Selangor showcases startup strength at Asia’s largest innovation platforms in Japan

• The mission secured US$1.1M in leads & global exposure for Selangor startups
• The delegation included 5 startups in AI, ESG, digital content, sustainability & wellness

The Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) recently concluded an international mission to World Expo 2025 Osaka and SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, aimed at promoting Selangor’s growing startup ecosystem. Held from 4–12 May 2025, the mission generated US$1.1 million (RM5.159 million) in potential export opportunities, strengthened regional ties, and offered local startups exposure to global investors and innovation leaders.

Supported by the Selangor State Government, the delegation featured five startups: Xtractify, Collaborative Excellence, GoFluence, Neupulse (BiiB), and Hikayat Kebun, spanning sectors such as AI, ESG tech, digital content, sustainability, and wellness.

At World Expo 2025 Osaka, Selangor led the Digitalisation theme during Selangor Week, with the startups participating in high-level discussions and pitching sessions. They also served as panellists and moderators for four curated sessions:

• Innovation for Impact: Tech and strategies for sustainable agriculture and sports
• AI at the Core: Building smarter, stronger enterprises for tomorrow
• Adapting to the New Era of Digital Content
• AI & Smart Cities: How Selangor is Shaping the Future of Urban Living

Momentum continued at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, where the startups exhibited for three days at the Malaysia Pavilion, coordinated by MDEC, and joined sessions such as:

• Malaysia Tech Spotlight Sharing Session
• Rise & Pitch: Startups Pitching & VC Connect – Tokyo Edition

These platforms enabled engagement with investors, venture capitalists, ecosystem partners, and media. According to Sidec, the mission generated US$1.1 million (RM5.159 million) in export leads, including potential partnerships and commercial prospects in Japan and across the region.

“The numbers speak for themselves. This mission was more than just branding – it opened real market access, sparked investor interest, and forged valuable partnerships for our startups,” said Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec.

Sidec also hosted the Asean Startup Ecosystem Networking Session, bringing together partners from TechShake (Philippines), KUMPUL (Indonesia), Enterprise Singapore, and ACE Singapore to explore collaboration and cross-border expansion opportunities. A strategic partnership agreement was signed with TechShake, signalling a long-term commitment to co-develop Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem through ongoing exchange and ecosystem support.

The mission was carried out in partnership with MDEC and Cyberview, as part of efforts to promote Malaysia’s startup ecosystem through soft landing programmes, international showcases, and high-level engagements.

Since 2018, Sidec has supported over 320 startups, helping them raise a total of RM203 million. The company affirms its commitment to continuing the delivery of high-impact programming through the Selangor Deep Tech Xccelerator (Deep-X) and Selangor Retail Tech Xccelerator (Retail-X).

Liza Manaf, director of Strategic Partnerships at GoFluence, said, “Being part of the Sidec delegation was a valuable experience. It gave us the chance to share our story and connect with global partners.”

This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s innovation diplomacy efforts and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by fostering inclusive, responsible, and future-ready digital growth.