Co-Creation Panel Discussion for Japan-ASEAN Collaboration (Recent Developments, Future Expectations, Tradition and Innovation)

■Introduction

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit serves as a vital platform to connect emerging business leaders from ASEAN and Japan, addressing pressing social challenges and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. ASEAN, recognized as a global growth center, faces various social issues, including inequalities, while Japan grapples with challenges such as an aging population but leverages its wealth of experience and assets from decades of development. Against this backdrop, the summit aims to cultivate meaningful connections among next-generation business leaders who are poised to drive transformative change. The summit culminated on 20th December 2024, with impactful pitch sessions and a panel discussion, showcasing innovative ideas and fostering dialogue among leaders.

■Session Information:

• Session Name: Panel Discussion 1.1A ASEAN-Japan Collaboration (Recent Developments, Future Expectations, Tradition and Innovation)

• Place: ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit 2024, International Conference Center Kyoto,  Annex Hall A

• Date: 20th December 2024

■Moderator:

• Hiromi Aoki:

  • Chairman, Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP)

  • The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)

  •  Head of International Relations of Japan YEG

  •  The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI)

  •  President, Suntech Co., Ltd.

■Speakers:

• Somboun Phongsavanh:

  • CEO Chairman of the Major Shareholder Committee, Phongsavanh Group. Acting CEO of Phongsavanh Bank

  • Lao People's Democratic Republic

• Vorayos Thongtan:

  • President, SAHA PATHANA INTER-HOLDING PCL.

  • Thailand

• Theodoric Chew:

  •  Co-founder & CEO Intellect

  • Singapore

• Kosuke Sogo:

  • CEO and co-founder AnyMind Group Inc.

  •  Japan

• Patrick Aritonang

  • COO Panbil Group

  •  Indonesia

■Panel Discussion

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit witnessed a dynamic panel discussion exploring the evolving partnership between Japan and ASEAN. Moderated by Hiromi Aoki, Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) and a leading advocate for regional collaboration, the session shed light on the intersection of tradition, innovation, and the future of Japan-ASEAN cooperation.

With an impressive lineup of speakers from diverse industries across ASEAN and Japan, the discussion highlighted the transformative potential of co-creation in driving sustainable economic growth and fostering cultural exchange.

■The Moderator and Speakers

Hiromi Aoki set the stage for the conversation, emphasizing the long-standing friendship between Japan and ASEAN, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. As a champion of youth entrepreneurship and international collaboration, Hiromi underscored the significance of fostering mutual respect and innovation.

The panel featured five distinguished speakers:

1. Somboun Phongsavanh (CEO, Phongsavanh Group, Laos): A leader in finance, infrastructure, and smart city development, Somboun emphasized the importance of trust and quality in fostering sustainable partnerships.

2. Vorayos Thongtan (President, SAHA PATHANA INTER-HOLDING PCL, Thailand): With a career rooted in fostering technological transfer and cultural exchange, Vorayos reflected on Thailand’s enduring relationship with Japan, bolstered by decades of mutual support and collaboration.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Theodoric Chew (Co-founder & CEO, Intellect, Singapore): As a pioneer in mental healthcare, Theodoric shared insights on how cross-border collaboration can drive innovation and scale solutions for regional challenges.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Kosuke Sogo (CEO and Co-founder, AnyMind Group, Japan): A digital entrepreneur focused on Southeast Asia, Kosuke highlighted the synergies between Japan’s technological expertise and ASEAN’s young, dynamic talent pool.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Patrick Aritonang (COO, Panbil Group, Indonesia): Representing traditional industries, Patrick emphasized the need for bridging generational gaps to integrate startups and established businesses effectively.

   
   

   

   
   

■Discussion Highlights

Notable Aspects of the Japan-ASEAN Relationship

The discussion began with reflections on the deep-rooted partnership between Japan and ASEAN:

• Infrastructure and Education: Somboun highlighted Japanese contributions to Laos’ hydropower and airport infrastructure, stressing Japan’s role in fostering trust-based business environments.

• Economic Integration and Cultural Exchange: Vorayos shared Thailand’s long history of collaboration with Japan, emphasizing joint ventures and educational initiatives that have transformed Thai society.

• Innovation and Openness: Theodoric pointed to Japan’s proactive role in investing in ASEAN startups and fostering cross-border innovation through organizations like JETRO.

• New Opportunities in the Digital Economy: Kosuke emphasized the potential for leveraging ASEAN’s youthful population and Japan’s expertise to build sustainable growth in the digital economy.

• Bridging Gaps in Traditional Industries: Patrick called for tangible solutions to integrate the innovative ideas of startups with the established frameworks of traditional businesses.

■Navigating the Global Shifts: The US-China Dynamic

The panel delved into the significance of Japan-ASEAN collaboration amid US-China tensions:

• Resilience and Neutrality: Patrick advocated for a prudent form of neutrality, emphasizing “solutions for Asia by Asians” to maintain stability and self-reliance.

• AI and Technology Integration: Kosuke and Theodoric stressed the urgency of developing AI talent and innovation in the region to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

• Shared Success Stories: Vorayos illustrated how decades-long collaborations, such as Seikom’s entry into Thailand, showcase the importance of sustained partnerships in navigating uncertainties.

■Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The final segment explored how to respect cultural diversity while driving innovation:

• Cultural Harmony: Vorayos shared how Thailand and Japan have co-created communities that celebrate cultural traditions while fostering economic growth.

• Education and Modernization: Kosuke emphasized the need to invest in education and digital skills to balance innovation with the preservation of cultural heritage.

• Celebrating Diversity: Patrick called for a celebration of ASEAN’s rich cultural tapestry, urging stakeholders to create inclusive solutions that reflect the region’s unique identities.

• Trust and Consistency: Somboun underscored the importance of trust and consistency as the bedrock of sustainable partnerships, inspired by Japan’s business practices.

■A Vision for the Future

The panel concluded with final thoughts on the shared goals of Japan-ASEAN collaboration:

• Pride and Confidence: Patrick urged stakeholders to showcase ASEAN’s capabilities on the global stage.

• Action-Oriented Collaboration: Kosuke called for swift execution of joint initiatives to drive growth.

• Continuous Co-Creation: Vorayos and Theodoric emphasized innovation and collaboration as the pillars of future success.

• Green and Peaceful Futures: Somboun envisioned a future rooted in sustainability and harmony.

Hiromi Aoki summed up the session by celebrating the power of friendship and community in shaping the future of Japan-ASEAN relations. The panel left the audience inspired, reaffirming the importance of co-creation in fostering innovation, tradition, and mutual prosperity.

■Join the Movement

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit is not just an event but a call to action for fostering innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shared challenges. As we continue to build a stronger, more connected future, we invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in driving impactful change across ASEAN and Japan. To explore collaboration opportunities or to become part of this dynamic initiative, please contact PoliPoli’s secretariat at:

asean-japan-business-leaders-summit@polipoli.io 

Together, let’s shape a future of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.