The One ASEAN Startup Awards 2025 was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on May 23, 2025, by The National Innovation Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). The awards aim to connect the startup ecosystems of ASEAN and Japan, serving as a launchpad for Vietnamese talents to expand globally by creating opportunities for investment, market access, and strategic consultation.
Key Highlights of the Awards
The preliminary application round for Vietnamese startups will open in June, attracting entrepreneurs, startup ecosystem stakeholders, policymakers, and academics. The awards will celebrate noteworthy startups across the ASEAN region, with a particular focus on AI development and regional climate goals.
Categories and Prizes
The 2025 awards will be held in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, focusing on two main categories: AI and Net-Zero Solutions. Winning teams from each country will compete in the regional finals expected to take place at the end of the year, with each receiving $10,000 in development funding.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the NIC, emphasized the NIC’s commitment to helping businesses from the idea stage to international market expansion. Hiroshi Ishikawa, special advisor to the president of digital innovation at ERIA, expressed hope that the platform would foster meaningful cross-border collaboration.
Impact on Vietnam’s Innovation Ecosystem
Vietnam’s innovation startup ecosystem has developed strongly in recent years, rising to 44th among over 130 countries in the Global Innovation Index for 2024. The country’s proactive approach to developing qualified workers and its growing focus on sustainability and innovation are set to further strengthen its startup ecosystem.
