Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear readers,
In this month's Newsletter, we continue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation by focusing on measures to support collaboration between Japanese and ASEAN industries.
First is the announcement of the first-round screening results of the 4th Open Call that started in August of “Asia DX Promotion Program”, a program that has been continuing since 2022, as well as the screening results of this year’s newly established “Boost UP Program”.
Next, we would like to inform you of the results of the “Zest Thailand – Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” held in August as an event based on the “ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Fast Track Initiative,” an initiative to create open innovation between large companies and startups in Japan and ASEAN, along with the updates on upcoming events in Indonesia (Sep 1st) and Vietnam (Nov 3rd).
Including all above, we are pleased to present this month's Newsletter with 6 topics as follows;
- • The first-round Results of the 4th Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Program and the Screening Results of Boost UP Program (announced on Aug 8th)
- • Zest Thailand – Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (held on Aug 7th)
- • Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (scheduled for Sep 1st)
- • Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (proposal deadline Sep 24th, scheduled for Nov 3rd)
- • The 15th Dialogue between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Federation of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) (held on Aug 2nd)
- • The "Conference on Human Resources Value Chain: Harnessing Filipino Workers for the Global Market"(held on Jul 27th)
- • Diplomatic Updates
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of AMEICC DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
The first-round Results of the 4th Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Program and the Screening Results of Boost UP Program (announced on Aug 8th)
14 projects were selected in the first-round of the 4th Open Call for applications for “Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan”, and 4 projects were selected for this year’s newly established “Boost UP Program”.
■ Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan (4th public open call for applications, first-round screening)
As a result of the review of 25 applications received in the first-round of the 4th public Open Call for applications that began in April 2023, 14 applications were selected from a wide range of fields, including medical and nursing care, and transportation and mobility. The deadline for the second-round of applications for this project is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6th, and the applications are still being accepted.
For more information on the 14 selected projects, click here (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan (Boost UP Program)
The call for applications for this course began in May 2023, and 4 of the 6 applications received were selected.
For more information on the 4 selected projects, click here (Japanese) (LINK)
What is “Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan”?
As ASEAN countries’ economy develops and faces a variety of social challenges, businesses that use digital technology to solve these challenges are beginning to emerge. Therefore, the “Asia DX (Digital Transformation) Promotion Program” has been supporting co-creation projects between ASEAN and Japanese companies in conducting demonstration projects toward contributing to solving local social challenges in ASEAN countries by utilizing innovative approaches, such as digital technologies, while leveraging their technology, knowledge and other advantages.
What is “Boost UP Program”?
This program was newly established under the Asia DX Promotion Program to coincide with the “Startup Development Five-year Plan” formulated by the Kishida Cabinet last year and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation initiatives.
The Boost UP Program, through collaboration with venture capitalists, will support startups with businesses already commercialized in ASEAN to expand their businesses (e.g., increase market share of existing businesses) and their scale-ups to other countries within ASEAN.
- Announcement of the First-round Screening of the 4th Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan and the Screening Results of Boost UP Program (Japanese) (LINK)
- Launch of the 4th Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan (Japanese) (LINK)
- Boost UP Program - Open Call (Japanese) (LINK)
(Previous Open Call results)
- Announcement of the First-round Screening of the 4th Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan and the Screening Results of Boost UP Program (Japanese) (LINK)
- The 2nd Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan (English) (LINK)
- The 1st Open Call for Asia DX Promotion Project in ASEAN-Japan (Japanese) (LINK)
Zest Thailand – Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (held on Aug 7th)
On August 7th, 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), together with the Board of Investment of Thailand, the Ministry of Energy of Thailand, and PTT Public Company Limited (PTT Group), co-hosted the “Zest Thailand – Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” in Bangkok.
The event was held in a hybrid format with a total of more than 300 participants (more than 170 on-site and 130 online). Prior to the startup pitch session, Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Kazuya Nashida, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, Mr. Kulit Sombatsiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, and Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief New Business and Infrastructure Officer of PTT Public Company Limited, gave opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries to create innovation.
■ Pitch session by the finalist startups
In the session, 17 finalist startups, selected by the challenge owners from among approximately 110 applications from around the world, presented their proposals in response to the challenges presented by the challenge owners, which are 4 Japanese companies and 3 PTT Group companies.
■ Panel Discussion
Panel discussions were also held to discuss the strategies and initiatives of Japanese companies and PTT Group companies that are actively engaged in innovation creation, providing great opportunities for open innovation with these companies.
■ Networking Session
At the pitch event venue, participants, including challenge owners, startups, VCs, accelerators, government organizations, and co-organizers, actively engaged in the network session and built networks with other participants.
- METI Held the “Zest Thailand ―Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023―” in Bangkok to Accelerate Global Open Innovation of Japanese Companies/Startups (English) (LINK)
- Zest Thailand Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (English) (LINK)
Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (scheduled for Sep 1st)
On September 1st, 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will co-host the “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia in Jakarta.
This year, 23 finalist companies, selected by the challenge owners from approximately 140 applications, are scheduled to pitch.
Moreover, there will also be networking opportunities at the venue with challenge owner companies, finalist startups, and VCs who support the event.
As this event will provide great opportunities to create new innovations in Japan and Indonesia, many participants are expected at this event.
Please click here for registration. (LINK)
For the list of the challenge owner companies and finalist startups, please refer to JETRO's special website from the following link below;
- Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (English) (LINK)
Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (proposal deadline Sep 24th, scheduled for Nov 3rd)
On November 3rd, 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and the Vietnam National Innovation Center, will co-host the “Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” in Hanoi.
For this event, challenges from 6 challenge owners have been announced, and currently accepting proposals from startups and companies for these challenges (deadline: September 24th).
For more information on each challenge, please visit the event website.
The challenge owners look forward to receiving proposals from many visionary companies, from start-ups to large corporations, and not limited to Japan and ASEAN but from all over the world.
The challenge owners presented the details of the challenges at the launch event held at the National Innovation Center of Vietnam in Hanoi and online on August 29th, in which more than 100 start-ups, investors, supporters, and companies participated. The recording video will be provided on the event website as well.
The details of the finalist startups and pitch event scheduled to be held in Hanoi on November 3rd will be announced on the event website below as soon as the details are finalized.
- Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 (English) (LINK)
The 15th Dialogue between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Federation of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) (held on Aug 2nd)
On August 2nd, 2023, the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) and JETRO held a dialogue in Jakarta with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, who assumed his position this January. Representatives from nine ASEAN chambers, including the Jakarta Japan Club, gathered at the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss the contribution of Japanese companies to ASEAN's future sustainability and human resource development, and to propose institutional and rule improvements that will make ASEAN an even more attractive destination for business development.
This year's FJCCIA proposal is based on the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision”, which is being developed by the Government of Japan, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and JETRO to jointly create a new era of ASEAN-Japan economic relations for the next 50 years, while encouraging the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF). The four pillars of proposal include; 1) More comprehensive economic integration, 2) Inclusive digital transformation, 3) Advancing towards a more sustainable and resilient future, and 4) Promoting human capital development.
The dialogue was attended by Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Masahiko Kiya, Deputy Director-General for Trade Policy Tetsushi Yoshikawa of METI, and COO Koji Hachiyama of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) as guests of honor. JETRO coordinated the dialogue as an intermediary between Japanese companies in ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat, and various stakeholders.
As the risk of fragmentation in the global economy increases, the importance of ASEAN as the core of the supply chain is foreseen to increase further in the future. The United States, China, the EU, and all other countries and regions are placing emphasis on building relationships with ASEAN. Meanwhile, the FJCCIA appealed to Secretary-General Kao, who will play a leading role in ASEAN during his term until 2027, to contribute to the regional economy and employment of Japanese companies, and to be a partner in technological innovation and industrial enhancement.
This was the first time in four years that representatives from each chamber gathered for a face-to-face dialogue. The FJCCIA is a coalition of Japanese chambers of commerce and industry across nine ASEAN countries and is the largest association in the ASEAN region with 7,283 members as of June 2023. Since 2008, a dialogue with the Secretary-General of ASEAN has been continuing once every year, and JETRO has been supporting the operation of this dialogue framework since its inception. Executive Vice President Kawada Mio proposed the promotion of open innovation and other activities between Japan and ASEAN, with a view to furthering success of Japanese companies, in order to realize the FJCCIA's requests and the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision”.
- The 15th Dialogue between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Federation of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) – Japanese business representatives pledge to contribute to regional prosperity to the Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, who takes the position this year – (Japanese) (LINK)
The "Conference on Human Resources Value Chain: Harnessing Filipino Workers for the Global Market"(held on Jul 27th)
On July 27th, 2023, the "Conference on Human Resources Value Chain: Harnessing Filipino Workers for the Global Market" was organized by The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) in partnership with the ASEAN-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC). This endeavor was geared towards promoting the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision espoused. One hundred forty-one participants attended the conference in person, while over 500 joined online.
The event aimed to promote economic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, focusing on connecting Filipino workers with Japanese job opportunities and addressing labor shortages in Japan. The conference discussed the demographic fit between the two countries and the challenges they face. It also highlighted the experiences of Filipino workers in Japan and their struggles with language proficiency, adapting to Japanese culture, and maintaining their identity. The conference emphasized the need for global competitiveness among Filipino workers and Japan's efforts to attract foreign professionals to enhance innovation and competitiveness.
- 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation “The Human Resource Value Chain - Harnessing Filipino Workers for the Global Market” (English) (LINK)
Diplomatic Updates
■ ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On July 13th, 2023, the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don.
In his opening remarks, Minister Hayashi noted that this year marks the historic milestone of 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and that the 50th anniversary catchphrase, “Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities,” indicates that this is a “Golden Opportunity” to further strengthen the longstanding “Golden Friendship” between ASEAN and Japan to the next generation and create a new era together.
With regard to the review of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and its future direction, Deputy Prime Minister Don of Thailand and Ministers of other countries noted that Japan's “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” initiatives have contributed to the progress of the initiatives under the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)”, and expressed appreciation for Japan's cooperation in many areas and their hope that this year's Commemorative Summit will be an opportunity to further strengthen the ASEAN-Japan relationship.
With regard to regional and international affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Don and foreign ministers of other countries spoke about the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, the importance of an international order based on the rule of law, and the importance of denuclearizing of the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of the abduction issue.
H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor Leste, who participated in the meeting as an observer, also delivered a remark and expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance, including human resource development towards Timor Leste’s full membership of ASEAN.
■ 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting
On July 14th, 2023, the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting was held in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in attendance. Minister Hayashi touched upon the growing importance of the ARF in the increasingly challenging security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, and expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN while supporting ASEAN unity and centrality.
- • Japan strongly condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons, is absolutely unacceptable.
- • Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should never be tolerated anywhere in the world. Japan strongly opposes such attempts in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
- • Japan strongly condemns the launch of an ICBM-class ballistic missile by North Korea on July 12 as it threatens the peace and security of the international community.
- • Japan is seriously concerned about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar.
- • Japan is of the view that, even in a severe security environment, we must steadily advance our efforts towards “a world without nuclear weapons.”
■ Japan-Indonesia Foreign Minister’s Meeting
On July 13th, 2023, during his visit to Indonesia to attend an ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meeting, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his respect for Indonesia's efforts as the ASEAN Chair, and noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and the 65th anniversary of the Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations. Minister Hayashi also stated that he would like to further strengthen bilateral relations and to continue to support Indonesia's efforts to the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)” in order to uphold and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law. In response, Minister Retno said that she would continue to work closely with Minister Hayashi in strengthening bilateral relations as well as in addressing regional and international affairs.
The two countries also confirmed advance cooperation in various fields, including maritime cooperation such as maritime law enforcement capacity building, and support for Indonesia’s capital relocation plan.
The two ministers then exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the situation in the East and South China Seas, the situation in Myanmar, and the response to North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues, the ICBM-class ballistic missile launched by North Korea on July 12, as well as the abductions issue. The two ministers confirmed to continue cooperation in tackling these issues.
- Japan-Indonesia Foreign Minister's Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Brunei Foreign Minister's Working Dinner
On July 12th, 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi had a working dinner with H.E. Mr. Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Brunei Darussalam.
At the outset, Minister Hayashi, referring to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei and Japan next year, expressed his hope to further strengthen cooperation with Brunei toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and his condemnation of the ICBM-class ballistic missile by North Korea on the day of dinner. In response, Minister II Erywan expressed his intention to further build on the friendly relations with Japan that have been established over the years.
Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to further enhance cooperation in such areas as energy and climate change including the “Asian Zero Emission Community” initiative, and security including defense cooperation. Minister Hayashi also state that it was delightful that Brunei completed the domestic procedures to join the CPTPP, and Japan hopes to cooperate with Brunei in maintaining a free and fair economic order in the region as well as upholding the high standards of the CPTPP. In response, Minister II Erywan expressed his intention to expand bilateral cooperation.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the East and South China Seas, and the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, and the abduction issue, and confirmed that they will continue cooperation in tackling these issues.
- Japan-Brunei Foreign Minister's Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Malaysia Foreign Ministers' Meeting
On July 12th, 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi held a meeting with H.E. Dato’Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.
In the beginning, Minister Hayashi, referring to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year, expressed his wish to further strengthen cooperation with Malaysia toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and his condemnation of the launch of an ICBM-class missile by North Korea on the day of the dinner, Minister Zambry expressed his desire to further strengthen the strong partnership with Japan, which has been nurtured through many years of cooperation.
Minister Hayashi expressed his desire to work more closely together with Malaysia to promote new developments of the Look East Policy, and to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields, such as energy and climate change, including cooperation in the “Asian Zero Emission Community” initiative, security, including economic security, and the establishment of a branch campus of the University of Tsukuba in Malaysia. In response, Minister Zambry expressed his intention to further promote bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields, including the establishment of a branch campus of the University of Tsukuba.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the East and South China Seas, and the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, and the abduction issue, and confirmed that they will continue cooperation in tackling these issues.
- Japan-Malaysia Foreign Minister's Meeting (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
