A TIA Conference recap – everything you need to know

The longevity of an event is measured by its ability to evolve with the industry it serves. Tech in Asia Conference is a clear example of this principle, consistently adapting to address the pressing needs of Asia’s tech and startup community.

Launched in 2012, it aims to connect Asia’s tech and startup community. While that core mission has not changed, the conference itself has transformed, with new segments, sessions, and partners.

The event has come far since those early days. Here’s a look at how Tech in Asia Conference has grown in the 2020s.

2022: Reconnecting and rebuilding for a resilient future

• Market need: Following two years of virtual-only interaction, the tech community sought to reconnect in person. At the same time, the emerging tech winter made topics like resilience and sustainable growth a priority.
• Conference response: With the theme “Southeast Asia: Built to last,” the conference used a hybrid model (in-person events in Jakarta and Singapore, plus a virtual experience) to ensure both high-value networking and broad participation.
  • Attendee outcomes:  Across 34 sessions, participants heard from 72 speakers who provided strategies for building sustainable businesses in a challenging market.
  • Partner outcomes: Principal sponsor JobStreet by Seek reached 10,804 registrants, enhancing its position as a leader in talent strategy. The event also facilitated targeted meetings between investors and founders through speed dating segments.

2023: A bright spot in the tech world

• Market need: Coming out of the tech winter, the ecosystem needed a dose of optimism. There was a strong desire to reconnect, discover new opportunities, and reaffirm Southeast Asia’s long-term potential for growth.
• Conference response: The conference returned to Jakarta with the theme “Southeast Asia: A bright spot in the tech world.” It brought together 4,551 registrants and over 100 industry-leading speakers including Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Indonesia’s minister of health, and unicorn founders like Moses Lo of Xendit.
  • Attendee outcomes: Participants connected with a high-caliber audience, with founders, C-levels, and directors making up over 30% of attendees. Key industries such as fintech, SaaS, and investments were represented, offering diverse networking opportunities.
  • Partner outcomes: Title partner JobStreet by Seek solidified its position in the tech ecosystem, with CEO Peter Bithos noting the alignment in “connecting people with the right career opportunities.” Platinum partner Aspire hosted the Aspire Founder’s Summit on the side stage to engage founders on the most relevant issues and challenges.

Kuala Lumpur 2024: Championing a nation’s tech ascendance

• Market need: In 2024, Malaysia was emerging as a crucial startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Local innovators needed a dedicated platform to connect with regional and global players.
• Conference response: In partnership with MyStartup by Cradle, the inaugural Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur launched with the theme “Malaysia on the rise”, featuring a keynote by Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia’s minister for science, technology, and information. 
  • Attendee outcomes: Participants gained direct access to leaders of the tech sector. Founders of companies like Carsome and Aerodyne, for example, shared their playbooks for building ventures that have succeeded not just in the country but also in the region.
  • Partner outcomes: Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, group CEO of Cradle, said the event highlighted Malaysia as “an ideal testing ground for innovative ideas.” The conference provided sponsors access to over 1,800 registrants (44% corporates, 37% startups).

Jakarta 2024: Navigating the new tech horizon

• Market need: In late 2024, it was evident that the industry’s focus had shifted to sustainable profitability and the strategic implementation of AI. Leaders required a forum to navigate these new economic and technological realities.
• Conference response: Co-organized with The Business Times, the Jakarta conference (with the theme “The heart of Southeast Asia’s tech future”) focused on growth verticals like ecommerce, fintech, and AI, featuring speakers like Gojek co-founder Kevin Aluwi and GoTo Group COO Hans Patuwo.
  • Attendee outcomes: The event provided a clear industry roadmap, with practical workshops on pitch decks and term sheets. This was reflected in a net promoter score of 49 (excellent) from the 2,896 registrants.
  • Partner outcomes: The conference allowed  partners to lead industry conversations. “The connections we made will surely help shape the future of tech,” noted Karan Lakhwani, director at Newton. Partners like Funding Societies hosted discussions on ESG, positioning them as leaders on the topic.

Key partnership opportunities and outcomes

Asia’s leading tech companies and startups team up with Tech in Asia Conference to achieve specific business goals:

• Thought leadership: Secure speaking slots on important topics to present your company’s vision to an audience of industry decision-makers.
• Lead generation: Engage directly with founders, investors, and business leaders through networking events and exhibition spaces.
• Brand awareness: Increase brand visibility with a diverse regional audience, as JobStreet by Seek did with over 10,000 registrants.
• Ecosystem access: Identify and connect with promising new ventures through dedicated segments like the Startup Arena Pitch Battle.

Partner with Tech in Asia conference

Our events provide a platform for brands to connect with Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem. We offer partnership packages designed to meet various business objectives, including lead generation, brand awareness, and thought leadership.

For more information on partnership opportunities, please fill up the form below. Our team will reach out to you.

This content was produced by Tech in Asia Studios, which connects brands with Asia’s tech community. Learn more about partnering with Tech in Asia Studios.