Global Knowledge Hub Forum Recap
Leave a Nest's inaugural Global Knowledge Hub Forum took place on August 27th at the NTU Alumni Club in Singapore. This event was designed to foster direct communication and showcase technology from outside Singapore to multinational corporations (MNCs) and SMEs within the country. A standout feature of the forum was the opportunity for visitors to engage in one-on-one meetings with the exhibiting startups. The forum was a tremendous success, drawing 129 participants from corporations, SMEs, startups, government agencies, and universities. We extend our gratitude to our partners—144 Ventures (formerly Glocalink Singapore), Ameicc, and Untrod—for their invaluable support. The event comprised three main sessions: the 144 Ventures Session, featuring pitches from portfolio companies; the Ameicc Session, showcasing presentations from five selected Japanese companies; and the Untrod Session, which included a special panel discussion. Poster sessions were held between these main events.
The inaugural Global Knowledge Hub Forum commenced with a keynote address from Mr. Shohei Michael Maekawa (Director of Leave a Nest Singapore) , who highlighted Singapore’s role as a premier global knowledge centre that integrates cutting-edge technologies from around the world for the greater good.
Following the opening address, Mr. Ambrose Chia led the 144 Ventures session, showcasing 16 startups from the 144 Ventures portfolio as they presented their innovative technologies and solutions to an engaged audience. The morning session concluded with Dr. Yukihiro Maru, CEO of Leave a Nest Group, announcing the rebranding of Glocolink Singapore to 144 Ventures.
In the afternoon, the Ameicc session featured five Japanese startups presenting their groundbreaking technologies. The selected startups—Integriculture, REVOX, Sydecas, Thinker, and Tsubame BHB—sparked extensive discussions among attendees.
The final session, the Untrod Session, featured a special presentation by Mr. Akihiko Nagata, Managing Director of Untrod, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Henry Tao, Principal at Untrod Capital Asia. Panellists included Dr. Avishek Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of VFlowTech; Mr. Alvin Seng, Growth Manager at MOL Plus; and Mr. Derek Neo, Deputy General Manager at SEEDS Capital. The panel explored the potential of cross-border investments and collaborations between startups and multinational corporations to drive new business opportunities.
Between the three main sessions, attendees had ample opportunity to explore booths from participating startups and engage in meaningful conversations with their representatives. Additionally, six startups from Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Australia displayed their posters at the event. In total, there were 31 booths and posters from seven different countries at the Global Knowledge Hub, offering numerous opportunities for networking and building valuable connections.
Throughout the day, participating startups engaged in one-on-one meetings in a separate meeting room, complementing the sessions and poster presentations with personalised discussions.
All in all, the forum provided a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and exploring future collaborations in the global tech landscape, with a focus on Singapore's role as a Global Knowledge Hub.
