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Explore the theme of the 11th Edition
SmartASEAN: Innovate Beyond Borders
SmartASEAN: Innovate Beyond Borders
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Today, businesses and societies face two challenges: harnessing the power of innovation and digital transformation to stay competitive, while also addressing pressing environmental and social responsibilities to build a sustainable future.
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This is why the latest edition of exploreASEAN focuses on SmartASEAN: Innovate Beyond Borders — a theme dedicated to exploring how innovation, collaboration, and technology can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. We aim to investigate the approaches that not only drive economic growth but also foster inclusive, sustainable development across Switzerland and Southeast Asia.
With this theme we want to further explore the topics of Sustainable Growth, Collaboration and Technologies.
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Join our journey and explore the ASEAN countries.​
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Sustainable Growth
The ASEAN region is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, fueled by a vibrant startup ecosystem and increasing foreign investment across various industries. With a rapidly expanding consumer market, this region continues to attract global companies eager to establish and grow their presence in Southeast Asia.
Innovation is at the core of ASEAN’s growth. Open markets, supportive governments, and significant investments in startups and education are fostering a new wave of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Together, these factors are creating a dynamic environment where ideas flourish, businesses prosper, and sustainable growth becomes a shared reality.
Collaboration
In today’s globalized world, cross-border collaboration is essential for economic and technological progress. The expansion of international trade and specialization within sectors has created new opportunities for sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. With the emergence of digital platforms, standardized regulations, and mutual recognition of qualifications, collaboration has become more seamless, inclusive, and impactful.
For Switzerland and Southeast Asia, achieving success requires an understanding and respect for cultural differences and communication styles. By combining Swiss precision with the dynamism of ASEAN, we can establish connections that promote innovation, broaden markets, and create lasting shared value.
Technology
Technology has been a key driver of economic growth since the 1990s, and the ASEAN region has rapidly embraced this transformation. The surge in technological innovation has opened up new opportunities for businesses across diverse sectors, including HealthTech, Life Sciences, and software development, among many others.
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At the same time, technological progress in ASEAN is increasingly guided by sustainability goals, particularly in shaping smart and resilient urban development. As the majority of ASEAN citizens reside in urban areas, focusing on creating smarter cities is crucial for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, United Nations Member States embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, uniting for global peace and prosperity. This framework, comprised of 17 interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), paves the path towards a harmonious future for both humanity and the planet. For ExploreASEAN these 17 Sustainable Development Goals serve as a central guidline for the focus of the project and the corresponding themes.
