The Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) proudly announces that winners from the Selangor Accelerator Programme 2024 (SAP24) embarked on two parallel international innovation trips to the Philippines and Vietnam from 10 to 17 November 2024. These trips underscore Sidec’s dedication to fostering global collaboration and empowering startups to thrive in the digital economy.
The SAP24 winners were divided into two groups, each exploring opportunities in distinct sectors. One group traveled to the Philippines to focus on AI-driven business solutions, mobility, robotics, and property management, while the other group visited Vietnam to delve into biotech, agritech, healthcare, net-zero initiatives, and life sciences.
In the Philippines, SAP24 winners—Shieldbase, Alphaswift, V-Cred, and Home Sifu—immersed themselves in the country’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem. Their focus was on AI applications across industries such as finance, logistics, and healthcare.
Key highlights included participation in PH Startup Week, where the startups connected with international investors, partners, and industry leaders. The trip culminated in a Demo Day on 15 November 2024 at The Astbury, Makati. The event featured a keynote by Gian Paulo Dela Rama, Chief Product Officer of Sprout AI Labs, who shared insights on AI trends shaping ASEAN’s future. SAP24 startups captivated a curated audience of investors and industry players with their groundbreaking innovations.
“The Philippines offers an exciting platform for our startups to showcase their capabilities and tap into a vibrant tech ecosystem, especially in AI-driven industries,” said Yong Kai Ping, CEOof Sidec.
Additionally, the business matching session on 14 November 2024 connected SAP24 startups with 56 key stakeholders, including corporations, startups, and investors. Tailored one-on-one meetings facilitated meaningful discussions, allowing startups to present their innovative solutions and explore collaborations.
Meanwhile, another group of SAP24 winners—Qarbotech, Atoz Carbon Cycle, Zoala, and Vidanex—embarked on a program focused on sustainability and innovation in Vietnam.
Key activities included pitching sessions, business matching, and booth exhibitions at the Vietnam Innovation Summit, where the startups showcased their groundbreaking solutions to a diverse audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
During the summit, Qarbotech proudly represented Malaysia in the International Track of the Startups Showcase and stood out among competitors from five countries. Following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges, Qarbotech was honored with the prestigious Outstanding Startup Award—a testament to its innovative solutions and impactful contributions to the global innovation ecosystem.
Startups also participated in the DEX Connex program, organized by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This initiative connected over 30 Malaysian startups with leading Vietnamese corporations, including FPT, TMA Solutions, and Vietcombank, through one-on-one networking sessions. Over 40 meetings provided a platform to showcase products, explore partnerships, and expand into international markets, driving growth and innovation across ASEAN.
The Vietnam trip also included visits to Zone Startups Vietnam and other innovation hubs, providing insights into the country’s dynamic startup ecosystem and fostering meaningful collaborations.
“Vietnam’s strong focus on sustainable development and innovation makes it an ideal destination for our startups. From pitching to exhibitions, our participants are actively engaging with the local ecosystem to forge impactful collaborations,” added Yong Kai Ping.
Since its inception, the Selangor Accelerator Programme has supported over 200 startups, with 41% securing funding and 79 gaining international exposure. SAP24 participants exemplify the program’s mission to equip startups with the tools to scale and thrive in international markets.
The Philippines and Vietnam were strategically chosen to offer diverse opportunities for SAP24 winners. The Philippines is an emerging market for AI-driven innovations, especially in fintech, healthcare, and logistics, while Vietnam provides fertile ground for sustainability-focused startups, with growing demand for biotech, agritech, and renewable energy solutions.
Both destinations underscore Sidec’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships and driving innovation across ASEAN’s growing economies.
This content is provided by Sidec.
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