ATEC 2024 Draws Over 600 Participants, Aims To Spark Innovation In Technopreneurship

The inaugural APAC Technopreneurship Empowerment Conference (ATEC 2024) gathered over 600 participants from both the government and private sectors at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.

The event highlights Malaysia's dedication to advancing the technopreneurship landscape by uniting technopreneurs, academics, tech industry specialists, government representatives, and other professionals from the Asia-Pacific region.

Participants engaged in discussions, showcased innovations, and networked across four key areas: the space economy, bioeconomy, new energy economy, and tech talent economy.

The event was organised by the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS), the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH), and Wellous Group Limited. Through their joint initiatives in research, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programs, the partnership seeks to elevate Malaysia’s status as a regional leader in technopreneurship.

Officiating the event, YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), emphasised that technology must bring real convenience and benefits to people's lives, or it remains an abstract concept without meaningful impact. He further explained that enhancing collaboration and technology transfer within the ASEAN region is crucial for mutual growth, stating, "By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we can drive innovation and solve common challenges more effectively,” he said.

“The theme of ATEC 2024, "Precise Technology Empowers Technopreneurship," reflects our commitment to driving technological innovation and entrepreneurship that not only advances our economies but also addresses the pressing challenges of our time. This conference serves as a strategic avenue for experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore new synergies and forge collaborations that will propel the Asia-Pacific region towards a future of sustainable growth and development,” said YB Tuan Lee Chean Chung, Chairman of CROSS.

Neo expressed confidence that these interactions will propel Malaysian technopreneurs to new heights and advance technology in the region through cross-border collaboration within Asia Pacific countries and regions.

Andy emphasised that Wellous firmly believes strong collaboration will ultimately transform homegrown brands into global leaders. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem where startups and established businesses can thrive, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement," he added.

The strategic partnership for ATEC 2024 includes collaborations with key government agencies under MOSTl, namely NanoMalaysia Berhad, Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), Bioeconomy Corporation, MIMOS Berhad, Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (CRADLE) and Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM). Additionally, the Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park (MCKILP) has also taken part as one of the strategic partners to drive the development of biotech park in Malaysia.

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