Singapore, 18 August 2026 – The SEA-MaP Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments (IIP) officially concluded its implementation with a hybrid Project Closure Event that brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, project partners, start-ups, corporate collaborators, and ecosystem stakeholders to reflect on the initiative’s achievements, share lessons learned, and discuss the platform’s long-term sustainability.

Held in Singapore and online, the event marked the culmination of the SEA-MaP IIP, which has aimed to support the development of circular-economy innovation across Southeast Asia by strengthening collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, governments and the private sector. The closure event was held back-to-back with the Pitch Event, creating an opportunity to celebrate both the achievements of the Accelerator Programme and the broader impact of the project.

The event opened with opening remarks delivered by (i) Atty. Felix Alicer, Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, in his capacity as Chair of AWGCME and Co-Chair of the SEA-MaP PSC, and (ii) Ms. Kate Philip, Task-Team Leader of the SEA-MaP Project, World Bank. The speakers commended the Platform’s achievements to date and expressed appreciation for the steadfast leadership of ASEAN, as well as the commitment of the stakeholders and partners who have contributed to its implementation. Further, participants are encouraged to utilize the opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, and explore ways to keep the momentum, partnership, and knowledge generated through the IIP.

The event aimed at presenting key outcomes and achievements from the implementation of the IIP, reflect on lessons learned across the IIP workstreams, and provide an update on the status of reporting and handover documentation.

Over the course of its implementation, the IIP sought to broaden opportunities for circular economy entrepreneurs to access technical support, mentorship, corporate partnerships, investors and regional networks while facilitating connections among public and private stakeholders across ASEAN. Through the Accelerator Program, the Financing Marketplace, and regional engagement activities, the IIP supported the development and testing of innovative solutions to plastic pollution and strengthening regional connections around plastic circularity and innovation.

The closing event provided an opportunity to reflect on the experience and partnership and their potential relevance beyond SEA-MaP. Partnerships, networks, and innovations fostered through the IIP provide a foundation that ASEAN stakeholders can draw on as they continue to advance regional cooperation on plastics circularity and innovation.

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