Bangkok, Thailand, 17-18 December 2025: the SEA-MaP Regional Project organized the Second Innovation Expo under the Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments (IIP). Held under the theme of “Preventing Plastic Pollution: Scaling ASEAN Circular Solutions”, the Expo aimed to (i) deepen visibility and increase awareness of the Platform, (ii) showcase scalable circular solutions addressing plastics pollution and marine debris prevention efforts, and (iii) strengthen regional collaboration among innovators, investors and stakeholders across ASEAN.

On the first day, remarks were delivered by Ms. Wassana Jangprajak from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) of Thailand, representing the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME)/SEA-MaP Project Steering Committee (PSC) Thailand as the host country; as well as by Mr. Grick Cordero 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 speakers highlighted that addressing plastic pollution requires innovative, inclusive, collaborative and scalable solutions across ASEAN. They emphasized the importance of regional initiatives such as the SEA-MaP project in supporting knowledge exchange, partnerships, and the development of policies and solutions to reduce plastic waste.

The two-day Expo featured an Innovation exhibition and a Community of Practice (CoP) Workshop. Key activities included:

(i) showcasing features of the Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments, 

(ii) facilitating collaboration through start-up pitching sessions, matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities, resulting in initial expressions of interest for pilot collaborations and follow-up discussion, and

(iii) promoting circular solutions through exhibition booths, featuring innovations across ASEAN.

Activities conducted at the Expo and under the Platform support the priorities of ASEAN, particularly the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Marine Debris, which provides a common framework for addressing marine plastic pollution through coordinated policy action, innovation, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Throughout the two days, the presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of ASEAN’s role in providing support to start-ups. Examples include possible support through a combination of regional coordination and ecosystem engagement, such as a regional digital hub to connect innovators with markets, partners, and financing opportunities. This further emphasizes the role of regional platforms and dialogue-partner collaboration in promoting cross-border networking, capacity building, and commercialization pathways for ASEAN start-ups.

The Second Expo 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 engaged approximately 355 participants across ASEAN, including representatives from ASEAN Member States, start-ups, corporates, investors, and development partners. A total of 27 booths showcased circular economy innovations, including 20 start-ups. The event also strengthened visibility of women-led ventures and reinforced the Platform’s role in connecting innovation with market opportunities across the region.

The Innovation Expos forms part of the activities under the Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments, which aims to promote circular solutions to plastic pollution through three (3) main components: 

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

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