ASEAN CONNECT: Understanding the ASEAN Market Webinar Series: Session 2
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 (JST), the ABC Platform Startup Subcommittee (Kansai Economic Federation) and TechShake will host the online event "ASEAN Connect: Understanding the ASEAN Markets Webinar Session 2".
This webinar will promote ongoing knowledge sharing, regional dialogue, and deeper strategic market understanding with the aim of strengthening collaboration between Japanese companies and stakeholders in the ASEAN market.
Building on the success of the pilot session, Series 2 goes deeper into country-specific perspectives, Thailand and Malaysia, highlighting key opportunities, risks, and entry pathways for Japanese companies expanding into Southeast Asia.
Rapidly growing Southeast Asia
The population of Southeast Asia (the 10 ASEAN countries) has reached approximately 700 million, accounting for about 8.5% of the world's population. The average age of the population is young, around 30 years old, and in addition to its existing role as an "abundant labor supply," the region is attracting global attention as a rapidly growing new market.
This session will focus on Malaysia and Thailand, which have large populations and are expected to develop further in the future, with the aim of providing a comparative understanding of the situation and characteristics of each country.
Top speakers who are active on the front lines will be invited to provide a practical perspective, touching on the strengths and potential of each country, as well as the challenges they face.
This session will focus on Malaysia and Thailand, which have large populations and are expected to develop further in the future, with the aim of providing a comparative understanding of the situation and characteristics of each country.
Top speakers who are active on the front lines will be invited to provide a practical perspective, touching on the strengths and potential of each country, as well as the challenges they face.
Outline of the event
Date & Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 15:00 - 16:30 (JST)
Organizers: ABC Platform Startup Group, TechShake
Format: Zoom Webinar
Language: English (Japanese slides will be projected)
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)
Registration: Please register from the link
h ttps:// luma.com/pxj6o8fo
Zoom for viewing, URL: URL will be sent to you upon registration above.
Organizers: ABC Platform Startup Group, TechShake
Format: Zoom Webinar
Language: English (Japanese slides will be projected)
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)
Registration: Please register from the link
h ttps:// luma.com/pxj6o8fo
Zoom for viewing, URL: URL will be sent to you upon registration above.
Program Focus
*Macro Market Insights
Country-specific perspectives with a focus on Thailand and Malaysia, and an understanding of the ASEAN market as a whole
*Regulatory and Institutional Navigation
Overview of FDI policies, digital regulations, and compliance
*Market and Industry Trends
Emerging sectors, innovation ecosystem, regional growth drivers
*Entry and Deployment Strategies
Market Entry, Partnership Building, Scale Strategy in ASEAN
Country-specific perspectives with a focus on Thailand and Malaysia, and an understanding of the ASEAN market as a whole
*Regulatory and Institutional Navigation
Overview of FDI policies, digital regulations, and compliance
*Market and Industry Trends
Emerging sectors, innovation ecosystem, regional growth drivers
*Entry and Deployment Strategies
Market Entry, Partnership Building, Scale Strategy in ASEAN
Value for Attendees
・Clear understanding of Thailand and Malaysia market opportunities
・Insights into ASEAN business environments and innovation landscapes
・Awareness of regulatory frameworks and entry considerations
・Strategic knowledge for regional expansion and investment decisions
・Access to thought leaders shaping ASEAN innovation and growth
・Insights into ASEAN business environments and innovation landscapes
・Awareness of regulatory frameworks and entry considerations
・Strategic knowledge for regional expansion and investment decisions
・Access to thought leaders shaping ASEAN innovation and growth
Speakers
(1)Malaysia
Mr. DANESH JOTHIPRAHASAM
Head of New Investments, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Danesh Jothiprahasam is the Head of New Investments at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, where he leads efforts to attract and facilitate digital investments into Malaysia. With over 20 years of leadership experience across technology and business services, he specialises in emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, Web3, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. His work focuses on strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for digital economy growth and innovation.
(2) Malaysia
Mr. LOO CHUAN BOON
Chief Operating Officer, Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec)
Loo Chuan Boon is the Chief Operating Officer of Sidec, where he spearheads Selangor’s digital transformation and positions the state as a premier tech hub in ASEAN. Since 2021, he has driven high-impact initiatives in startup acceleration, SME digitalisation, and tech investment—including key projects like the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park. Under his leadership, programmes such as the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) have nurtured over 300 startups and generated over RM500 million in GMV.
With over 15 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, Chuan Boon previously served as General Manager of SITEC and as a Special Officer within the Selangor State Government. An alumnus of Universiti Sains Malaysia and Tsinghua University’s Belt and Road Fintech Advanced Programme, he is a dedicated mentor and advocate for youth entrepreneurship across the region.
(3) Thailand
Mr. SUEBSIT SARNTISART
Global Business Synergy Director, Bank of Ayudhya PCL
Suebsit Sarntisart is the Director of the Global Business Synergy Department at Bank of Ayudhya PCL (Krungsri), a MUFG subsidiary. He is an ASEAN-BAC Business Award recipient and a recognized expert in Japan–ASEAN business development, investment, and startup acceleration.
With over 10 years of experience, he has advised 700+ public and private organizations across 10+ countries, supporting large-scale cross-border partnerships and multi-billion-dollar transactions. He also co-founded the “Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair,” one of ASEAN’s largest startup networking platforms.
Mr. DANESH JOTHIPRAHASAM
Head of New Investments, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Danesh Jothiprahasam is the Head of New Investments at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, where he leads efforts to attract and facilitate digital investments into Malaysia. With over 20 years of leadership experience across technology and business services, he specialises in emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, Web3, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. His work focuses on strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for digital economy growth and innovation.
(2) Malaysia
Mr. LOO CHUAN BOON
Chief Operating Officer, Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec)
Loo Chuan Boon is the Chief Operating Officer of Sidec, where he spearheads Selangor’s digital transformation and positions the state as a premier tech hub in ASEAN. Since 2021, he has driven high-impact initiatives in startup acceleration, SME digitalisation, and tech investment—including key projects like the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park. Under his leadership, programmes such as the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP) have nurtured over 300 startups and generated over RM500 million in GMV.
With over 15 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, Chuan Boon previously served as General Manager of SITEC and as a Special Officer within the Selangor State Government. An alumnus of Universiti Sains Malaysia and Tsinghua University’s Belt and Road Fintech Advanced Programme, he is a dedicated mentor and advocate for youth entrepreneurship across the region.
(3) Thailand
Mr. SUEBSIT SARNTISART
Global Business Synergy Director, Bank of Ayudhya PCL
Suebsit Sarntisart is the Director of the Global Business Synergy Department at Bank of Ayudhya PCL (Krungsri), a MUFG subsidiary. He is an ASEAN-BAC Business Award recipient and a recognized expert in Japan–ASEAN business development, investment, and startup acceleration.
With over 10 years of experience, he has advised 700+ public and private organizations across 10+ countries, supporting large-scale cross-border partnerships and multi-billion-dollar transactions. He also co-founded the “Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair,” one of ASEAN’s largest startup networking platforms.