Opening the digital gateway to Southeast Asia

The myriad opportunities in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore were shared with Australian technology companies during a one-week mission in October. The mission was the second visit to Malaysia and Singapore this year under the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange program.

Led by Daniel Boyer, Austrade’s Deputy CEO, Policy and Programs, the Digital Gateway to Southeast Asia delegation included 59 Australian artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and digital health companies. They came from a cross-section of the Australian innovation ecosystem, mixing major players like Telstra, Aspen and Icon Group, homegrown unicorns such as AirTrunk and Atlassian, and emerging award-winning tech providers like Foxo, Baidam and Advanced Health Intelligence.

Aligned with the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, the mission positioned Australian tech firms to play a vital role in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning digital economy, which is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030.

A surprising benefit of the mission was the sense among some delegates that there were opportunities to “hunt as a pack” and cross-refer business opportunities. A stronger sense of Australian capability was developed, which helped all players pitch their services within the wider ecosystem.

With growing interest in Australia’s tech capabilities, the mission was an excellent opportunity for Australian companies to engage with key partners and customers across the region. This has led to proof-of-concept trials and new commercial agreements for Australian businesses.

Comprehensive program of meetings, site visits, networking sessions

This mission marked a significant milestone as the first Southeast Asia Business Exchange with representation from all Australian states and territories.

Austrade curated a comprehensive program for the 30 AI firms, 15 cyber security companies and 14 digital health businesses. This included market briefings, regulatory roundtables and site visits to provide delegates with a deep understanding of the local business environment. They also attended 2 high-profile networking events hosted in collaboration with the Australian High Commissions in Malaysia and Singapore.

Austrade facilitated over 100 meetings to connect Australian companies with key stakeholders and potential business partners.

Austrade also launched the Australian Critical Technologies Prospectus during a networking event in Singapore. The prospectus is a snapshot of Australia’s capabilities in a range of critical tech sectors including artificial intelligence, quantum, robotics, advanced manufacturing and more. 

Delegates at the welcome reception in Singapore.

Making connections in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the delegation was introduced to key organisations such as:

• Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
• National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), Malaysia’s largest tech sector member-based body
• KPJ Hospital, Malaysia’s largest private healthcare provider
• Medical Device Authority.

The mission received strong support from PIKOM and MDEC, who outlined initiatives aimed at boosting bilateral digital trade and investment via the Australia-Malaysia Tech Exchange (AMTX) agreement. As Malaysia aims to position itself as Southeast Asia’s digital hub, Australian tech companies benefit from the country’s business-friendly policies and expanding digital ecosystem.

Closing the tech gender gap in Malaysia

In a stride towards fostering a culture of inclusivity, Austrade Malaysia held a Women in Technology Forum on empowering women working in the industry. The panellists shared the challenges and triumphs they encountered throughout their careers in the industry.

With Malaysia offering vast opportunities in the digital economy, bridging the gender gap in the tech industry has become an essential step toward establishing the country as a central digital hub in Southeast Asia.

Showcasing Australia in Singapore

In Singapore, delegates engaged with the Economic Development Board and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. This gave them a better understanding of how they can navigate their market entry and use Singapore as a beachhead for broader expansion across Southeast Asia. 

The Chief Technology Officers of ANZ, SingTel and Microsoft shared industry-level perspectives on the services and partnerships they are looking to procure. Local industry associations including SGTech and SGInnovate participated in business-matching and networking sessions. 

In addition to formal meetings, Austrade organised sharing sessions with corporate leaders and venture capitalists. Representatives from organisations like Google Cloud APAC, 22Health Ventures and NCS Singapore shared their views on market dynamics and local market trends and opportunities.

Australia’s National Pavilion at Tech Week Singapore

Austrade also played a prominent role as a major exhibitor at Singapore’s Tech Week, one of the region’s leading technology events. Delegates took the stage at the Australian pavilion to highlight Australia’s cutting-edge capabilities in AI, cyber security and digital health. The event was also an opportunity to connect with potential partners in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.

Digital Economy Agreement supports bilateral relationship

The Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) continues to enhance the digital trade relationship between the 2 nations. The DEA offers significant advantages for Australian tech companies, enabling them to tap into Singapore’s advanced tech infrastructure and rapidly growing digital economy.

Sign up to receive the latest news and insights about Southeast Asia.