One&Co recently played host to “SWITCH of JAPAN,” an event organized by JETRO Singapore in conjunction with SWITCH, a Singaporean platform that gathers cutting-edge innovation cases from around the world. One&Co, in collaboration with JSIP, took charge of the planning, production, and execution of the event.
The primary objective of the event was to provide approximately 140 participants with insights into global trends and technologies, enabling them to explore ways to integrate these into their businesses and projects. Additionally, participants aimed to establish connections with diverse leaders and innovators, with a focus on identifying partnerships and business opportunities. The target audience included startups aspiring for open innovation with established businesses, individuals involved in creating new ventures in Southeast Asia, and companies considering collaboration, joint development, or investment with startups.
YouTube：https://youtu.be/UfxKwWUUEDE
The event commenced with Opening Remarks by Taira Atsushi, Managing Director of Mistletoe, who delivered a captivating keynote titled “Shaping the Future of Asia – Paths of Sustainable Transformation and Challenges.” Taira shared previously undisclosed stories, including powerful anecdotes from Softbank’s Masayoshi Son, the establishment of Mistletoe with Taizo Son, investment experiences during the nascent stage of India’s startup ecosystem, and the outlook on how investors and entrepreneurs can connect across borders and silos.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion featured Koichi Saito, Founder & General Partner of KK Fund, and Yoshi Okubo, Principal of East Ventures Growth Fund, as panelists. Moderated by Masato Tanakai, Senior Director of JETRO Singapore, the discussion delved into the evolution of Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem and the utilization of ecosystems by companies (such as Chinese and Korean enterprises and local conglomerates) strategizing for new business creation. The panel, rich with specific cases and data points, provided a dynamic and immersive talk that captivated both the operators and the audience.
In the latter part of the event, the venue was divided into five zones such as “Sustainability,” “Healthcare,” and “Mobility,” allowing participants to engage in networking with like-minded individuals. These zones featured key players who had undertaken transformative initiatives in new business development within large corporations and startups. Attendees exchanged information and ideas while enjoying SWITCH-branded beverages. To foster sustained interaction beyond the event, a LinkedIn community was created for registered participants, and a “Business Card Wall” at the entrance aimed to encourage ongoing connections, receiving positive feedback.
The initiative undertaken in this event underscores the importance of continuous efforts rather than one-off occurrences. Simultaneously, there is a recognition of the need to instill a sense of self-awareness in participants, encouraging them to act as catalysts and innovators. By doing so, a shift from passive engagement to active participation can occur, gradually transforming individuals into integral members of the community. This approach aims to create a dynamic community that functions organically over time.
As we move forward, we invite you to eagerly anticipate a variety of endeavors that One&Co will spearhead. Your support and engagement are pivotal as we embark on this journey together. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives, and please look forward to what One&Co has in store for the future. Thank you for being part of our vibrant community!
Youtube：https://youtu.be/_Y8AWA5mLp0
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