Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
Hello, everyone. I am Masuo Kuremura, Chair of DISG. In February, we successfully concluded the First Track Pitch events in four ASEAN countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia. Approximately 25 major Japan-ASEAN corporations solicited proposals for various challenges they could not solve on their own, and in response, 400 startups from across Japan and ASEAN submitted proposals, offering a wide range of solutions. What stands out is the diversity of challenges and startups present in ASEAN, spanning fields such as digital technology, manufacturing, carbon neutrality, and biotechnology. We intend to continue creating solutions to these new social challenges through Japan-ASEAN open innovation. On the other hand, geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz are currently escalating significantly. It is now time for Japan and ASEAN, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region, to take concerted action to secure energy supplies and thereby strengthen the livelihoods of our citizens and economic activities. We are considering holding the next DISG meeting as a hybrid event combining in-person and online formats around July. I look forward to continuing our discussions with all of you.
Best regards,
Masuo Kuremura
DISG Task Force Chair
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Japan’s Economic Mission: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships in Singapore and Indonesia
From February 11 to 12, 2026, Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo conducted an economic mission to Singapore and Indonesia. The visit aimed to strengthen regional supply chains, accelerate technological innovation, and deepen bilateral cooperation through strategic dialogues and high-level ministerial engagements. This mission underscores Japan's proactive stance in ensuring economic security and fostering a resilient business environment across the ASEAN region.
● Advancing Innovation and Energy Transition in Singapore
In Singapore, Vice-Minister Matsuo co-chaired the third Japan-Singapore Economic Dialogue (JSED) with Mr. Augustine Lee, Second Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The discussions focused on key priorities, including economic security, supply chain resilience, and the sharing of industrial data. Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in deep tech and energy transition initiatives, while aligning on the future trajectory of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). Furthermore, they reviewed the achievements of established innovation programs reaffirming their commitment to sustained long-term collaboration. These strategic priorities were formalized through a Joint Media Statement, setting a clear path for future economic integration.
The Vice-Minister also held a breakfast meeting with Mr. Lee Chuan Teck, Executive Chairman of Enterprise Singapore, to discuss deeper business ties in sectors such as quantum technology, AI, and startups.
● Driving Industrial Synergy and Market Access in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the mission centered on fostering industrial synergy and ensuring market stability. During a meeting with Vice Minister of Industry Faisol Riza, Vice-Minister Matsuo discussed diversifying automotive industry cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the development and integration of biofuels. The dialogue also addressed Indonesia’s import and export systems to ensure smoother and more predictable supply chain operations for businesses. To connect Japanese innovation with the Indonesian market, the Vice-Minister attended the Japan-Indonesia Fast Track Pitch, an initiative designed to foster entrepreneurial connections and generate new commercial opportunities within the regional startup ecosystem.
These engagements reaffirm Japan’s commitment to co-creating a sustainable and innovative economic future alongside its ASEAN partners. By focusing on technological leadership, energy security, and the optimization of trade environments, Japan continues to support the long-term stability and growth of the regional business community.
- Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo Visits Republic of Singapore and Republic of Indonesia (English) (LINK)
Report on “Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch”
On February 5, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and JETRO, in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and MIDA, successfully held the Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025. This event, the third in the 2025 series, serves as a strategic platform to accelerate global open innovation by connecting Japanese and Malaysian startups and SMEs with leading corporations to solve complex industrial challenges.
The event gathered approximately 170 participants to witness 14 finalists present innovative solutions to challenges set by six prominent "challenge owner" corporations from both nations. This partnership attracted significant global interest, with the organizers receiving over 110 proposals from around the world during the application period. In their opening remarks, Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim, CEO of MIDA, emphasized that strengthening cross-border collaboration is crucial for cultivating a robust and competitive innovation ecosystem between the two countries.
- Malaysia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025 Held as the Third Event of ASEAN-JAPAN Fast Track Pitch 2025 (English) (LINK)
Report on “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch”
On February 12, 2026, the Japan-Indonesia Fast Track Pitch 2025 was successfully held in collaboration with Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia. This event marks the fourth installment of the 2025 series.
The event gathered approximately 170 participants, both in-person and online, to witness 12 elite finalists present innovative solutions to challenges set by five prominent "challenge owner" corporations from Japan and Indonesia. This partnership attracted significant global attention, with the organizers receiving approximately 90 proposals from around the world, each vying to address the region's evolving industrial needs. The session culminated with an award ceremony presented by Vice-Minister Matsuo, who emphasized the successful outcomes and forecasted a promising future for expanded co-creation within the broader ASEAN ecosystem.
- Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2025 Held as the Fourth Event of ASEAN-JAPAN Fast Track Pitch 2025 (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
