Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15-17 October 2025: the SEA-MaP Regional Project organized the First Innovation Expo under the Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments (IIP), which introduced the IIP and its key features to stakeholders in the ASEAN region and beyond at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition Malaysia (IGEM) 2025.

Dr. Pubadi A/L Govindasamy, Undersecretary and Head of the Environmental Management Division at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) of Malaysia, in his capacity as National Focal Point of the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME) Malaysia and representative of the host country; and by Ms. Alita Sangalang, Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist, Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, on behalf of Ms. Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt, Assistant Director, BMB, DENR,  Chair of the AWGCME and Co-Chair of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) of SEA-MaP, provided opening and welcome remarks to the participants. The remarks underscored the IIP’s potential value as a regional platform that can foster collaboration between key stakeholders, including the government and industry players, as well as support women-led and community-based enterprises to explore solutions that can strengthen ASEAN’s efforts towards a circular economy through innovations that are both inclusive and transformative.

The Expo highlighted the IIP Exhibition Booth, which featured an interactive showcase of the IIP proposed features through activities such as presentations from start-ups from ASEAN countries of their innovations aiming to tackle the issue of plastics pollution and plastics waste management. The Expo also hosted side events, (i) a Networking Dinner that facilitated dialogue and partnerships between stakeholders, (ii) a Platform Connect Session where selected start-ups in ASEAN demonstrated solutions to real-world issues, and (iii) a Collaboration Lounge Session, which provided further opportunity for key stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange and discussion on innovative circular economy solutions. 

The Expo was organized by the SEA-MaP Regional Project, facilitated by consulting firm GIZ Consortium, in close coordination with the Regional Implementation Support Unit (RISU) and the Project Management Unit (PMU) of SEA-MaP. The event brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the World Bank, and key industry players ranging from start-ups, the private sector, NGOs, CSOs, and academia across the three days.

The event is part of the IIP under the SEA-MaP Regional Project, which comprise three key features, namely the Financing Marketplace; Technical Assistance ‘Accelerator’ Program, and communications and outreach, including the Community of Practice (CoP).

*****