For Selangor’s deep tech startups, global expansion is no longer a distant ambition but an immediate priority. As international innovation ecosystems grow more interconnected, exposure to mature markets has become essential for founders looking to compete beyond regional borders.
That ambition took centre stage from 19 to 25 October 2025, when Sidec Sdn. Bhd. led a delegation of seven top winners from the Selangor Deep Tech Xccelerator (Deep-X) 2025 programme on the Deep-X International Innovation Korea Trip. The mission culminated in participation at the Plug & Play Korea Summit 2025, held alongside the Future Innovation Tech Expo (FIX) 2025 in Daegu.
The objective was clear: to provide Malaysian startups with global exposure, access to strategic investors, and opportunities to collaborate with international players across artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and deep tech innovation.
Mr. Loo Chuan Boon, the Chief Operating Officer of Sidec Sdn. Bhd., said the Korea mission was structured to prepare Selangor startups for international expansion through direct exposure to global ecosystems.
“The programme was designed to give startups practical international experience by combining global pitching platforms, industry engagement, and strategic networking, rather than focusing on a single event,” he said.
Learning, Leadership and Collaboration
The journey began on the main stage of the Plug & Play Korea Summit 2025, where the delegation joined government officials, global investors, and industry leaders at the opening ceremony. Startups from Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia showcased innovations in AI, smart manufacturing, and deep tech through dedicated pitching sessions, giving Selangor-based founders an opportunity to present their solutions to the international audience.
Sidec representatives played an active role throughout the summit. Mr. Loo Chuan Boon, participated as a panellist in the fireside chat titled “Connecting Ecosystems: The Future of Global Startups Collaboration”, sharing insights on emerging technologies and cross-border innovation strategies. Sidec delegates also served as jurors during multiple Demo Day sessions, providing strategic feedback while identifying collaboration and investment opportunities to strengthen Selangor’s startup ecosystem.
While the summit highlighted rapid technological advancement and global trends, it also reinforced a deeper message for participating founders. Even as the programme encouraged exploration, experimentation, and global benchmarking, startups were reminded to stay anchored to a clear purpose. As one guiding principle echoed throughout the mission: build things you care deeply about and focus on long-term value, rather than chasing trends that fade as quickly as they emerge.
Beyond the summit, the delegation undertook targeted industry visits across Gangnam and Seoul, engaging with Bigbang Angels Inc., the Global Startup Center (GSC), and Empyrion Digital’s KR1 Data Center. These visits offered practical insights into early-stage funding models, startup acceleration, market adaptation, regulatory support, and next-generation AI-powered data centre operations, while opening discussions on sustainable digital infrastructure and green technology opportunities.
Malaysian startups gained the precious international exposure during a pitching session held in conjunction with Malaysia Demo Day at the Plug & Play Summit. As part of the Future Innovation Tech Expo (FIX) 2025, the session featured Malaysian startups presenting their company profiles, products, and technology-driven solutions to investors, industry players, and ecosystem partners from South Korea and other countries. Beyond increasing visibility, the session also facilitated discussions on strategic collaboration, business matching, and potential investment opportunities, supporting Malaysia’s growing presence in the global technology landscape.
Networking remained a constant throughout the mission, with delegates taking part in a series of curated engagements designed to foster meaningful connections and cross-border collaboration. Key highlights included the Plug & Play Korea Networking Party at the Daegu Scaleup Hub and the FIX 2025 Networking Party, where Malaysian startups engaged directly with global investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
These sessions provided valuable opportunities for informal dialogue, relationship building, and potential areas for partnership, further strengthening ties between Malaysia’s startup ecosystem and the broader regional innovation community.
Way Forward for Selangor Startups
The Deep-X International Innovation Korea Trip marked a significant milestone in advancing the global readiness of Selangor startups. Through direct exposure to international investment ecosystems, hands-on industry engagement, and meaningful cross-border networking, participating founders gained insights that extend beyond immediate business outcomes.
As Selangor continues to shape its ambition as a leading ASEAN innovation hub, initiatives such as the Deep-X International Innovation Korea Trip play a critical role in enabling technology transfer, talent development, and sustained international collaboration; ensuring Malaysia’s deep tech ecosystem remains resilient and future-ready on the global stage.
This content is provided by Sidec
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