The first Tech in Asia conference finally took place this year. Held at at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from 24th July to 25th July 2024, this conference has put Malaysia on the map for emerging tech destinations. Known as ‘Malaysia on the Rise,’ the event drew more than 1,600 participants from across the Southeast Asian region, further establishing Malaysia as a major player in the tech space.
Organized with MyStartup by Cradle along with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the conference provided an interactive space for ideas and connections. This even had 10 partner booths for which there were 50 booths of Startup Factory where the supporter of technology and innovation found lively interactional platforms.
What is striking about the Malaysia’s startup ecosystem was described by Maria Li, the current CO of Tech in Asia. “Malaysia’s startup scene is on the rise. The KL20 Action Plan indicates the government’s support and Malaysia is currently a promising environment. The opportunity to be part of the startup ecosystem and introducing Malaysians to the best talents of the region is extremely exciting,” she said.
“Malaysia’s startup scene is on the rise. The KL20 Action Plan indicates the government’s support and Malaysia is currently a promising environment.”
The Malaysia Conference also focused on its stability in the new global funding pattern where Malaysian startups raised over $86 million in 2023. Such a massive booster indicates robust investors’ confidence in the country’s ability to develop the IT sector. Prominent speakers such as Khailee Ng, Global 500, Stephanie Sitt of Pixlr, Dione song, Love, Bonito, and Moses Lo of Xendit, also contributed their knowledge and ideas, which are crucial in the socio-tech world.
One notable speech that was delivered during the event was the one by the minister of science technology and innovation Chang Lih Kang. He laid out Malaysia’s vision to become one of the dominant startup hubs and presented the ASEAN Startup Initiative with the goal of driving regional development. The conference also included sharing sessions from top technology entrepreneurs such as Eric Cheng of Carsome, and Kamarulazaman Muhamed of Aerodyne, on their experiences of building technology businesses.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, the Chief of Cradle also expressed thanks towards Malaysia for being active tech-friendly nation. “Malaysia is a special place for tech in terms of both the players that are based there, and those eager to get a foothold on this market; it is our privilege to sponsor Tech in Asia Conference 2024 for Malaysia,” he added.
The conference offered numerous appealing programs like Investor Hour, Startup Factory, and the fascinating Startup Arena Pitch Battle. These sessions were an opportunity for startups to meet investors and present to them their innovative ideas and creations. The Startup Arena Pitch Battle, especially focused on best mentors and judges from the investment market and introduced a competitive twist to the event.
In conclusion of the whole conference, it made it very much apparent that Malaysia will consequently fashion itself as a larger part of the rising landscape of Southeast Asian technological advancement. It was music to the ears of the nation to top the list of the greatest achievements in the Asian region and to herald the conference Tech in Asia Conference 2024 towards the future growth and innovation in the advancement of the technology industries.
