In 2025, we were present where those conversations mattered most, travelling across Southeast Asia to join the dialogue and celebrate each unique culture while advancing our region’s shared future. As the year comes to an end, we’re taking a look back at the places we travelled, the people we connected with, and the conversations we had to usher in a more sustainable future for ASEAN.
Malaysia: ASEAN Tourism Forum
We kicked off the year by travelling to the Chair of ASEAN in 2025: Malaysia! Invest SEA proudly participated in the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor, Malaysia. Over three exciting days, we connected with key stakeholders, explored investment opportunities, and advanced our mission for sustainable tourism and economic growth in ASEAN.
Highlights included a Pavilion tour with Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, insightful interviews with Richard Lim (Tourism Authority of Thailand), Zana (Palmy Studio Venture), Eric Agaser (Seda Lio Resort & Hotel Philippines), and Chua Yee Ling (Tourism Selangor), as well as attending a conference session on TikTok’s transformative impact on travel.
Singapore: Asia Venture Philanthropy Network Summit
Next it was off to Singapore for the AVPN (Asian Venture Philanthropy Network) Summit, where the conversation kept coming back to one point: impact investing is not just about financial returns; it’s about intent. This year’s theme, “Voices of Southeast Asia: Driving Regional Transformation and Inclusion,” underscored our region’s growing role in addressing global challenges.
With Southeast Asia’s post-pandemic growth remaining strong, the summit highlighted the region’s potential in driving sustainability, net-zero ambitions, and social impact. Despite past underrepresentation on the global stage, recent successes—such as Indonesia’s G20 Presidency in 2022—have positioned Southeast Asia as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Thailand: Money20/20 Summit
After this, we packed our bags and headed for Bangkok, Thailand, where we found ourselves immersed in the new frontier of fintech (financial technology) at the Money20/20 Summit. From engaging with global fintech leaders and policymakers to exchanging ideas on sustainable investment, innovation, and financial inclusion, the event reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration to shape a more equitable and resilient future for Southeast Asia.
Highlights included thought-provoking sessions on the next-generation fintech ecosystem, impactful discussions on driving inclusion for millions, and one-on-one conversations that sparked new partnership possibilities.
Indonesia: Natuna Islands: Invest SEA x BRIN Joint Research Project
One of our proudest accomplishments from 2025 includes Invest SEA’s partnership with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This partnership, founded in a shared goal of researching new opportunities for sustainable development, brought us back to the Natuna Islands, where Invest SEA’s pilot programme for ground-up sustainable development first took place. We had the chance to truly connect with local leaders and community members to learn more about their needs and how they fit into our shared future as a region. Stay tuned for more news from BRIN and Invest SEA’s Natuna research project!
Pulau Senua Tourism Festival
It was an honour for Invest SEA to sponsor the Pulau Senua Tourism Festival on the Natuna Islands. The festival celebrated the culture of the islands and promoted its promise as a stunning ecotourism destination. Festivities included boat races, song competitions, dance performances and even a baby sea turtle release, during which 155 turtles were guided safely to the sea to celebrate conservation efforts on the islands.
ASEAN For the Peoples Conference
Finally, Invest SEA teamed up with like-minded organisations to discuss the human aspect of ASEAN at the For the Peoples Conference in Jakarta, hosted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FCPI). According to post-event reports, it was the largest civil society gathering in ASEAN history, with more than 150 organisations coming together to discuss issues ranging from youth aspirations to climate security and gender equality, all with one shared goal: a stronger, more connected ASEAN.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear: to continue showing up where discussion turns into action, and where partnerships turn into progress. We are grateful to our partners, hosts and collaborators across the region, and we remain committed to supporting Southeast Asia’s path towards sustainable, resilient and sovereign development. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with Invest SEA in 2026!
