Our UK-Malaysia Digital Gateway Forum Brought the Heat to London Tech Week!
More than 140 attendees, of which 80+ were UK tech companies ranging from startups and investors to policy experts and academics—joined us in the heart of London to explore Malaysia as a Gateway to ASEAN’s thriving digital opportunities.
In collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we successfully hosted our first, high-impact forum titled “UK-Malaysia Digital Gateway Forum – Malaysia: Your Launchpad into ASEAN’s Digital Future” in London—showcasing Malaysia’s digital value proposition on the global stage.
The highlight was our power-packed speaking sessions featuring top voices from the government, business, and tech sector from Malaysia and the U.K.. From digital investment strategies to scaling into ASEAN, our panel of experts shared bold insights, actionable strategies, and regional perspectives on the future of digital growth.
We also facilitated exclusive 1-2-1 business matching sessions, connecting UK players with 24 dynamic Malaysian tech companies opening doors to new partnerships and cross-border collaboration.
We thank all our speakers, partners, and participants, for making the forum a success. Your energy and commitment are driving a more connected and inclusive digital economy across borders.
Our appreciation to our stellar speaker line-up who included:
1. H.E. Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia
2. Jennifer Lopez, CEO, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
3. David Kelly, Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce Singapore
4. Cora McLaren, Managing Director and Head of International Subsidiary Banking, HSBC UK
5. Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO, MDEC
6. Dominic James MBE, Head of ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand and Indo-Pacific Strategy, International Strategy & Trade Relations, Department for Business and Trade
7. Raj Mendhir, Managing Director, wippd
8. Tom Reynolds, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
9. Blaise Hammond, Chief Communications and Engagements Officer, Informed Solutions
10. Dr Callum Stewart, Principal, Bullhound Capital
11. Bhairav Patel, Managing Director, Nucleus Digital
12. Russ Shaw CBE, Founder, Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates
Cora McLaren, Managing Director and Head of International Subsidiary Banking at HSBC UK, delivered a compelling address on the growing momentum of business expansion into ASEAN markets. Drawing on HSBC’s extensive regional expertise, she outlined the strategic advantages of expanding into Malaysia, citing its robust infrastructure, pro-business policies, and dynamic consumer market. She also underscored the transformative role of digitisation, highlighting how digital tools and platforms are unlocking new pathways for growth across sectors. She concluded by emphasising the critical role HSBC and its network of professionals play in guiding international businesses through the region’s complexities, offering tailored financial solutions and strategic insights to ensure a smooth and successful entry into Malaysia and beyond.
Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), provided a strategic overview of Malaysia’s digital economy vision, positioning the country as a dynamic gateway to the wider ASEAN region. He highlighted Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital innovation, backed by strong government support, a thriving tech ecosystem, and a forward-looking national policy framework. Emphasising the country’s role as a digital launchpad for businesses eyeing Southeast Asia, Anuar outlined MDEC’s efforts in driving digital adoption, fostering investment, and building cross-border partnerships that enable Malaysia to serve as a springboard for regional growth.
Dominic James MBE, Head of ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand and Indo-Pacific Strategy at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), offered a reflection on recent UK trade policy developments since the last general election, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region. He discussed the UK’s strategic positioning within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), spotlighting the tangible benefits it presents for digital and tech companies—especially those engaging with Malaysia. James also explored the evolving dynamics of UK-Malaysia trade relations, underscoring the mutual opportunities arising from deeper economic cooperation. Touching on wider ASEAN policy shifts, he noted Malaysia’s current priorities and how they intersect with UK interests in the region. He also shared early insights on the Department for Business and Trade’s future direction, including reflections on the newly formed Department for Energy, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), and its relevance to regional trade agendas.
Our appreciation also to our strategic partners for helping us in making this event a great success: Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, MIDA, British Chambers of Commerce, UK-ASEAN Business Council, WIPPD, Tech Advocates Malaysia, and HSBC.
Malaysia is ready. ASEAN is rising. Let’s build the digital future—together!
Read the full account of what happened here in our newsletter.
