Bandar Seri Begawan, 23 January 2025: The ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) reinforced its commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration for ASEAN startups through its participation in the Brunei Startup Summit 2025, held from 22 to 23 January. Organised by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), the inaugural summit brought together local and international startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and other key stakeholders in Brunei’s startup ecosystem.

Kentaro Machii, Programme Manager on Startup Ecosystem at ERIA, joined a panel discussion titled ’Collaborative Ecosystems as the New Engine of Growth,’ alongside Ester Widya (VP of Business & Marketing at KUMPUL) and Najla Zamri (Senior Manager at Antler). Moderated by Reuben Chin, Acting Head of Programme Management at BEDB, the discussion explored how collaboration can drive innovation.

Machii highlighted successful cases of public–private partnerships and business collaborations within and beyond ASEAN, offering insights into strategies for strengthening Brunei's startup ecosystem. He stressed the importance of supporting born-global startups – companies designed for international collaboration from their inception – as a key factor in advancing Brunei’s entrepreneurial landscape, aligning with E-DISC’s mission.

E-DISC Workshop on Cross-Border Business Opportunities

At the summit, E-DISC hosted a workshop titled ’Navigating Cross-Border Business Opportunities in ASEAN,’ in partnership with the Brunei Innovation Lab. Led by Mudhya Tiara, Project Officer for Startup Ecosystem at ERIA, the session aimed to help startups understand the opportunities and benefits of forming business partnerships across ASEAN countries. The workshop featured hands-on exercises, beginning with a networking session to facilitate meaningful connections, followed by activities designed to help participants identify potential partners and navigate the ASEAN startup ecosystem. This initiative builds on E-DISC’s experience in capacity-building programmes, such as its Entreprenova masterclass series in Indonesia.

Strategic Discussions with Bruneian Leaders

The E-DISC team, led by Hiroshi Ishikawa, Special Advisor to the President on Digital Innovation at ERIA, also engaged in productive discussions with key Bruneian government officials, including:

• His Excellency Dato Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II
• His Excellency Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health
• Daniel Leong, Acting CEO of BEDB

E-DISC’s Vision for Future Collaboration

‘We are proud that ERIA participated in this summit as an Ecosystem Partner alongside prominent regional players, creating valuable opportunities,’ said Machii. ‘Brunei’s startup ecosystem is actively seeking international collaborations through initiatives led by BEDB and other key stakeholders. E-DISC is well-positioned to support these efforts by leveraging our expertise to drive impactful advancements. We look forward to engaging in and facilitating future collaborations.’

E-DISC remains committed to strengthening ASEAN’s startup ecosystems by fostering collaboration, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Through continued engagement with key stakeholders, E-DISC aims to drive innovation and regional growth across the ASEAN startup landscape.