Second ASEAN Start-up Roundtable

This report presents the proceedings of the Second ASEAN Start-up Roundtable, organised by the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) in Jakarta on 28–29 April 2025. The Roundtable brought together government officials, industry experts, AI-driven start-up representatives from ASEAN Member States, academia, and international organisations to strengthen dialogue, exchange practical insights, and develop concrete recommendations for advancing the region’s AI ecosystem.

ASEAN is emerging as a fast-growing hub for AI adoption and investment, with applications spanning agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and financial services. However, persistent challenges remain, including limited infrastructure, uneven digital talent pipelines, regulatory fragmentation, and financing gaps for start-ups.

To address these issues, the Roundtable featured a keynote presentation on the frontiers of generative AI and ecosystem models, followed by three thematic panel sessions. The first session on infrastructure and data ecosystems underscored the need for cost-effective, sustainable AI infrastructure and stronger regional data collaboration. The second session on talent development highlighted inclusive AI education and entrepreneurial pathways. The third session on regulation and investment emphasised balanced governance frameworks and strategies to mobilise capital for AI start-ups. A Jakarta start-up ecosystem site visit complemented these discussions, showcasing local AI innovations in commerce, travel, smart cities, and healthcare.

The Roundtable concluded with actionable recommendations to foster an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive AI ecosystem in ASEAN – emphasising regional collaboration, scalability, and innovation. It marked a significant step toward shaping the future of AI-driven start-ups in the region.