Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) is inviting local ICT businesses to join the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week which will be held virtually this December.
The ASEAN-Korea Startup Week, now in its third year, provides startups from the ASEAN member states the opportunity to pitch their concepts to Korean venture capitalists and industrialists for investment and business opportunities.
The programme is also expected to host workshops and sharing sessions between startups from the 10 ASEAN member states and South Korea. Participants will also learn about South Korea’s startup ecosystem and their government’s policies to support their growth.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be held virtually for the first time. DARe will be selecting four companies to represent Brunei, with the organiser ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) making the final decision on participation.
Applying businesses should be early stage startups and need to be within the field of information and communications technologies; with an emphasis on businesses that embracing the fourth industrial revolution with associated solutions including artificial intelligence, data analytics, AR/VR and fintech. Representatives must also be fluent in English.
Founder of Brunei agritech startup Agrome Vanessa Teo (centre R) and other snapshots taken during the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2018. Photos: AKC
Secretary General of AKC Lee Hyuk has said that strong startup growth within ASEAN is an opportunity for both parties to be more involved in.
“With over eight unicorn companies including the well-known Grab, Go-jek, and Traveloka among others, ASEAN today has emerged as the new breeding ground for startup businesses. By building a common startup ecosystem and an innovation-friendly environment in both regions, ASEAN and Korea can further expand cooperation in this area with a view to enhancing our global competitiveness,” he said.
He added that ASEAN thriving startup scene can be attributed to widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile applications and a young population with a rising interest in starting tech companies.
Last year, Brunei was represented by Memori, Think Axis Solutions, Beep Digital Solutions and Hoco Agency.
Companies interested in applying need to fill in a registration form and company profile form – downloadable from DARe’s website – and submit by email with their identity card and passport copy to international@dare.gov.bn with the subject RE: Applicant [COMPANY NAME] ASEAN-Korea Startup Week by September 28.
Questions can be directed to the same email or 238 4830 extension 210/234.
