Dr. Kihoko Tokue Speaks at Nikkei Forum in Johor: Highlighting the Science Bridge Communicator with Future of Technopreneurship in Southeast Asia
Medini, Johor – June 18, 2025 – For the first time in its history, the prestigious Nikkei Forum was held outside of Kuala Lumpur, making Johor the symbolic host for a new wave of regional innovation collaboration. Centered on the theme of Japan-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) driving Asia’s Innovation Hub. The 2 day event was co-organized by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Japan’s leading media, Nikkei Inc with support coming from Johor state government. This year’s Forum convened top-level government officials, industry leaders, and thought leaders to explore investment and innovation opportunities across borders.
Among the honored attendees were Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Omn Hafiz Ghazi, and His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, reflecting the depth of bilateral commitment between the two nations in developing next-generation innovation hubs.
Kihoko Tokue Ph. D., Co-founder of Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (2013) and Managing Director of Leave a Nest Singapore Pte. Ltd (2016)., was invited as a featured panelist on Day 2’s morning session focused on the development of technopreneurial talent in Southeast Asia. The session, titled “Nurturing Talent to Propel Asia’s Tech Future,” was moderated by Dr. Marc Lim, one of Malaysia’s youngest and most dynamic academic leaders and currently Dean and Distinguished Professor at Business School, Sunway University.
Joining a distinguished lineup of speakers, Mr Masahiro Kono, Sankyu Inc. Management Executive Officer and Mr. Vincent Wei CEO Archisen. Dr. Tokue shared her unique perspective. Focusing on nurturing deep-tech entrepreneurial mindset through education, field-based learning, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Drawing from her years of experience working at the intersection of science, education, and regional innovation ecosystems, she emphasized the importance of nurturing young researchers and innovators with a strong sense of mission and multidisciplinary exposure to nurture entrepreneurial mindset complementing the skill sets. She also emphasized the fact mindset will outlive the rapidly changing society thus making it an applicable “tool” which will last for life.
“The JS-SEZ provides an unprecedented platform to redesign how we train future innovators. We need bold, cross-cultural programs that turn research into real-world impact, nurture Science Bridge Communicators who will be the key in having visionary technopreneurs and innovation hub” said Dr. Tokue during the discussion.
She also shared the recently published Science Bridge Communicator Changes the Way of Business during the session. Copies are available both in Japanese and in English. For more information, check this press release in English. https://global.lne.st/news/sg/2025/06/14/sbc2025/
Her insights resonated deeply with stakeholders from both government and industry who are actively seeking models to accelerate innovation-led growth to tackle challenges in the region and beyond.