YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Ms. Ravenna Chen Yaohui, Organising Committee Chairperson of ATCDS 2025 & CEO of Intrinsic SEA; Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, Honorary Advisor to the Summit & Adviser to the Minister of Plantation and Commodities Malaysia; Dato’ Steve Cheah, Chairman of UNESCO EE Thailand & Head of Mission of Diplomatic Council CLMTV & Chairman of AiSED; Dr. Zhao Xiangdong, Counsellor for Science and Technology, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia; Mr. William Wang, Chief Representative for Middle East & Africa, SIEF; Mr. Xu Ningning, Chairman of RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee & Executive President of China–ASEAN Business Council; Mr. Richard Teo, Managing Director of Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd; YBhg. Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Executive Chairman & Group Managing Director of NCT Group of Companies; and Mr. Andrew Sanden, Co-Founder of Intrinsic Group.
The ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025 (ATCDS 2025) commenced today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a pivotal moment for regional innovation and technological collaboration. The event, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), was officiated by YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. With over 2,000 delegates attending in person and an impressive 50,000+ online viewers, the Summit has attracted high-level participants from 13 countries, establishing itself as a vital platform for Southeast Asia’s innovation landscape.
Strengthening Regional Innovation
During his address, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah emphasized the importance of viewing technology, talent, and regional unity as strategic assets that will shape ASEAN’s future over the next decade. He outlined Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing research funding, attracting global innovators, and positioning the country as a central hub for scientific collaboration within the region. Fadillah also announced that ATCDS will become an annual event, underscoring ASEAN’s dedication to fostering long-term innovation cooperation.
In her welcome address, Ms. Ravenna Chen, Summit Chairperson and CEO of Intrinsic SEA, highlighted the necessity for ASEAN to transition from fragmented innovation efforts to a more coordinated regional approach. She pointed out that the region’s demographic advantages and rapidly growing digital economy present a unique opportunity for ASEAN to emerge as a leader in global innovation, provided there is an emphasis on cross-border research collaboration and technology transfer mechanisms.
Broader Perspectives on Interdependence
Offering insights from a wider Asia-Pacific standpoint, Antonio I. Basilio, Director of the Asia Pacific Business Council, noted the increasing interdependence between ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, which constitutes over 60% of global GDP. Basilio recognized Malaysia’s robust semiconductor ecosystem and progressive digital regulations as key factors that enhance the country’s role as a strategic partner for regional cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence governance and digital trade.
The Summit also included formal launches and collaborations, setting the tone for its agenda. Key announcements featured the official opening of ATCDS 2025, the introduction of the new publication titled 《 ASEAN Economic 》, and several strategic memorandums of understanding involving Intrinsic SEA with organizations like SIEF, AISED, and MIMOS. These developments reinforce Malaysia’s pivotal role within ASEAN’s innovation ecosystem and its commitment to global scientific collaboration.
Throughout the three-day program, ATCDS 2025 will delve into critical technological priorities. This includes ministerial dialogues, scientific discussions, and industry forums focusing on future mobility, digital healthcare, sustainable building technologies, and the Halal digital economy. The agenda also features Intrinsic Pitch 2025, an innovation showcase designed to connect emerging startups with regional venture investors.
By bringing together policymakers, scientists, corporate leaders, and global innovation agencies, the Summit reinforces Malaysia’s growing significance as a hub for innovation diplomacy. The collaborations and discussions at ATCDS 2025 are anticipated to spur new cross-border research initiatives and establish frameworks that will enhance talent development and long-term cooperation in the region’s innovation ecosystem beyond 2025.
