Kuala Lumpur, 25 June 2024: ERIA concluded the second pre-event of the One ASEAN Startup Award 2024 with a prestigious ceremony held at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur today, attended by around 160 people. This competition recognises outstanding startups across ASEAN and East Asia, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the region.

ERIA’s Hiroshi Ishikawa, Special Advisor to the President on Digital Innovation at ERIA, emphasised the purpose of this award in his welcome remarks. ‘The One ASEAN Startup Award is designed to highlight and support outstanding ASEAN-based startups, integrating them as ERIA partners. Our aim is to collaborate with various stakeholders to establish ASEAN as the leading hub for startups.’

According to Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, MDEC, which is ERIA’s partner, remains dedicated to propelling the digital economy through various initiatives designed to enhance the capabilities of Malaysian tech entrepreneurs and position Malaysia as a premier digital hub in ASEAN. He also shared his excitement and vision for the event, emphasising its alignment with MDEC's initiatives and the broader goals for technological advancement and collaboration across the ASEAN region.

‘The One ASEAN Startup Award 2024 is more than just a celebration of startup excellence; it is a vital platform for fostering collaboration and innovation among tech companies across the ASEAN region. This event underscores the incredible talent in the digital ecosystem, and it is a testament to the potential we have when we come together. MDEC has long been a champion of digital transformation and innovation, spearheading programs such as the Gateway, Amplify, Invest, and Nurture (GAIN). Our GAIN program aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Malaysia Digital national strategic initiative and the One ASEAN Startup Award by accelerating the growth of Malaysian tech companies and helping them expand globally. This award ceremony is an extension of our commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital ecosystem that thrives on collaboration and shared success,’ he said.

Following a competitive selection process and an insightful pitch session, ERIA is proud to announce the winners of the second pre-event for the Digital/AI Category, Toybox Creations and Technology, and for the Impact Startup Category, Midwest Composites.

Hiroshi Ishikawa, the award presenter, commented, ‘In April, during the previous event, we held the first round of pitch events and selected two companies from more than 100 applicants. And in this round, we had around 150 applicants, with so many excellent startups that have impressive appeal to the judges. We are thrilled to see so many exciting and growing startups in the region. Seeing this development, I am very optimistic that sooner or later ASEAN will be recognised as the center of startups. The ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Center stands ready to catalyse cross-border collaboration, drive digital transformation, and foster innovation,’ he added.

The winning startups from both categories will proceed to the One ASEAN Startup Award, where they will compete against winners from the upcoming pre-events in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in September 2024. The grand prize winner will be chosen during a final award ceremony to be held in Lao PDR later this year.

Nominations for the third pre-event are currently being accepted until 28 July 2024. Startups operating in the Digital/AI and Impact sectors are encouraged to submit their applications.