ASEAN TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2025
- Braylon Tan
- Jan 15
- 26 min read
In the critical juncture of 2025, where global technology and geopolitical order are rapidly reshaping, ASEAN is being repositioned at the center of the world stage. From 25—27 November 2025, coinciding with Malaysia’s tenure as ASEAN Chair, government officials, international organization representatives, scientists, industry leaders, and global capital from over 13 countries gathered in Kuala Lumpur. Over three days, more than 100,000 online viewers, 3,000+ on-site participants, 600+ international delegates, 200+ technology and innovation institutions, and 50+ world-class investment institutions joined the ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025. This was not only a high-level international conference but also an in-depth collective dialogue on regional futures, innovation governance, and global collaboration.
1. What is the Summit (A summit officially embedded in the national calendar)
The ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025 (ATCDS 2025) is a flagship international technology and innovation summit formally included in Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship series of events. It represents an important annual window for ASEAN in technology cooperation, industrial synergy, and global governance. Guided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), the summit is jointly driven by the organizing and chairing body, Intrinsic SEA, alongside UNESCO, the Diplomatic Council, the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), MRANTI, NCT Group, and other regional and international organizations. The summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, with the main venue at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic international conference and exhibition centers.
2. Opening Ceremony (Formal national-level statements)
Opening Guests: (From left) Mr. Andrew Sanden, Co-Founder of Intrinsic Group; Mr. Xu Ningning, Chair of the RCEP Industrial Cooperation Committee & Executive Chair of China-ASEAN Business Council; Dr. Zhao Xiangdong, Science Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia; Ms. Ravenna Chen Yaohui, Chair of ATCDS 2025 Organizing Committee & CEO of Intrinsic SEA; YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, Honorary Advisor of the Summit & Advisor to the Minister of Plantation and Commodities; Dato Steve Cheah, Chair of UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education (Thailand), Special Envoy of the Diplomatic Council CLMTV & Chair of the Asia Institute for Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship & Diplomacy (AiSED); Mr. William Wang, Chief Representative of SIEF Middle East & Africa; YBhg. Dato Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Executive Chairman & Group President, NCT Group.
01 Technology Collaboration, Shaping ASEAN’s Future
In his opening address, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah bin Haji Yusof highlighted that ASEAN is entering a decisive phase. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global technology revolution and shifting geopolitical landscape, regional development challenges go beyond growth—they involve resilience, governance capacity, and long-term competitiveness. He emphasized that technology is no longer merely a tool for economic growth but a foundational force deeply embedded in regional security, social stability, and sustainable prosperity.
Through cross-border collaboration, policy alignment, and resource integration, ASEAN can transform diversity into an advantage and uncertainty into collective momentum. The Deputy Prime Minister further stressed Malaysia’s continued strategic investment in science, technology, and innovation, attracting global high-end research and talent, accelerating the regional application of frontier technologies, and positioning this summit as a recurring, institutionalized platform for ASEAN’s technology collaboration with the international community.
02 ASEAN Rising as an Asia-Pacific Innovation Hub
Mr. Antonio I. Basilio, Director of the Asia Pacific Business Council, noted that the Asia-Pacific region is entering a critical transformation driven by digitalization and frontier technologies. ASEAN is transitioning from a high-growth market to a core partner within the Asia-Pacific innovation ecosystem. He emphasized that technology has become the key link in regional development, and facing systemic challenges such as climate change, supply chain restructuring, digital governance, and AI ethics, closer institutionalized cooperation between APEC and ASEAN is imperative.
Malaysia, with its strategic location, mature manufacturing and semiconductor base, clear digital policies, and growing innovation ecosystem, is gradually emerging as a vital innovation gateway and cooperation hub connecting ASEAN with the broader Asia-Pacific region.
03 Collaborative Innovation, Shaping ASEAN’s Future
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ravenna Chen, Chair of ATCDS 2025 and CEO of Intrinsic SEA, highlighted that the world is at a critical junction of technological leapfrogging, geopolitical restructuring, and global uncertainty. No country, industry, or institution can advance alone. ASEAN possesses unique advantages such as a young population, digital economy, and cultural diversity, but converting potential into sustainable competitiveness requires international technology cooperation, cross-border co-creation, talent mobility, and capacity building.
She called on governments, international organizations, industry, and capital to jointly build an open, collaborative, and sustainable global innovation ecosystem, affirming that Intrinsic SEA will continue to serve as a bridge and catalyst, connecting ASEAN with key global innovation regions to ensure the regional deployment and co-creation of technology, talent, and long-term value.
3. (High-level Dinner with Royalty, UN, and Regional Consensus)
01 Leading Technology’s Future with Human Values
At the dinner, Tengku Amir Shah, Crown Prince of Selangor, emphasized that genuine regional cooperation arises not only from institutions and agreements but from respect, understanding, and trust between people. He highlighted that ASEAN’s strength is reflected not merely in market size or economic data but in its multicultural coexistence, youth vitality, and intrinsic cohesion. In an era of rapid technological development, technology should be grounded in human values and social responsibility, serving fairness, dignity, and collective progress. The Crown Prince expressed hope that the high-level dinner would become a starting point for deepening friendships, fostering collaboration, and building long-term partnerships, where exchanges go beyond protocol to create real connections for the future.
02 Empowering the Regional Future through Education
During the dinner and launch ceremony, Ms. Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director of UNESCO Jakarta Multi-Sectoral Regional Office, highlighted that in the context of rapidly evolving technology and societal structures, entrepreneurship education and youth capacity building have become key pillars of regional sustainability. She emphasized that education is not only about skill development but also value formation and social responsibility. Through the official launch of the Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net) Southeast Asia Chapter, UNESCO aims to establish a cross-border, cross-sector, sustainable collaboration platform that engages government, academia, and industry to cultivate future-ready youth innovation capabilities, translating technological advancement into inclusive, long-term, and public value outcomes.
03 Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship Education
In his address, Dato Steve Cheah, Honorary Advisor of the Summit, Chair of AISED, and Chair of EE-Net Southeast Asia Chapter, stressed that the official launch of EE-Net Southeast Asia Chapter represents not just a regional mechanism but a milestone in integrating entrepreneurship education, youth development, and sustainable goals. AISED, as the regional secretariat, will leverage the UN SDGs as a core framework to implement policy alignment, capacity building, and scalable initiatives, ensuring that regional youth gain the knowledge and skills to participate, create, and lead in the evolving economic and technological landscape.
Kudos to the outstanding youth performers of Xiamen University Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (XMPO) for their brilliant performance.
4. (International Cooperation, MOU Signing, and Shared Values)
01 MOU Signing to Lead Technology’s Future
During the summit, the Deputy Prime Minister and distinguished guests witnessed the formal signing of multiple cross-border MOUs covering technology innovation, educational collaboration, industrial synergy, and international talent development, marking the summit’s transition from conceptual consensus to substantive, institutionalized cooperation.
Driving Sustainable Development through Innovation
Intrinsic SEA × Asia Institute of Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Diplomacy (AISED)
Global South Innovation Nexus (GSIN)
Intrinsic SEA × Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF)
MIMOS Holding Sdn Bhd x Intrinsic SEA
NCT Century Sdn Bhd × Ecorise Solar Sdn Bhd × Yingli Group Co., Ltd.
Intrinsic SEA x Naviderman
02 New Book Launch: ASEAN Economy
Using data, case studies, and forward-looking research, the publication deciphers ASEAN’s internal growth drivers and external opportunities, providing governments, enterprises, and investors with valuable regional insights.
03 Special Awards by the Crown Prince & UNESCO
Happiness Security Visionary Award
Recipient: Prof. Dr. Liu Chunlin
Excellence in Global Thought Leadership Award
Recipient: Ms. Irene Qian Houlin
Excellence in Public Service and Sustainable Development Award
Recipient: Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong
5. ASEAN Technology Roundtables (In-depth Sectoral Dialogues)
n his special address, Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, Honorary Advisor of ATCDS 2025 and Advisor to the former Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities of Malaysia, underscored that ASEAN is entering a decisive phase shaped simultaneously by technological acceleration and economic restructuring. Future competitiveness, he stressed, will no longer be determined by breakthroughs within individual nations, but by the depth of regional integration across innovation capacity, institutional coordination, and capability sharing.
He highlighted that the summit’s core themes — the bioeconomy, future education and entrepreneurship, and the Islamic digital economy — represent ASEAN’s most critical engines for high-quality, sustainable growth. ATCDS, he emphasized, is not merely a forum for ideas, but a mechanism to align regional priorities, connect capital and technology, and accelerate implementation, guiding ASEAN toward a more unified, open, and innovation-driven future.
Mr. Xu Ningning, Chairman of the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee, noted that since the establishment of China–ASEAN dialogue relations, economic and technological collaboration has continued to deepen. Investment flows, industrial coordination, and technology exchange have formed an increasingly integrated cooperation landscape. With geographical proximity and complementary industrial structures, China and ASEAN possess strong foundations for long-term technological collaboration.
In an era of global uncertainty, he emphasized that strengthening bilateral and multilateral technology cooperation carries both strategic and practical significance. He called for long-term vision paired with pragmatic execution, reaffirming RCEP’s role in institutionalizing cooperation mechanisms and supporting ATCDS as a regularized, mechanism-based platform, enabling China, ASEAN, and all RCEP members to share development opportunities and achieve mutual growth.
01 Science Parks as Regional Innovation Infrastructure
Professor Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman, Chairman of MRANTI, Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (FASc), and Certified Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), highlighted that science parks are rapidly transforming from physical locations into core innovation infrastructure connecting R&D, validation, and commercialization.
Through innovation infrastructure partnerships, cross-border market access, talent mobility mechanisms, and industry-led challenge platforms, MRANTI is accelerating the compliant testing, co-development, and deployment of frontier technologies across ASEAN and beyond. As neutral innovation hubs, science parks are increasingly central
to regional coordination, technology translation, and shared innovation capacity.
02 STEAM Integration: Unlocking OIC–ASEAN Global Leadership Potential
Professor M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH (OIC), emphasized that while OIC and ASEAN regions possess vast youth populations and strong STEM talent pools, the real constraint lies not in ability but in ecosystem readiness.
Insufficient R&D investment, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, and fragile commercialization pathways have limited impact. He called for a shift from “talent advantage” to “ecosystem advantage”, stressing that breakthrough innovation requires deep STEAM integration. Through OIC–ASEAN collaboration, he identified high-impact opportunities across halal and Islamic digital finance, critical minerals, food security, green energy, and cultural technology, closing with a resonant call: “Why not us? Why not now? Why not together?”
03 Trusted Data as the Foundation of the Halal Digital Economy
Mr. Sameer Al Shethri, former Vice Chairman of the Saudi National Industrial Development Center and Co-Founder & CEO of United Sands, framed Malaysia’s globally trusted halal brand as a strategic asset for regional industrial upgrading.
He emphasized that the halal digital economy is rapidly evolving into a multi-trillion-dollar system built on trust, transparency, and inclusion, enabled by blockchain, Islamic finance, cross-border e-commerce, and social commerce. He called for mutual certification recognition, joint manufacturing, localized production, and regulatory sandboxes to accelerate KSA–Asia cooperation, concluding that the conditions are ready — coordination and action are now decisive.
04 Turning Technology Insight into Strategic Advantage
Ms. Azimah Abdul Kadir, Head of Research Planning of MIMOS Holdings Sdn. Bhd., stressed that commercialization success depends on systematic analysis of technology landscapes, patent intelligence, and industry trends, not isolated R&D outcomes.
By translating data-driven insight into clear business strategy — including value chain positioning and competitive analysis — innovation investments can become sustainable market capabilities. MIMOS continues to operationalize its R&D–Validation–Strategy Translation model to strengthen Malaysia’s national innovation resilience.
05 Designing Security for Happiness and Sustainability
Dr. Liu Chunlin, Chief Scientist of K&C Protective Technologies, reframed security as a value-creating system, not a cost. His “Security & Happiness by Design” philosophy integrates engineering safety, behavioral psychology, AI, and data analytics to optimize efficiency, well-being, and trust in large-scale infrastructure.
Through real-world deployments in airports, transport hubs, and urban complexes, he demonstrated how AI and 5G enable early risk detection, lower operating costs, enhance asset value, and strengthen urban resilience — offering ASEAN a human-centric pathway for future cities.
06 AI-Powered Smart Healthcare at Scale
Dr. Wang Chunming, Director of Smart Hospital Management at Renji Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), presented the hospital’s “3I Strategy” — Integrated, Intelligent, International — for building AI-driven smart hospitals.
Leveraging large-scale clinical data and integrated systems, Renji Hospital operates a 24/7 internet hospital ecosystem. AI physician assistants, intelligent ICU early-warning systems, blockchain, and metaverse healthcare applications enhance safety, efficiency, and patient trust. Internationally, Renji continues to export smart hospital practices across ASEAN through cross-border platforms and global quality certifications.
07 AI in the Real World: From Concept to Scaled Deployment
Mr. Daniel Ang, Solution Manager of China Mobile International (CMI), showcased AI already deployed across telecommunications, city governance, and industrial operations. Leveraging China Mobile’s global network, computing, and data capabilities, CMI localizes proven solutions at scale.
Applications ranged from AI vision for infrastructure inspection and disaster prevention, to predictive intelligence for energy and asset management, and real-time multilingual communication technologies enabling seamless cross-border collaboration. His message was clear: AI’s real value emerges when embedded into operational systems, not conceptual frameworks.
6. Deep-Dive Roundtables: From Dialogue to Execution
Centered on the Summit’s future-oriented agenda, ATCDS 2025 curated six in-depth roundtable discussions, each rigorously designed around a “four-dimensional dialogue framework”—bringing policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and investment institutions to the same table.
Discussions spanned the full decision-to-delivery continuum: from policy orientation and institutional design, to technology pathways and scientific breakthroughs, and onward to industrial application and capital allocation, forming a complete closed loop from strategy to implementation. Beyond open dialogue, each roundtable was supported by closed-door sessions, creating protected spaces for deeper exchanges on sensitive and strategic issues. This structure enabled cross-sector understanding, consensus building, and partnership alignment—ensuring that discussions were not only visionary and professional, but realistically actionable.
01 Future Mobility & Smart Transportation
"The Technological Paradigm Shift in Sustainable Mobility"
1. Cross-Disciplinary Synthesis (Moderator)
Inv. Ts. Cheah Bok Eng | Council Member | Malaysia TRIZ Innovation Association (MyTRIZ)
Key Message: Collaboration matters more than isolated breakthroughs
“No single stakeholder can deliver the future of mobility alone—breakthroughs emerge from cross-sector collaboration.”
Shared consensus:
Innovation must bridge policy, technology, capital, and social acceptance
Mobility is an end-to-end system engineering challenge: technology × regulation × infrastructure × people
“It takes a village” is the most accurate description of future mobility
Conclusion: The paradigm shift in future mobility is not about faster vehicles, but about smarter, more collaborative, human-centric systems.
2. Government & Ecosystem Perspective
Mr. Mohd Safuan Bin Mohd Zairi | Ecosystem Director | Malaysia Research & Technology Innovation Accelerator (MRANTI)
Key Message: Systemic sustainability must begin at the design stage
“True sustainable mobility must integrate technology, data, policy, and societal participation from the design phase—rather than relying on post-hoc fixes.”
Mobility is deeply linked to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Governments must act as first movers, using sandboxes, platforms, and inter-agency coordination to reduce innovation fragmentation
All mobility innovation must begin by clearly answering the question: Why are we doing this?
3. Industry & Global Perspective
Ms. Ravenna Chen Yaohui | Chair, ATCDS Organising Committee | CEO, Intrinsic SEA
Key Message: Future mobility is not about cars—it is about reconfiguring spatial dimensions
“Future mobility is no longer confined to ground transportation. It is the orchestration of land, sea, low-altitude airspace, and even virtual environments.”
Encompasses EVs, eVTOLs, maritime technologies, autonomous systems, AI robotics, and digital alternatives such as remote collaboration
Southeast Asia holds natural advantages in maritime resources, archipelagic geography, and low-altitude scenarios
The challenge is not whether technology exists, but how regional networks translate technology into deployment
4. Academic & Urban Planning Perspective
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Key Message: From car-centric to human-centric systems
The core shift is from vehicle-centred planning to people- and public-system-centred mobility
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) forms the backbone of future cities
Autonomous driving, EVs, and MaaS must be complementary, not competitive
Universities play a dual role: advancing technology and cultivating interdisciplinary, future-ready mobility talent
5. Capital & Commercialisation Perspective
Mr. Lai Han Sheong | Managing Director | Future Capital
Key Message: Multimodal + AI orchestration + commercial viability
“True sustainable mobility is not a single vehicle, but an AI-orchestrated, real-time multimodal ecosystem.”
Future mobility = Intelligent multimodality × Interconnected ecosystems × Clean, safe, efficient systems
Investment focus extends beyond EVs to eVTOLs, autonomous logistics, smart ports and maritime systems, and accessible mobility (e.g. AI-enabled wheelchairs)
Commercial success requires scalable scenarios and platform-level coordination
02 Future Healthcare & Digital Medicine
"AI, Longevity and Accessibility"
1. Roundtable Consensus | The “Real-World Path” of AI in Healthcare (Moderator)
Ts. Teoh Zehan | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Intrinsic SEA
Key Themes: Trust × Collaboration × Human-Centric AI
AI in healthcare is not merely a technological challenge, but a systems-level undertaking. Its success depends on:
Trusted data governance frameworks
Cross-sector collaboration among government, hospitals, academia, industry, and capital
A patient- and societal-value–centered approach
No single stakeholder can shape the future of healthcare AI alone. While AI can significantly enhance efficiency, only strong institutions, ethical frameworks, and deep collaboration can deliver truly sustainable outcomes—advancing health longevity, equity, and accessibility.
2. Government & Public Health Perspective
Dr. Narges Shikhansari | Administrative Advisor & Public Health Expert
Key Message: Data governance is AI healthcare’s first infrastructure
“Without trusted data governance, AI healthcare cannot scale—nor earn public trust.”
Health data is a national asset for public health and long-term resilience
The question is not whether to share data, but how—within compliance, privacy, and security frameworks
Policymakers must engage alongside hospitals and innovators, not regulate after the fact
Equity, accessibility, and system resilience must be design principles, not outcomes
3. Clinical & Healthcare System Perspective
Prof. Dr. Nazirah Hasnan | Professor and Senior Consultant Rehabilitation Physician | University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
Key Message: Patient-centred data sharing, not data hoarding
“No data sharing, no medical progress; no data governance, no patient trust.”
Hospitals are stewards, not hoarders, of patient data
Teaching hospitals integrate clinical care, education, and research—all data-dependent
Data Safe Havens, unified EMR systems, and strict ethics review enable usable yet controlled data
AI’s ultimate purpose is improved patient safety and quality of care
4. Academic & Talent Development Perspective
Prof. Dr. Firdaus bin Hariri | Dean, Faculty of Dentistry | Universiti Malaya
Key Message: The risk lies not in AI, but in who uses it and how
AI, genomics, and health data must be taught alongside ethics, law, and social impact
Medical education must embed AI ethics, data governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration
True safety comes not from banning data, but from cultivating professionals with sound judgment
Hospital Innovation & System Practice
University Hospital Alliance Representatives
Key Message: From hospital-centric to community- and home-based care
“Hospital at Home” models are becoming operational reality
Remote monitoring, AI alerts, and virtual rounds reduce hospital strain, improve ageing-population care, and lower carbon footprints
University hospitals can pilot cross-hospital, cross-regional data interoperability
5. Investment & Commercialisation Perspective
Dr. Wan Raihana Wan Aasim | Vice President I | Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)
Key Message: The bottleneck is not technology, but compliant data access
Malaysian healthtech firms have strong AI and analytics capabilities
What is missing are institutionalised pathways linking hospitals, universities, startups, and investors
Proposed solutions: healthcare data sandboxes and structured multi-stakeholder collaboration
Clear governance unlocks confident innovation acceleration
03 Future Built Environment & Emergency Security
"ASEAN Critical Infrastructure: AI, AIoT, and Cybersecurity"
1. Roundtable Consensus (Moderator)
Ms. Jane Gan | Vice President | Intrinsic SEA
Key Themes: Efficiency × Risk Coexistence ｜ Framework-Based Governance ｜ Human-Centricity & Resilience
“AI and AIoT can significantly enhance efficiency and sustainability, but the convergence of OT and IT brings risks into a phase of real-world consequences.”
Innovation must advance in parallel with governance: data, sovereignty, and tiered regulation are critical
Resilience derives from the combined strength of technology + institutions + talent + collaboration
The true bottleneck is not single-point technology, but cross-agency, cross-industry, and cross-border coordination capacity
2. Government & National Strategy Perspective
Mr. Shamsul Izhan Bin Abdul Majid | Chief Executive Officer | National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), Malaysia
Key Themes: AI Nation 2030 ｜ Inclusivity ｜ Governance ｜ Regional Networks
“AI Nation is not about technological leadership alone, but about enabling every Malaysian to coexist and collaborate with AI.”
Raising the ‘ceiling’: ensuring the entire population is equipped to collaborate with AI
Raising the ‘floor’: AI should not belong only to those with resources; rural communities and vulnerable groups must also benefit
Responsible governance: ensuring AI generates social and economic value rather than uncontrolled risk
At the ASEAN level, Malaysia proposes advancing the ASEAN AI Safety Network, building a regional AI safety collaboration mechanism grounded in cultural and regulatory diversity.
“Over the next five years, Malaysia aims to move toward Made-in-Malaysia AI: with data, ecosystems, and governance localized, and critical infrastructure governed by sovereignty and tiered regulation.”
3. Industry Deployment & Value Realisation
Mr. Johnson Chng | Co–Chief Executive Officer | Llewellyn & Partners Company Limited (LPC)
Key Theme: AI is not a concept — it is about “reducing leakage, improving efficiency, and going green”
“The first real value of AI in infrastructure is reducing waste (leakage) — something human systems cannot achieve in real time.”
He illustrated AI’s direct, measurable returns through case studies:
Hong Kong IFC2: nearly 20% annual energy savings; ESG reporting cycle shortened from 4 months to 4 weeks
North District Hospital project: 40% reduction in construction time and 14% manpower savings
He also cautioned that the greatest future scarcity is not capital, but time.
“Governments often only realize they took a wrong path ten years later. For AI to accelerate, the key is faster learning and collaboration with mature markets to shorten trial-and-error cycles.”
4. Security & National Risk Perspective
Prof. Dr. Mohd Mizan Aslam | Senior Research Fellow | Institute of Global Peace Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM)
Key Themes: Expanded Attack Surface ｜ Critical Infrastructure Exposure ｜ Emergency Response
“When digital intelligence enters physical infrastructure, the consequences of cyberattacks will no longer be data loss, but real-world paralysis.”
Power grids, dams, ports, airports, and broadcasting and communication systems are facing amplified vulnerabilities in the AI era
The solution is not “absolute security” (which is unattainable), but:
Layered defenses
Policies and mechanisms
Cross-border collaboration and emergency response, including coordinated handling of ransomware incidents
“We may always be one step behind, but systems must become faster to respond and more controllable.”
5. Engineering & Material Foundations
Dr. Tan Khang Wei | Associate Professor, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering | Xiamen University Malaysia
Key Themes: The “Body” of AI ｜ Materials Science ｜ Energy & Sensing
“AI is like the brain — but without a healthy body of materials, energy, and sensing, nothing can operate.”
The true determinants of AIoT and smart infrastructure feasibility are energy storage, lightweight materials, durability, and sensor networks
Example: new high-performance materials reduce robot weight, enhance sensitivity, and lower energy consumption — turning “intelligence” into a sustainably operable system capability
“The resilience of critical infrastructure begins with the reliability of materials and engineering.”
04 Future Traditional Commodities to Future: Asean's Path toward Green Transformation
"From Commodities to Future Bioeconomy: ASEAN's Green Transformation Path"
1. Forum Background & Challenge Definition (Moderator)
Dr. Sharbanom Abu Bakar | Independent Non-Executive Director | AFFIN Islamic Bank Berhad
Key framing: ASEAN at the crossroads from “commodity economy → bioeconomy”
“With tightening global standards, escalating climate pressures, and growing demand for low-carbon and traceable products, ASEAN must fundamentally rethink its traditional commodity logic.”
ASEAN has long relied on traditional commodity sectors such as rubber, rice, palm oil, fisheries, forestry, and mining. These industries have historically underpinned GDP growth, export revenues, and rural livelihoods—particularly evident in Malaysia’s development trajectory.
However, the region now faces mounting structural pressures:
Increasingly stringent global sustainability standards
More frequent and severe climate-related disruptions
Market demand shifting toward low-carbon, traceable, and bio-based products
The core question was clearly defined: How can ASEAN transition from being a resource extractor to a sustainable bioeconomy innovator?
2. Policy & National Industrial Pathways
Ms. Nora Mohamed | Senior Vice President | Industry Support Division | Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd
Key framing: Bioeconomy = Biological Resources × Technological Innovation × Scalable Industrial Systems
“The common core of the bioeconomy lies in biological resources. The real difference is how innovation transforms those resources into industrial capability.”
Drawing from OECD, FAO, and Malaysia’s National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 (NBP 2.0), the discussion emphasised that the bioeconomy is not a conceptual slogan, but a deployable, scalable national strategy.
Malaysia was highlighted as the first ASEAN country to introduce NBP 2.0 (2020–2030), which has since influenced broader regional policy thinking.
The policy framework is structured around three clear pillars:
Agriculture & food / energy security
Healthcare & societal wellbeing
Industrial biotechnology & circular bioeconomy
A concrete implementation logic was presented: Using technology to convert agricultural waste into commercially viable products, simultaneously achieving environmental protection, farmer income enhancement, and export-oriented industrial growth.
3. International Governance & Industrial Methodology
Mr. William Wang | Chief Representative for the Middle East & Africa | Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF)
Key framing: From “taking” to “balancing” — Transparency × Standards × ESG Governance
“A resource-based economy is about taking from the land. A bioeconomy is a balanced mechanism of taking, preserving, and giving back.”
Three governance foundations were emphasised:
Transparency: End-to-end traceability and communicable information, from policy design to supply chains
Standards: Not merely producing outputs, but meeting globally recognised compliance systems
ESG & Governance: Coordinated corporate governance, industry governance, and regulatory oversight to balance development and conservation
From a policy and investment execution perspective, three practical insights were shared:
Platform-based incubation and support — not just capital, but scenarios and access
High-density connection mechanisms enabling rapid collaboration between enterprises, investors, and policymakers
Market extension support to help companies internationalise beyond domestic constraints
4. Healthcare & Human-Centric Foundations
Prof. Dato’ Seri Dr. Fong Kok Onn, JP | Chief Executive Officer | Worldwide TCM–T&CM Sciences Medical Centre Sdn Bhd
Key framing: The bioeconomy ultimately serves people — health is the foundational asset of any economy
“The end goal of technology, ESG, and industrial upgrading is not metrics, but enabling people to live healthier lives with dignity.”
The discussion reframed the bioeconomy beyond agriculture and industry, positioning it as long-term capability building for healthcare and wellbeing systems.
Key clarifications included:
Public misconceptions that “green” or “bio” economies are merely technical projects
A strong emphasis on a human-centric perspective, where health underpins family stability, social resilience, and economic sustainability
Rising healthcare burdens can undermine social and economic structures if not addressed
The bioeconomy must therefore integrate traditional knowledge with modern technology to enhance innovation capacity across healthcare and wellness sectors.
5. Entrepreneurship & Commercialisation Realities
Mr. Michael Kuerschner | Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer | GreenGlow Sdn. Bhd.
Key framing: Policy can create industries — execution and ecosystem collaboration determine success
“Technology is becoming cheaper, but the real challenge is how to get people across the value chain to truly believe in and participate.”
Policy and regulation were recognised as catalysts for new industries. Examples included how European waste management policies enabled recycling and circular economy sectors.
ASEAN is currently strengthening similar foundations across:
Waste management
Carbon emissions governance
Climate policy frameworks
A climate-tech commercialisation pathway was illustrated: Converting biomass into stable carbon forms → reducing CO₂ → monetising through global carbon credit markets.
The most critical challenges, however, were not technical, but negotiated implementation:
Value distribution with palm oil mills, plantations, and local communities
Gaining neighbourhood and social acceptance
Talent attraction and ecosystem integration
The conclusion was clear: Technology must return to real production systems and public benefit for the bioeconomy to succeed.
05 Future Education & Entrepreneurship
"Empowering the Next Generation: Learning, AI, and the Entrepreneurial Era"
1. Government & National Strategy Perspective
Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong | Former Advisor to Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation Industries | ATCDS Honorary Advisor
Key framing: Three-in-One — Education × Entrepreneurship × AI
“Education and entrepreneurship cannot operate in silos. AI is not a patchwork tool, but a national development foundation.”
Key points included:
A Three-in-One policy approach, integrating education, entrepreneurship, and AI systemically
Political will as a prerequisite for breaking institutional silos
Equal emphasis on institutional reform and execution capability
AI education must ultimately translate into productivity and national competitiveness
“Without institutional reform and execution, even the most advanced AI strategies remain theoretical.”
2. Academic & Talent Development Perspective
Mr. Redza Shahid Ridzuan | Assistant Director | ASBhive Asia School of Business
Key framing: AI natives, problem-based learning, prompt capability, real entrepreneurship validation
“AI has become the default tool for students. The real value of education lies in forcing them to ask better questions.”
Key shifts highlighted:
From knowledge transmission to complex problem-solving and critical thinking
AI literacy as a baseline, but question-framing ability as the differentiator
Entrepreneurship must be validated through real market interaction, not simulations
“Entrepreneurship is not a research topic — it is repeated validation in the real world.”
3. Multilateral Cooperation & International Governance Perspective
Ms. Seema A. Khan | Senior Advisor COMSTECH | Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Key framing: Back to basics — human values, co-opetition, platform-based collaboration
“AI is a tool. Values are the steering wheel.”
Key reflections:
Human judgment, ethics, and creativity remain irreplaceable
Education must return to values, character, and responsibility
Cooperation and competition (co-opetition) will coexist
Governments, industry, and academia must co-build cross-regional platforms
“The future is not ‘you or me’, but ‘we together’ — competing while collaborating.”
4. Social Innovation & Inclusive Development Perspective
Dr. Dessy Aliandrina | Executive Director | Sociopreneur Indonesia Chair, Indonesia Chapter, UNESCO EE-Net
Key framing: Social inclusion, urban–rural equity, real-world experience, entrepreneurial mindset
“AI is enabling knowledge to truly cross geographic and socio-economic boundaries for the first time.”
Key messages:
AI expands educational access for underserved and remote communities
Entrepreneurship education is about values, resilience, and judgment — not skills alone
Real social contexts are essential for entrepreneurial capability formation
“Entrepreneurship education without real-world experience is incomplete.”
5. Investment & Industrial Deployment Perspective
Mr. Weisheng Neo | Partner | Qualgro (Singapore-based Venture Capital Fund)
Key framing: AI-native education, teacher enablement, lifelong learning, scalability
“If education startups remain at the platform or content layer, they are already behind.”
Key insights:
EdTech has entered an AI-native phase, beyond simple digitisation
Teachers are the key variable in student outcomes
System-level opportunities span K–12, adult learning, and vocational education
Scalable value lies in raising overall teaching quality and efficiency
06 Future Consumer & the Islamic Digital Economy
"Trust, Trade & Transformation: Navigating the Islamic Digital Economy"
1. Framework Perspective (Moderator)
Madam Ruslena Ramli | Strategic Advisor | Zetvest Sdn Bhd
Key Themes: Malaysia as Launchpad ｜ Consumer Shifts ｜ Ethical Consumption ｜ Halal Digital Economy
“Today, we need to remember three things: what we are doing, why it matters, and how it can be implemented.”
What: Positioning Malaysia as a regional launchpad to extend into the ASEAN Islamic digital economy
Why: The Islamic economy has reached a scale of USD 7 trillion, with vast potential in the Halal consumer market
How: Driving growth through social commerce and ethical consumption, powered by trust + digitalization + compliance
2. Consumer Psychology & Brand Growth Perspective
Ms. Wendy Xue | Chief Marketing Officer | Target Media Malaysia Focus Media Group
Key Themes: Generation Z ｜ Multiple Identities ｜ Certification + Experience ｜ Brand Mindshare
“Halal certification is the entry threshold; what truly drives choice is brand trust and emotional connection.”
Young consumers are becoming the dominant market force, where consumption represents identity and values
Halal consumers place equal emphasis on religious credibility and digital experience
Brand building must be long-term, consistent, and transparent to earn sustained trust
3. Experience Economy & Innovation Scenarios
Prof. Steven Bai | Co-Founder & CEO | Sencity Corporation
Key Themes: Experience Economy ｜ Sense of Community ｜ Emotional Connection ｜ Zero-Data Personalization
“Certification gets people in; experience and a sense of belonging make them stay.”
Younger generations are willing to pay a premium for community and shared values
The Islamic digital economy is evolving toward experience-driven and lifestyle-oriented models
Personalization does not equate to privacy intrusion; emotional experiences can be delivered without identity recognition
5. Multilateral Finance & Governance Frameworks
Mr. Syed Faiq Najeeb | Chief Islamic Finance Specialist | Islamic Development Bank
Key Themes: Islamic Economy Landscape ｜ Digital Platforms ｜ Governance Frameworks ｜ Simplified Implementation
“Technology is neutral; the real differentiation lies in whether products and services align with values and rules.”
The Islamic economy extends far beyond finance, encompassing a wide range of consumer and service sectors
Islamic digital economy = delivering Muslim-friendly and ethical products via digital platforms
IsDB is working with Malaysia to develop an Islamic Digital Economy Framework (expected to be released in 2026)
The core challenge is not technology, but simplifying adoption and lowering entry barriers for SMEs
07 International Investment & Innovation Briefing: Connecting Capital, Migration, and Technological Innovation
On 27 November, Intrinsic SEA hosted a high-level forum at its Malaysian headquarters, Exchange 106 TRX, with the theme “International Investment, Wealth Management, and Technological Innovation”. The event brought together representatives from banks, asset management firms, technology enterprises, and international project platforms to systematically share insights on cross-border financial services, migration and residency planning, tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and innovation in education.
The event was co-led by Intrinsic SEA and KT Cap Star. Following the official opening, CIMB Bank, JIA EAM, and RealT Labs presented their business models and cooperation strategies, highlighting MM2H-related financial services, 13O/13U frameworks, wealth management solutions, and the latest trends in RWA tokenization for global asset allocation.
The briefing then focused on international expansion, with Andrew Sanden, Co-Founder and Chairman of Intrinsic SEA, presenting the Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, offering entrepreneurs and innovation teams a practical pathway for entrepreneurship-driven residency and global business expansion.
The second half of the program showcased industry and project demonstrations, covering areas such as generative AI for traditional industries, consumer brands, innovation in education, biotechnology (genomics), healthcare, and the arts. Multiple Singaporean and regional companies presented their business models and growth visions, facilitating direct exchanges between project teams and investors. The full-day event offered practical investment and internationalization guidance and established a comprehensive platform linking capital, technology, industry, and global talent, laying a strong foundation for future collaborations.
7. City Showcases: Translating Regional Vision into Concrete Urban Development
Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City High-Tech Zone – Hainan Free Trade Port’s Innovation Hub
Speaker: Ts. Zehan Teoh, COO of Intrinsic SEA; Vice Chair of ATCDS 2025
The first Future City session highlighted Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Hainan Free Trade Port’s core technology hub, positioned as China’s global innovation and industrial gateway. With the Free Trade Port in operation, the city offers institutional advantages:
Duty-free access to the Chinese market (subject to local value-add conditions)
Corporate and personal income tax reduced to 15%
Overseas investment returns under local entities enjoy zero tax rate
Intrinsic SEA has been appointed Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City High-Tech Zone Overseas Collaborative Innovation Center (Southeast Asia Station) and, together with Singaporean partners, launched the “Launch Hainan Tour”, facilitating in-person engagement between international companies and local institutions. This initiative represents a clear path linking policy, industry, and international collaboration, not merely a city promotion.
Special session: Launch of the “Launch Hainan” tour, with six companies signing investment intentions.
Canada: Borderless Innovation for Global Entrepreneurs
Speaker: Andrew Sanden, Chairman of Intrinsic SEA, Co-Founder of Intrinsic
Canada serves as a key hub for Intrinsic Global’s “Borderless Innovation” initiative, helping entrepreneurs and companies expand internationally. Shared cultural inclusivity, governance, and business-friendly frameworks create a natural foundation for bilateral cooperation with Malaysia.
Key highlights:
Both countries are CPTPP members, benefiting trade and tax advantages
Canada remains highly open to economic immigration, offering flexible work permits, residency pathways, and the Start-Up Visa program, enabling entrepreneurs to establish businesses and obtain permanent residency.
NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) – Malaysia’s Largest Smart Industry Hub
Speaker: Mr. Simon Chan, Sales & Marketing GM of NCT Group
Malaysia is emerging as a preferred investment destination in Asia-Pacific, with 5.2% GDP growth projected in 2024 and 16 free trade agreements covering ~4 billion people.
NSIP focuses on “Smart + Green + ESG”, emphasizing semiconductors, E&E, logistics, food, and renewable energy:
Selangor NSIP: near KLIA and Port Klang, low-carbon park, expected delivery early 2026
Malaysia-Thailand border park: linking ASEAN inland logistics for cross-border manufacturing and supply chain
NCT and Intrinsic SEA jointly provide capital, park setup, Halal ecosystem, licensing, and operational support, helping companies make Malaysia a regional operational and export hub.
Building a Global Innovation Bridge: SCWL Accelerates Integration into China’s Hard-Tech Ecosystem
Speaker: Mr. Mingshen Li (Mark), President, Southeast Asia, SCWL
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Saichuang Weilai (SCWL) is an international innovation platform that integrates innovation competitions, entrepreneurship education, industrial incubation, and investment funds, supporting scientists and technology teams in achieving commercialization.
SCWL operates innovation bases in 18 cities across China and maintains overseas networks in 10 countries, including Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and others. To date, it has delivered over 100 international innovation and entrepreneurship programs in collaboration with governments and industry partners.
The platform manages approximately RMB 10 billion and USD 20 million in investment funds, with investments spanning semiconductors, robotics, advanced materials, green energy, healthcare, and aerospace, totaling 300+ projects. In 2024, SCWL established its Southeast Asia headquarters in Malaysia, working closely with Quanzhou–Jinjiang industrial clusters in Fujian to advance two-way technology and industrial collaboration between China and Southeast Asia.
Jinjiang (Malaysia) Offshore Innovation Center: A New Gateway for China-SEA Collaboration
Speaker: Chong Kez Chee, Director of SCWL Southeast Asia Branch
China–Southeast Asia Innovation Cooperation Enters a New Phase of Bidirectional Flow
Amid accelerating innovation momentum in Southeast Asia and the continued strength of China’s industrial system, the Jinjiang (Malaysia) Offshore Innovation Center has emerged as a collaborative platform serving Southeast Asia, supporting China, and connecting to global markets. The Center focuses on technology transfer, incubation and acceleration, investment and financing, and cross-border industrial collaboration, with priority sectors including semiconductors, ICT, AI, medical devices, and intelligent manufacturing.
Leveraging Malaysia’s international connectivity and industrial foundation, together with Jinjiang’s strong capabilities in technology commercialization, the Center aims to build a more seamless and deeply integrated China–Southeast Asia regional innovation network.
8. Intrinsic Pitch: Translating Ideas into Action
Intrinsic Pitch featured Early Stage and Growth Stage projects across key sectors including AI, smart manufacturing, digital finance, sustainable materials, agri-tech, robotics, and urban intelligence systems.
Over 50 global VC and industrial funds participated, covering ASEAN, China, Middle East, Europe, and North America. The judging panel included VCs, industrial capital, and strategic investors, providing project demos, real-time Q&A, and investment feedback
Early Stage Highlights
ELY – User-generated AI gaming platform (Zhou Di, MiraiLINK Studio CEO)
Teel – Programmable Money Infrastructure (Yasser Khan, CEO)
CitySage – Agentic AI for urban planning (Daniel Jonathan Wallis, CEO)
Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) – Sustainable industrial applications (Navaneetha Krishna Chandran, CEO)
REFI – Resettable electrical fault isolation system (Yap Yuan Ping, Director, Arrowmatics AI)
Growth Stage Highlights
Developing a Digital Platform for Mental Wellness and security in Health & Cultural Tourism – K&C Protective Technologies (Henry Liu Yichen, Techical Manager)
Actively Accompany Robot – ClickMobot Technology (Laichen He, CEO)
Share-Me – Smart identity and relationship infrastructure (Sean Hill, Founder & CEO)
Ground to Cloud – Agriculture-data integration (Neo Zong Lei, Musang Valley Plantation Director)
Evaluation & Outcomes Mechanism
On-site project evaluation and real-time investment feedback were conducted
Multiple projects received clear follow-up and engagement intentions from investment institutions
Following the pitching sessions, selected projects formally entered due diligence (DD) and joint incubation stages
Award Structure:
Early Stage
ASEAN Rising Star Award
Innovation Catalyst Award
Sustainable Future Builder Award
Growth Stage
Global Impact Innovation Award
Tech for Humanity Award
Future Vision Leadership Award
The five finalist projects, in recognition of their outstanding performance within their respective fields, were awarded Special Grand Prizes of the Summit.
Intrinsic Pitch is not merely a project showcase, but a fully integrated mechanism that spans capital identification → investment decision-making → due diligence advancement → cross-border collaboration. Leveraging the Summit’s influence, together with Intrinsic SEA’s regional network and ecosystem partnerships, participating projects are able to accelerate their progression toward industrial deployment, regional expansion, and international development pathways.
9. Technology Exhibition: Showcasing Real-World Industry Applications
The Summit Exhibition Zone was officially opened during the event and was toured by YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, together with government representatives from multiple countries, leaders of international organizations, and industry leaders. This collective tour underscored the high level of attention and recognition the Summit received at both national and international levels.
The exhibition brought together international exhibitors from China, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and other countries, alongside Southeast Asian and Malaysian local innovation enterprises, technology companies, and industrial platforms, enabling on-site showcases and in-depth exchanges. This created a highly diverse and actively functioning cross-border innovation matchmaking environment.
Among them, Naviderman from Zhejiang, China; KP Cap Consulting from Singapore; and Intrinsic Innovations from Canada, as key partners of the technology exhibition, actively participated in technology showcases, project matchmaking, and cross-border collaboration discussions.
During the exhibition tour and networking exchanges, guests from multiple countries engaged in direct dialogue with exhibiting enterprises on technology deployment, industrial collaboration, market entry, and cross-border cooperation models, driving a transition from “showcasing outcomes” to “forming partnerships.”
The exhibition zone served not only as a central showcase of innovation, but also as a key gateway linking international resources with Southeast Asian markets.
Through the on-site interaction among senior government officials, international guests, and industry stakeholders, the exhibition zone clearly demonstrated Malaysia’s unique role as a regional innovation hub and international collaboration platform. It also provided Chinese and global innovation players with a verifiable and sustainably scalable environment for engaging with the ASEAN market.
10. Media Coverage: Amplifying Impact
During the summit, the event received extensive coverage from over 300 local, international, and industry media outlets, highlighting key discussions, guest presentations, city showcases, pitch outcomes, and international collaboration progress. This multi-angle reporting amplified the summit’s impact on regional cooperation, technological innovation, and international collaboration.
In parallel, the summit leveraged major global digital platforms—including YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, WeChat Channels, Instagram, and Facebook—partnering with multiple collaborators for live streaming and content distribution. This approach enabled real-time, cross-region, and multi-language engagement, reaching over 50,000 live viewers worldwide and significantly expanding the summit’s international reach and influence.
Through extensive media coverage and multi-channel dissemination, the summit’s insights, case studies, and collaborative outcomes were rapidly communicated across Southeast Asia, China, North America, and other international markets. This significantly enhanced the global visibility of participating organizations, companies, and projects, while creating a solid foundation for future collaboration, policy dialogue, and industrial implementation.
The impact went beyond traditional conference coverage; it represented a collective shaping of the regional innovation narrative, clarifying and reinforcing ASEAN’s role in global technological and industrial cooperation.
11. Acknowledgements: A Shared Achievement
Intrinsic SEA and the ATCDS 2025 organizing committee express sincere gratitude to:
“See you at ATCDS 2026, October 15–17. Don’t miss it!”“See you at ATCDS 2026, October 15–17. Don’t miss it!” Partners and sponsors: enabling cross-regional, cross-industry connections
International organizations and government representatives: providing policy guidance and institutional support
Speakers and reviewers: offering expertise to translate discussions into actionable paths
Media partners: broadcasting the summit globally in multiple languages
Staff and volunteers: ensuring seamless execution of every detail
Special thanks to:
iFlytek: providing AI-powered simultaneous translation
Flexiroam: offering free international data roaming for guests
Grab: providing exclusive transport discounts
Share-Me: supplying 1,000 smart NFC business cards for networking
Target Media: delivering city-wide advertising exposure
Malaysia Airlines: offering exclusive flight discounts
BloomThis: creating event floral arrangements
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all strategic partners, including NCT Group, Brunsfield International Group, The Exchange 106, Urban Pinnacle, KT Cap Star, Naviderman, Kintry, Jinjiang (Malaysia) Offshore Innovation Center, Saichuang Weilai (SCWL), China Mobile International, Xiamen LinkBeyond, Fujian Anquan Emergency Society, Tourplus, and Intrinsic Innovations. We also sincerely thank all the partners who have silently supported and journeyed with us over the long term. It is this enduring trust and collaboration that has allowed us, side by side, to build a platform of regional significance with a global outlook.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organizing committee, volunteers, and every partner working tirelessly behind the scenes ❤️
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