Chengdu’s Future Unlocked | Innovation × Connectivity with ASEAN Entrepreneurs

In this episode, I brought a delegation of 20+ Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to Chengdu’s Tianfu New Area, to see how a concept from 2017 has become a living ecosystem of innovation and connectivity.

🌏 Highlights from the trip:

International Technology Transfer Center: accelerating overseas R&D into China’s market.

Innovation Eco-Island: a showcase of sustainable, green architecture.

Immersive Digital Platform: reshaping film production, education, and content creation.

High-Speed Rail: from nationwide coverage to ASEAN expansion — China–Laos Railway, Singapore–Malaysia HSR, and more.

📊 Why this matters for Southeast Asia

Energy demand has grown 80% in two decades, with fossil fuels still over 85% of the mix (IEA).

50%+ of the population is under 35, digitally native and ready to drive change.

AI is already enabling 10–20% energy efficiency gains and 15–25% yield stability in agriculture.

It was also an honor to meet Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, YB Chang Lih Kang, and discuss how AI and sustainability can be jointly advanced across China and ASEAN.

✨ My view:
Chengdu is not just about speed — it is where innovation and connectivity converge.
And Southeast Asia is not only the frontline of climate risk — it is the testbed for AI + sustainability innovation.

👉 Subscribe for more insights on China–ASEAN innovation, global sustainability, and cross-border entrepreneurship.