SEA Business Connect Launches in Jakarta: TechShake Backs ASEAN Innovation from the Philippines

SEA Business Connect, a regional platform designed to accelerate global business expansion into Southeast Asia, officially launched at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jakarta last June 19, 2025. Organized by Living Lab Ventures, the event brought together key players in the ASEAN startup aXnd innovation ecosystem. Among its first partners is TechShake, a leading ASEAN accelerator and startup ecosystem builder, joining as a community partner to support cross-border innovation and connect startups with market opportunities across the region. This launch provides pathways for  Southeast Asia to be a global hub for investment, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

About SEA Business Connect

With its official launch in Jakarta, Indonesia, SEA Business Connect reaffirms its core mission of empowering global businesses to enter and scale within Southeast Asia. More than an event, the launch highlights SEA  Business Connect’s strategic position on the ASEAN stage–serving as a gateway for international companies and businesses to tap into the region’s booming innovation ecosystem. This signals not only a ceremonial beginning, but a reaffirmation of the region’s readiness to welcome global players into its folds.

The event brought together policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Key figures present included:

> Ferdinand Sadeli, DGCEO of INVITE Sinar Mas Land (Welcoming Speech)

> Mulyawan Gani, CEO of Digital Business Sinar Mas Land / Managing Partner of Living Lab Ventures (Opening Remarks)

> Muhammad Neil El Hilman, M.Sc., Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity, Ministry of Creative Economy (National Perspective)

> Bayu Seto, Partner at Living Lab Ventures (Platform Presentation)

A panel discussion followed the ceremonial launch, moderated by Amalia Aini, VP of Fund Creation at Living Lab Ventures. The panel featured a diverse lineup of experts, each representing international trade, investment, and development sectors:

> Mr. Yonathan Wijaya, NSW Trade and Investment Director, Australian Trade and Investment Commission

> Mr. Paul Philip Cheyne, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Deal Team, Austrade

> Mr. Daniel Schroeder, Head of DTC Indonesia, GIZ Indonesia

> Mr. Kentaro Machii, Head of Startup Ecosystem, ERIA

Together, the panel discussed ASEAN’s potential as a rising innovation hub and the key challenges and opportunities in scaling startups across borders.

Techshake as its Community Partner

A Long-Term Commitment to Growth and Regional Synergy

One of the highlights of the SEA Business Connect (SBC) launch event in Jakarta was the active participation of TechShake, represented by co-founder Kotaro Adachi. His presence signified TechShake’s full and tangible support, showing a shared vision with SEA Business Connect–to empower businesses to connect and grow in the ASEAN region. 

As an established startup accelerator known for its cross-border innovation programs and consulting expertise, TechShake’s role as a Community Partner is deeply rooted in ecosystem building, such as connecting local startups, investors, and incubators, and amplifying the program’s mission through real community engagement. With a strong track record in innovation network and startup support, TechShake brings with it the depth of experience necessary to help SEA Business Connect fulfill its mission.

For TechShake, this partnership is a proactive and evolving relationship anchored in shared goals. Its community role extends to promoting the program within its vast network, engaging innovation-driven stakeholders, and strengthening relationships within the ASEAN startup ecosystem and other international stages like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. 

ASEAN's untapped potential is vast, and the hunger for growth is real. Together, they aim to meet that hunger with bold, actionable programs. “We believe in building real bridges between innovation and opportunity, and our partnership with SEA Business Connect allows us to do exactly that. This is about shaping the region’s future, one startup at a time,” said Kotaro Adachi, Co-Founder and CEO of TechShake.

Ready to Start Your Expansion in Southeast Asia?

SEA Business Connect invites companies, startups, and investors to explore the region’s growth opportunities. It is here, in this partnership, where TechShake envisions real movement—forward, together. As SEA Business Connect opens new doors in Southeast Asia, TechShake stands ready to empower cross-border innovation and help global companies grow where it matters most.

Learn more and get connected at: www.seabusinessconnect.com