increasing expenses. With the closest power grid more than 50 kilometers away, people in communities like hers are left without electricity.
These narratives point to a more fundamental problem. Although Southeast Asia's economies are expanding quickly, access to dependable, cost-effective andclean electricityremains inconsistent. The International Energy Agency estimates that approximately 35 million individuals in the region still do not have access to electricity, and over 100 million depend on traditional biomass or kerosene for cooking.
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With the global shift towards cleaner energy speeding up, it's essential to keep in mind a basic rule: no individual should be neglected. A fair transition goes beyond replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources; it involves making sure that communities have the necessary energy to flourish, including for hospitals, schools, and residences.
Advancement goes beyond major infrastructure projects. It necessitates equitable economic systems, strong institutions, and customized assistance for rural and underprivileged communities.
Southeast Asian governments have made progress in promoting regional collaboration regarding renewable energy, but the implementation across different areas is inconsistent. Urban and more affluent communities typically see the benefits first, while less privileged regions encounter challenges in securing funding and technical assistance.
New projects are attempting to bring about this change. An example is the partnership between Energy Foundation China and Sustainable Energy for All, collaborating with local organizations to test financial models for off-grid renewable energy implementation in Southeast Asia. These initiatives seek to increase access in remote regions, creating chances for jobs, healthcare, and education.
China's internal experiences may provide useful lessons. In 2024, it installed approximately 120 gigawatts of decentralized solar systems, typically in rural regions. A 2024 research conducted by Energy Foundation China and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank revealed that these installations were facilitated by varied funding sources, partnerships between public and private sectors, and shared benefits arrangements. Although not applicable everywhere, the core concepts - cost-effectiveness, investor trust, and community advantages - might guide other countries' approaches.
Nations such as Indonesia are already implementing renewable energy solutions tailored to their specific needs. What they require is not a one-size-fits-all model, but the regulatory flexibility and financial resources to develop approaches that suit their circumstances.
The shift towards energy must go beyond just competing for large amounts of power. It should be a worldwide initiative aimed at creating equity, strength, and prospects—beginning with the communities that are typically overlooked.
Yunfei Xing, an international cooperation officer at the Energy Foundation China, and Jacqueline Lam, regional director of Sustainable Energy for All
Let's make a significant impact on the low-altitude economy
I read the op-ed, "The skies are not the limit" (July 13), with laughter.
If the Hong Kong government did not warmly accept the idea of advancing aerospace as a new driver of economic growth, it could turn its attention toward the low-altitude economy as the following key sector.
In 2010, mainland China initiated reforms to its low-altitude airspace, outlining objectives and actions to be carried out over the following decade. By 2023, the low-altitude economy was recognized as a strategic emerging industry. The Civil Aviation Administration of China anticipates the sector to reach2 trillion yuan by 2030.
I don't see any justification for Hong Kong not working together with the rest of the Greater Bay Area to promote the development of the low-altitude economy in accordance with the principles outlined in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
This can be achieved with the rise of 5G and artificial intelligence. Indeed, mainland cities such asShenzhenand Chengdu already has pilot programs for air taxis, drone delivery, and urban air travel.
Will the Hong Kong administration demonstrate vision by progressively opening up low-altitude airspace for commercial purposes and leverage the synergies of the Greater Bay Area?
Despite being a densely populated city, Hong Kong can gain advantages through the effective utilization of low-altitude technologies, including medical transport, fire response, checking illegal construction, aerial filming, and tourism.
Further efforts are required. It is necessary to strengthen our local laws governing small unmanned aircraft in order to promote business growth and investment within this crucial sector.
Ultimately, we must establish a low-altitude environment to propel our economy to unprecedented levels.
Charles Chan K.C., a legal practitioner and part-time law professor at City University of Hong Kong
The United States should take lessons from China.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently mentioned that the Trump administration changed its position regarding permitting Nvidia to sell its AI chips to China, as China is only receiving the "fourth best" chips.
Why must the United States portray China as a less developed and weaker country? Just because China is currently obtaining AI chips from Nvidia does not imply that the nation will forever depend on American technology.
When you visit China and observe theinfrastructure, it is clearly ahead of the United States. In schools, Chinese students also appear to be surpassing their American counterparts.
China represents the future. The era has evolved. Rather than feeling envious, America should take lessons from China, adjust accordingly, and achieve greatness as well.
Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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