Co-Creation Panel Discussion for ASEAN-Japan x Art, Culture, Contents and Hospitality

■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 2.3A: ASEAN-Japan x Art, Culture, Contents and Hospitality

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

• Date: 20th December 2024

■Moderator:

• Aldi Haryopratomo

  • Vice Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

  • Commissioner for Visinema, Halodoc, and eFishery

  • Indonesia

■Speakers:

• Gavin Vongkusolkit

  • Managing Director, Founder Heritage Estates Erawan Group Plc.

  • Member of the Young Entrepreneurs Chamber under Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC)

  • Thailand 

• Teruhide Sato

  • Founder & CEO, BEENEXT Capital Management Pte. Ltd.

  • Japan

• Renz Chong

  • CEO, BreederDAO

  • The Philippines

• Akihiko Shimoyama

  • CEO, Senjin Holdings.

  • Japan

■Panel Discussion:

The panel discussion on "ASEAN-Japan x Art, Culture, Contents and Hospitality" explored the significance of soft power in bridging cultural, economic, and social gaps between ASEAN and Japan. Moderated by Aldi Haryopratomo, the session brought together perspectives from leaders in art, hospitality, venture capital, and blockchain technology:

• Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director, Heritage Estates Erawan Group

  

  
  

• Teruhide Sato, Founder & CEO, BEENEXT Capital Management

  

  
  

• Renz Chong, CEO, BreederDAO

  

  
  

• Akihiko Shimoyama, CEO, Senjin Holdings

  

  
  

The discussion highlighted practical applications of soft power, strategies for fostering cultural connections, and its role in trust-building and innovation.

■Soft Power in Art and Symbolism

Akihiko Shimoyama shared insights from his art collective, ALT, which emphasizes creating symbolic art to foster community and diversity. He presented "WAN," an artwork inspired by dialogue during the previous ASEAN-Japan summit. Displayed at this year's summit and set to be showcased at the Osaka Expo 2025, WAN symbolizes trust and collaboration. Shimoyama emphasized the subconscious impact of art in shaping perceptions and fostering mutual understanding, citing workshops that reveal shared values across diverse cultures.

■Cultural Integration in Hospitality

Gavin Vongkusolkit discussed the role of Thai culture and hospitality in his businesses. Drawing from his experiences in co-working spaces, culinary ventures, and hospitality, he stressed the importance of embedding local culture in business operations. For instance, his hotels highlight regional crafts, food, and traditions to create unique experiences. Gavin noted how collaboration with Japanese techniques in gastronomy and hospitality has elevated Thai offerings, underscoring the power of cultural exchange.

■Blockchain as a Tool for Soft Power

Renz Chong highlighted blockchain's potential to tokenize and amplify cultural identity in the digital age. Using examples such as Takashi Murakami's NFT collections and localized gaming collaborations like Manny Pacquiao-themed characters in Mobile Legends, Chong explained how blockchain enables communities to preserve, promote, and participate in cultural narratives. This digital transformation fosters inclusivity and engagement, particularly among younger, tech-savvy generations.

■Trust and Purpose in Venture Capital

Teruhide Sato connected soft power with trust-building in the venture capital ecosystem. Sharing his philosophy at BEENEXT, Sato emphasized aligning investments with clear, purpose-driven goals rather than financial metrics alone. He illustrated how cultural narratives and human connections create trust, making businesses more resilient and impactful. His approach underscores the importance of shared values in fostering deeper collaboration between ASEAN and Japan.

■Audience Engagement: Challenges and Opportunities

Two thought-provoking audience questions addressed challenges in soft power projection:

1. How can Indonesia project its rich culture to Japan?

   • Response: Aldi highlighted quality craftsmanship as a key to winning Japanese audiences, citing the success of Indonesian shoemaker Jairan Srivijaya in Japan. He emphasized aligning cultural exports with Japanese values of precision and artistry.

2. How can traditional craftsmanship compete in a fast-paced, globalized market?

   • Response: Teruhide proposed redesigning traditional crafts for broader applications, as seen in Kyoto's Nishijin kimono textiles adapted for luxury brands. He advocated for a balance of heritage, innovation, and global perspective to sustain and scale cultural industries.

■Closing Remarks

Akihiko closed the session with a call to create symbolic, long-lasting art through collaborations between artists, capitalists, and researchers. He envisioned such projects as a means to forge shared values among ASEAN nations and Japan, reinforcing cultural ties in uncertain times. The session underscored the power of art, culture, and collaboration as tools for deeper connections, positioning ASEAN and Japan as leaders in cultural diplomacy and innovation.

■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.