Insights from ORIGIN Southeast Asia Panel on Malaysia’s Startups Led by beSUCCESS’s Vallabh Rao

The 5th BEYOND Expo 2025 concluded at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Expo on May 21-24, marking its biggest edition yet with over 800 companies, 800 investors, and 25,000 visitors from sectors like AI, HealthTech, Clean Energy, Robotics, and SportsTech.

With the theme “Empowering Asia, Bridging the World,” the four-day event featured visionary talks, major showcases, and the Fund at First Pitch startup competition, where companies pitched innovations ranging from bio-based coatings to AI-driven systems.

A highlight was the fireside chat with Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai, who spoke about the importance of trust, China’s global tech role, and advances needed in spatial intelligence for robotics. Sports and e-sports also had a strong presence, with NBA legends like Yao Ming and Metta World Peace attending, and NIP CEO Mario Ho sharing e-sports insights. BEYOND Expo continues to strengthen Asia’s innovation ecosystem, drawing global leaders, startups, and investors to one of the region’s top tech gatherings.

Malaysia’s Tech Startups Face the Cross-Border Test

The ORIGIN Southeast Asia Conference, part of the prestigious BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo), wrapped up on May 22 at the Cotai Expo, drawing together top tech leaders, investors, and innovators from across the region. Among the standout moments of the conference was the compelling panel discussion titled “Grow Big or Go Home: Malaysia Tech’s Cross-Border Necessity,” moderated by Vallabh Rao, Director of beSUCCESS Media.

The panel zeroed in on a critical issue facing Malaysia’s technology startups: the imperative to scale beyond the domestic market to achieve meaningful, long-term success. Vallabh guided an engaging discussion with industry leaders Milan Dhingra, Chief Product & Technology Officer of Teleport (the logistics arm of Capital A, formerly AirAsia Group); Adrian Hia, Partner at Kairous Capital; and Ang Xing Xian, Co-Founder & CEO of Capbay.

Hosted by TNGlobal, ORIGIN is a premier content track that brings together thought leaders, innovators, and industry pioneers from across Asia to explore trends, leadership lessons, and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future. Held annually at BEYOND Expo, ORIGIN fosters conversations that matter, helping the region’s tech ecosystem unlock new avenues of innovation and growth

The Dilemma: Stay Local or Go Global?

Malaysia’s tech scene is vibrant but constrained by the relatively small size of its domestic market. The panelists agreed that while local startups often have strong product-market fit at home, they risk stagnation if they fail to pursue regional or global expansion. Vallabh led the conversation by posing critical questions around when and how startups should consider cross-border growth, emphasizing the delicate balance between focusing on a strong home base and venturing into new markets.

Milan Dhingra offered a corporate perspective, sharing how Teleport’s logistics platform leverages cross-border networks to accelerate scale, while Adrian Hia brought in the investor viewpoint, emphasizing how venture capital looks for scalable business models that can navigate the complexities of regional markets. Ang Xing Xian provided valuable founder insights, recounting Capbay’s own journey from Malaysia to the broader Southeast Asian market.

Key Takeaways for Startups

• Timing is Everything: Scaling too early can strain resources, while waiting too long risks missing key market windows. Founders need to develop a robust strategic roadmap.
• Local Partnerships Matter: Entering new markets often requires local expertise, partnerships, and adapting to cultural and regulatory nuances.
• Investors Back Regional Vision: Startups with a clear cross-border ambition tend to attract stronger investor interest, especially from funds looking for Southeast Asian champions.

A Vision for Regional Growth

The panel was more than just a discussion on Malaysia—it reflected a broader theme across the conference: the need for regional collaboration to unlock Southeast Asia’s full potential. As Vallabh summarized, “Southeast Asia’s diversity is both its strength and its challenge. Founders who can skillfully navigate this tapestry will shape the region’s next wave of unicorns.”

The session reinforced ORIGIN Southeast Asia Conference’s mission: to provide a platform where investors, founders, and policymakers can openly discuss the evolving tech landscape, identify collective opportunities, and forge cross-border collaborations.

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