By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Dec 9 — Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) has continued to foster cross-border partnership with Asean’s emerging markets through visits to Vietnam and the Philippines.
According to its chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping, winners from the Selangor Accelerator Programme 2024 (SAP24) embarked on two parallel international innovation trips to both countries from November 10 to 17.
“These trips underscore Sidec’s dedication to fostering global collaboration and empowering startups to thrive in the digital economy,” he said in a recent press statement.
Yong said the Philippines and Vietnam were strategically chosen to offer diverse opportunities for SAP24 winners.
“The Philippines is an emerging market for AI-driven innovations, especially in fintech, healthcare, and logistics, while Vietnam provides fertile ground for sustainability-focused startups, with growing demand for biotech, agritech, and renewable energy solutions.
“Both destinations underscore Sidec’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships and driving innovation across Asean’s growing economies,” he said.
During the visits, the SAP24 winners were divided into two groups, each exploring opportunities in distinct sectors, with one group travelling to the Philippines to focus on AI-driven business solutions, mobility, robotics, and property management, while the other visited Vietnam to delve into biotech, agritech, healthcare, net-zero initiatives, and life sciences.
“The Philippines offers an exciting platform for our startups to showcase their capabilities and tap into a vibrant tech ecosystem, especially in AI-driven industries,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_365861" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping speaks to the media during the First Series of the Selangor International Business Summit, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, on July 25, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
In the Philippines, SAP24 winners — Shieldbase, Alphaswift, V-Cred, and Home Sifu — immersed themselves in the country’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.
Their focus was on AI applications across industries such as finance, logistics, and healthcare.
Key highlights included participation in PH Startup Week, where the startups connected with international investors, partners, and industry leaders.
Meanwhile, another group of SAP24 winners — Qarbotech, Atoz Carbon Cycle, Zoala, and
Vidanex—embarked on a programme focused on sustainability and innovation in Vietnam.
Main activities included pitching sessions, business matching, and booth exhibitions at the Vietnam Innovation Summit, where the startups showcased their groundbreaking solutions to a diverse audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
Since its inception, the SAP has supported over 200 startups, with 41 per cent securing funding and 79 gaining international exposure.
SAP24 participants exemplify the programme’s mission to equip startups with the tools to scale and thrive in international markets.
