On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the 21st Asian Battery Conference and Exhibition opened at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia. This conference is recognized as one of the world’s foremost international gatherings in the lead battery industry, attracting significant attention as a venue where major Asian lead-acid battery manufacturers and related companies come together to discuss the latest industry trends, technological innovations, and commercial challenges.

Larger in scale than the recently concluded 9th International Secondary Lead & Battery Recycling Conference, this event will feature more than 45 speakers presenting on market developments across global regions, the latest technological advances, new insights, and progress in lead battery manufacturing technologies. Attendance is expected to exceed 1,000 participants.

(The conference opened with a traditional dance performance from Sabah.)

As an important occasion for global stakeholders in the lead battery industry to network and create new business opportunities, the conference began with a performance of Sabah’s traditional dance. It runs until Friday, September 5, with MIRU participating as a media partner until September 4.

(Mark Stevenson, Technical Director of Global Lead Technologies, delivering the opening address)

The opening address was delivered by Mark Stevenson, Technical Director of Global Lead Technologies, who also chaired the preceding 9th International Secondary Lead & Battery Recycling Conference. In his speech, Stevenson quoted the opening remarks from the inaugural 1986 conference: “The lead battery industry and the lead industry share a strong interdependence while bravely defending the outstanding position of the lead battery.” He emphasized the history and strength of the lead battery sector, which has consistently maintained a prominent role in energy systems.

Addressing the recurring question posed to the lead battery industry—“How long will it last?”—he noted that the focus should not be on lifespan but rather on the direction of growth and development. He highlighted the sector’s robust solidarity, which stands out even when compared to other metal industries, and stressed the importance of international conferences and forums in strengthening collaboration.

He further underscored the importance of passing knowledge and passion from seasoned experts to the younger generation, emphasizing that nurturing future talent is essential for sustaining the industry and fulfilling its social responsibility.

Concluding his remarks, Stevenson urged participants not to ask, “How long will the lead industry last?” but instead to reflect on, “What kind of legacy do we want to leave in this industry?” and “What heritage will we entrust to the next generation?” He encouraged attendees to use the three-day conference as a foundation for shaping the future of the industry.

(An exhibition area was also set up outside the conference hall, where companies actively engaged in networking and business discussions)

(MIRU also exhibited a booth to promote the Battery Summit)

(Conference host and opening speaker Mark Stevenson (right) visited the MIRU booth)

Alongside the conference, an exhibition is being held where companies are actively networking and promoting their businesses. MIRU has also set up a booth to promote the upcoming 12th Battery Summit in Tokyo on Thursday, September 25.

Further details from the conference will be released in due course.

(Pictured: Andrea Balzan of Aquila Forged Metals (left) with our company’s Mr. Tanamachi (right) in a friendly encounter on-site)

(IRuniverse Fushimi)

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