Southeast Asian tech founders visit New Zealand for exchange

Nine technology entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia are visiting New Zealand for a week-long business exchange as part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative.

The delegation includes founders and executives working in artificial intelligence, robotics, health technology, sustainability and weather prediction systems. The programme is delivered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

During the week, the visitors will take part in workshops, meetings and site visits, and hold discussions with New Zealand companies, investors and startup communities. The programme is designed to give participants a better understanding of New Zealand's emerging technology sector and practical lessons on expanding beyond domestic markets.

Among them is Paula Da Costa Xavier, chief executive of Similie and the first participant from Timor-Leste since the country joined ASEAN. Her company focuses on climate, water and disaster risk reduction.

"The programme is a valuable chance to collaborate with New Zealand innovators and founders, share Similie's work in climate, water, and disaster risk reduction, and return home with new ideas that can strengthen our impact," Paula Da Costa Xavier, chief executive of Similie, said.

Vietnam is represented by Nguyen Quang Vinh, chief technology officer of VinDynamics, an artificial intelligence robotics company. He wants to examine how New Zealand businesses are applying newer technologies in different markets.

"Being part of the Young Business Leaders Initiative provides a unique opportunity to see how emerging technologies are being applied in different markets. I'm particularly interested in learning how New Zealand companies are approaching innovation in areas like AI and robotics," Nguyen Quang Vinh, chief technology officer of VinDynamics, said.

Regional links

Launched in 2011, the initiative has brought more than 130 Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to New Zealand. It has also supported more than 80 New Zealand entrepreneurs exploring business opportunities across ASEAN, with the wider network now spanning more than 270 entrepreneurs.

The foundation says the exchange highlights New Zealand's interest in building closer links with Southeast Asia's technology sector. The region has attracted growing attention from governments and businesses because of its digital economy, young consumer base and rising startup activity.

Suzannah Jessep, chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, said the programme helps New Zealand stay connected to that momentum while improving business understanding across markets.

"There is a huge amount of digital innovation happening in Southeast Asia. Creating opportunities for founders from the region to connect directly with New Zealand's tech community helps keep New Zealand engaged with that momentum, while building the understanding needed to operate across borders and grow in international markets," Jessep said.

The delegation spans a broad mix of companies and roles. Participants include Kanlaya Phommasak, co-founder and chief operating officer of Lailaolab ICT Solutions; Aimi Ramlee, co-founder and director of digital innovation and growth at Tyne Solutions; Matilda Narulita, chief executive and co-founder of Nexmedis; Yik Wai Chee, co-founder and chief operating officer of Grafilab; Tanakrit Sermsuksan, founder of SEA Bridge; Rothsethamony Seng, chief executive and co-founder of Bamnang Academy; and Shenny Tang, head of growth at Innov8 Labs.

The sectors represented reflect the breadth of Southeast Asia's startup market, from software and industrial systems to healthcare and environmental applications. For New Zealand companies and investors, the visit offers direct contact with entrepreneurs working in markets that differ widely in scale, regulation and digital adoption.

The exchange also reflects a broader push to deepen commercial ties between New Zealand and ASEAN economies. Business groups have increasingly identified the region as a source of growth, investment and partnership opportunities for New Zealand firms looking beyond traditional markets.

For the visiting founders, the week offers exposure to a smaller but internationally connected technology ecosystem, where links between research, startups and export-focused businesses are often close. The programme also creates a setting for direct conversations with local founders and investors about the practical demands of entering overseas markets.

Since its launch, the initiative has built a network of entrepreneurs with business interests across Southeast Asia and New Zealand, now numbering more than 270.