Welcome to ATEC 2024 – where innovation meets opportunity.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) and jointly organized by the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS), the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH), and Wellous Group Limited, the inaugural APAC Technopreneurship Empowerment Conference (ATEC 2024) convened over 600 stakeholders from the government and private sectors on 8th August 2024 at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.
ATEC 2024 is a cornerstone event in advancing technopreneurship and technological innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a dynamic platform, bringing together technopreneurs, academics, government officials, and industry leaders to explore and discuss cutting-edge technologies, innovative business models, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to inspire, empower, and connect stakeholders in the technopreneurship ecosystem, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.
During the opening ceremony, YB Chang Lih Kang emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration and technology transfer within the ASEAN region. “By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we can drive innovation and solve common challenges more effectively,” he said. “Strengthening partnerships will create a dynamic ecosystem where technological advancements flourish, benefiting the entire region.”
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s advocacy for “Asian resilience” was highlighted by the Minister. “Asia’s resilience is evident in its proven ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome challenges,” he noted. “ATEC 2024 is vital in promoting technopreneurship and technological innovation, contributing not only to Malaysia’s national development and socioeconomic progress but also to the regional landscape.”
Our strategic partners, including Bioeconomy Corporation, Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Space Agency, NanoMalaysia Berhad, MIMOS Berhad, the Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), and Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park, play an integral role in the success of ATEC 2024. Their collaboration underscores the importance of this conference in driving technological and entrepreneurial excellence.
“Malaysia is poised to be a central player in this transformative journey,” said YB Lee Chean Chung, Chairman of CROSS. “Our strategic location, coupled with a strong commitment from both the government and private sector, positions us as an ideal hub for technological innovation. Through initiatives like ATEC 2024, we aim to establish Malaysia as a beacon of technological excellence, driving progress and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region.”
“We believe there are vast opportunities in the untapped potential we can harness from this conference,” added Ian Neo, Chief Executive Officer of SEARCH. “We are eager to see the new ideas and connections formed at this event, and we are confident that these interactions will propel Malaysian technopreneurs to new heights and advance technology in the region through cross-border collaboration within Asia Pacific countries and regions.
“We are always passionate about amplifying our efforts in promoting technopreneurship and advancing innovation. This collaboration highlights Wellous’ long-term mission to empower and inspire tech talents and technopreneurs, accelerating the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship not only in Malaysia but also across Southeast Asia and the entire Asia-Pacific region,” said Mr. Andy Tan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellous Group Limited.
Our theme, “Precise Technology Empowers Technopreneurship,” reinforces the idea that precise technology is a key driver of successful technopreneurship. By focusing on precise technology, we aim to enhance the capabilities and potential of technopreneurs, driving forward the innovation landscape and supporting the Ministry’s PRECISE framework’s goals of building a people-centric, research-driven, culturally integrated, and investment-ready startup ecosystem.
Meanwhile, we are deeply honored and thankful for the incredible support from the ambassador, high commissioner, counselors, and representatives from the embassies and high commissions of Japan, Australia, China, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Turkey here in Malaysia. Their presence not only strengthened the bonds of global collaboration but also underscored the importance of shared innovation and collective progress.
Networking is a key component of ATEC 2024. The event facilitates connections among industry leaders, investors, technopreneurs, and policymakers, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership. The presence of embassy officials and renowned speakers from across the APAC region, further enhances the networking potential of this conference.
This year’s conference covers a broad spectrum of themes crucial to the future of technopreneurship, including the Space Economy, Bioeconomy, New Energy Economy, and the Tech-Talent Economy, explored through parallel forums that provide a comprehensive understanding of opportunities and challenges, aligning with the ministry’s initiatives like the development of AI talent, food security programs, startup ecosystems, and hydrogen economy projects to foster innovation and economic growth.
𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟭: 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Our first forum at ATEC 2024 delved into the dynamic landscape of technopreneurship in Asia-Pacific’s emerging markets. Moderated by Seah Jhen Pei, Expert Committee Member of CROSS, the session brought together thought leaders who shared invaluable insights:
1️. Datuk Dr. Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General, MOSTI, outlined strategic interventions under the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER), aiming to create an ecosystem where startups can grow, flourish, and make Malaysia a top destination for the brightest minds locally and internationally.
2️. Patrick Lee, Co-Founder of Asia Carbon Neutral, discussed the revolutionary shift in vehicle-related infrastructure, emphasizing the future of zero-dollar autonomous EVs and subscription-based models.
3️. Dr. Lau Lit Fui, President & Chief Scientific Officer of Zhaoke Ophthalmology, presented opportunities in the APAC biopharmaceutical market, highlighting the region‘s significant potential for innovation in ophthalmology.
4️. TJ Tham, Co-Founder & CEO of Tjufoo, explored the challenges and opportunities of technopreneurship in Southeast Asia, focusing on building long-term sustainable brands and navigating complex regional markets.
The forum provided a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges facing technopreneurs in the region, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration.
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟐: 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 – 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Forum 2 at ATEC 2024 was all about taking technopreneurship to the next level by going global! Moderated by Prof. Amy Yeo Chu May, Senior Research Fellow at SEARCH , this session gathered industry leaders who shared practical strategies and insights on scaling beyond local markets:
1️. Harmender Singh , Vice President of Super PMO & Special Projects at Cradle Fund , highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and government support in helping startups navigate global expansion.
2️. Noor Amy Ismail , Board of Director at Wahed Ventures, discussed the critical role of venture capital in scaling businesses internationally and the importance of aligning business models with global market demands.
3️. Tan Chin Kong, COO of BlueChip Venture Capital Sdn Bhd, emphasized the need for technopreneurs to develop both business and technology acumen, advocating for a balance between local growth and global ambition.
4️. Dr. Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam, Acting Head of Technology Development and Solutions at MIMOS Berhad , shared insights on how Malaysia’s E&E ecosystem can empower technopreneurs through strategic initiatives and international collaboration.
The forum provided a roadmap for technopreneurs looking to expand their ventures globally, setting the stage for impactful growth and innovation.
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟭 : 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 – 𝗣𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆
The Parallel Forum on Hydrogen Economy at ATEC 2024 brought together experts to explore the future of hydrogen as a cornerstone of clean energy. Moderated by Ir. Tengku Kahar, Vice President of Strategy and Special Projects at NanoMalaysia Berhad , the session featured insightful discussions from leaders in the field:
1️. Dr. Noel Dunlop, Vice President at Energys, Australia, shared his journey of driving hydrogen adoption and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in overcoming the challenges of hydrogen business development.
2️. Jessica Ong, Deputy General Manager of the Hydrogen Department at Sumitomo Corporation Malaysia, highlighted Sumitomo’s major hydrogen projects and the importance of creating a robust hydrogen value chain. She emphasized the need for collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a future fuel.
3️. Mr. Dieter Billen, Partner at Roland Berger Southeast Asia, provided an overview of the current status and outlook of the hydrogen economy, discussing the significant electrolyzer build-out needed and the varying technologies for large-scale hydrogen transportation.
This forum provided a comprehensive view of the strategies and collaborations necessary to pioneer the hydrogen economy, positioning it as a key component in the global transition to clean energy.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟐: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 – 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡-𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲
The second parallel forum at ATEC 2024 delved into the evolving landscape of the tech-talent economy, exploring the future of work and the emerging trends shaping it. Moderated by Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Aslina Baharum from Sunway University, the session brought together key industry figures who provided valuable insights:
1️. Ivan Yong Wei Kit, Co-President of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council, Asia Pacific, and Co-founder & Angel Investor of Nanyang Angelz Limited, highlighted the importance of human intelligence in an era dominated by AI, stressing the need for mentoring and coaching to develop essential human skills.
2️. Michael Tuori, Academic Director of the Tsinghua SEA Center, emphasized the significance of promoting sustainability, happiness, and innovation in the future of work, advocating for a holistic approach to employee well-being and productivity.
3️. Azratul Amirah Ab Rashid, Head of Human Capital & Culture at MAVCAP, provided a comprehensive overview of the tech-talent economy’s evolution, discussing the impact of digital transformation, the rise of the gig economy, and the increasing importance of soft skills.
4️. Tan Lee Koon, Group President of Wellous Group, discussed the need for creativity and imagination in tech talents, the growth in outsourcing and global collaboration, and the shifting preference for generalists over specialists. He also emphasized the constant need for upgrading skills in the rapidly advancing tech industry.
The forum provided a roadmap for technopreneurs looking to expand their ventures globally, setting the stage for impactful growth and innovation.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟑: 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚-𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧
Forum 3 at ATEC 2024 highlighted the rapid growth of space economies in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on innovative technologies and future strategies. Moderated by Mr. Nurazmi Abas, Secretary of Malaysian Space Industry Consortium (MASIC), the session featured insights from leading space industry experts:
1️. Dr. Noordin Ahmad, Former Director General of Malaysia Space Agency (ANGKASA) (Now Known as MYSA), emphasizing on the essentiality of public-private partnerships, innovative business models, and a skilled workforce to meet future demands in the space economy. He also discussed the potential of AI and imaging technologies, and opportunities for collaboration with China.
2️. Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail, CEO of SpaceIn Sdn Bhd, focused on the impact of small satellite technologies in the new space era. She highlighted the explosive growth of the global space market, with projections reaching USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. Dr. Norilmi discussed Malaysia’s Space Exploration 2030 goals, including the contribution of the space industry to GDP and job creation. She also emphasized the disruptive potential of new space trends, such as CubeSats, space IoT, and private investment driving innovation.
3️. M. Razlan Dhamir Hamdan, CEO of Aphelia, introduced the concept of satellites that wirelessly charge other satellites and a power grid of wireless charging stations around the equator, paving the way for a space-based solar power ecosystem.
This forum provided a comprehensive overview of the emerging space economy in the Asia-Pacific region and the strategies needed to harness its potential.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟒: 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 – 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝
Forum 4 at ATEC 2024 brought together pioneers in bio-based entrepreneurship to share their insights. Moderated by Ahmad Muzzammil Faridza, Business Analyst of Industrial Development at Bioeconomy Corporation, the session highlighted innovative approaches and success stories in the bio-based industry:
1️. Ts. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Global Coordinator at ISAAA-BioTrust and Exec Director of MABIC, discussed the global challenges that bio-based entrepreneurship can address, including climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. She emphasized the need for innovation, collaboration, and a shift in cultural and behavioral attitudes to drive economic transformation and social entrepreneurship.
2️. Wan Yu, CEO of MCKILP, highlighted the Malaysia-China collaboration in developing the Kuantan Industrial Park as a model for international economic cooperation. He focused on the strategic importance of integrating bio-based industries into the park’s development to enhance sustainability and create new economic opportunities.
3️. Dato’ Leong Kin Mun, President of Malaysia Biomass Industries Confederation (MBIC) , shared his insights on the development of scalable and bankable biomass business models. He emphasized the importance of sustainable feedstock supply, proven technologies, and market demand in driving the growth of biomass industries in Malaysia and beyond.
4️. Ray Yap, Chief Scientific Officer of Wellous Group, shared the Group’s journey in bio-based product development, including the innovative use of Tiger Milk Mushroom for health applications. He discussed the rigorous R&D process that led to successful commercialization, highlighting the importance of continuous innovation, global sourcing, and maintaining high standards in bio-based product development.
This forum showcased the transformative potential of bio-based entrepreneurship in addressing global challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
Event Highlights: #ATEC2024
