KUALA LUMPUR: The APAC Technopreneurship Empowerment Conference (ATEC 2024) gathered over 600 participants from both the government and private sectors at Kuala Lumpur today.
The event aims to drive collaborative innovation and regional technology development.
It brought together technopreneurs, academics, tech industry experts, government officials and other professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Participants engaged in discussions, showcased innovations, and networked in four main areas namely space economy, bioeconomy, new energy economy and tech talent economy.
The event was jointly organised by the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS), the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and Wellous Group Ltd.
Through joint initiatives in research, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programs, the alliance aims to advance Malaysia's position as a leader in regional technopreneurship.
Officiating the event, Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang said technology must bring real convenience and benefits to people's lives.
Otherwise, it remains an abstract concept without meaningful impact.
He added that enhancing collaboration and technology transfer within the Asean region is vital for mutual growth.
"By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we can drive innovation and solve common challenges more effectively.
"Strengthening partnerships will create a dynamic ecosystem where technological advancements flourish, benefiting the entire region.
"Cross-border collaborations will accelerate technology transfer, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and economies prosper together," he said in his keynote address.
The minister also noted that ATEC 2024 is vital in promoting technopreneurship and technological innovation.
It contributes not only to Malaysia's national development and socioeconomic progress but also to the regional landscape.
Meanwhile, CROSS chairman Lee Chean Chung said Malaysia's strategic location and commitment from both the government and private sector position it as an ideal hub for technological innovation.
"Through initiatives like ATEC 2024, we aim to establish Malaysia as a beacon of technological excellence, driving progress and prosperity throughout the Asia Pacific region," he said.
SEARCH chief executive officer Ian Neo believes there are vast opportunities in the untapped potential that can be harnessed from this conference.
He expressed confidence that these interactions will propel Malaysian technopreneurs to new heights and advance technology in the region through cross-border collaboration within Asia Pacific countries and regions.
Wellous Group co-founder and chief executive officer Andy Tan said the collaboration highlights the company's long-term mission to empower and inspire tech talents and technopreneurs.
He added that Wellous aims to accelerate the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship not only in Malaysia but also across Southeast Asia and the entire Asia-Pacific region.
The strategic partnership for ATEC 2024 includes collaborations with key government agencies under MOSTI.