​Ten emerging tech entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia will visit New Zealand from 18-25 May to meet with leading innovators and businesses and attend a number of tech events.

Their visit is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), managed by the Asia New Zealand Foundation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The initiative facilitates trade and builds networks and connections between entrepreneurs and business leaders in Southeast Asia and in New Zealand.

The delegation represents a diverse mix of cutting-edge sectors, including med-tech, AI, digital mobility and eCommerce. Fam Alonto, a participant from the Philippines and founding partner of Embiggen Group, says:

"I believe innovation happens through meaningful relationships and open collaboration. The YBLI programme is a great chance to connect, learn and build partnerships across ASEAN and New Zealand. For me, this visit is about more than business-it's about building relationships that spark real ideas."

Dr Elaine Chan, co-founder and CEO of Vidanex, Malaysia, adds:

"As a medtech entrepreneur based in Kuala Lumpur, I'm looking forward to meeting other innovators from Southeast Asia [on the delegation] and learning about New Zealand's health tech scene. This visit is a great chance to learn from each other and explore ways we might work together in the future."

During their week-long programme, the group will meet with New Zealand companies such as Sharesies, Partly and Outset Ventures, and engage with startup and innovation communities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The visit will conclude with the NZ Hi-Tech Awards gala dinner, one of New Zealand's premier events celebrating innovation and technological excellence.

Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive, Suzannah Jessep, said the visit reflects the best of how the YBLI programme is evolving - bringing in dynamic, cutting-edge innovators to brainstorm and share ideas with their New Zealand-based counterparts.

"To date, we have worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and seen many partnerships and ideas flourish. Southeast Asia is a region of growing importance for New Zealand. Through initiatives like YBLI, and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we're helping to lay the groundwork for future partnerships and cross-border collaboration."

Since its inception in 2011, the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative has facilitated visits for more than 130 ASEAN entrepreneurs to New Zealand and supported over 80 New Zealand entrepreneurs in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. In total, the YBLI Network numbers over 270 entrepreneurs.                               

For more information, contact: Taniya Scott, director communications and media | Asia New Zealand Foundation | email: tscott@asianz.org.nz

Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand's leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation's activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.