Videoconference, 13 March 2026: the SEA-MaP Regional Project organized a Demonstration, Walkthrough, and Consultation Session with the ASEAN Member States and potential platform users across ASEAN, which showcased the beta version of the Financing Marketplace, one of the key features under the Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments (IIP). The session sought to: (i) seek structured feedback to the Marketplace based on a live demonstration, and (ii) ensure timely incorporation of updates/refinements of the Marketplace into a subsequent iteration of the beta-version. This event builds on the IIP Second PSC Engagement Workshop that was held in July 2025 in Malaysia, whereby the initial draft of the Marketplace design and its supporting assessment activities were presented and discussed to the PSC.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Alita Sangalang from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, on behalf of Ms. Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt, AWGCME Chair and Co-Chair of the PSC of SEA-MaP. The remarks highlighted the potential of the IIP, which through its features, can help bridge the gap between innovation and the investment needed to bring solutions to scale. As such, the demosession provides a timely opportunity for key stakeholders to provide structured feedback to improve the platform, specifically the Marketplace features.

The event was organized into two key sessions:

1. an open session, which facilitated a demonstration and walkthrough of the Marketplace beta-version. The session showcased the user experience, starting from creating a registration profile for start-ups, corporates, and investors; onboarding process to access the user-only area of the platform; as well as functions, filters, and resources to maximize the matching support and connect actors with one another. This session was attended by the AMS and target users of the Marketplace, comprising start-ups and corporates that were involved in the Accelerator Program and attended the SEA-MaP Innovation Expo One and Expo Two. 
2. a closed session with ASEAN Member States, which presented and further discussed contents related to the Marketplace documents package, such as the light touch validation study and Marketplace design document, among others.

The event was organized under the SEA-MaP Regional Project, facilitated by consulting firm GIZ Consortium in close coordination with the Regional Implementation Support Unit (RISU) and the SEA-MaP Project Management Unit (PMU). The event was participated by representatives of the ASEAN Member States (AMS), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the World Bank.

The Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments, which aims to promote circular solutions to plastic pollution in the ASEAN region, spotlights three (3) key features: 

• a Financing Marketplace,
• a Technical Assistance “Accelerator” Program, and 
• Communication and outreach activities, including the Innovation Expos and Community of Practice (CoP)

*****