- 2025/03/31
Global Business Support News #8
From Fukuoka to the World: Strengthening Ecosystem Connections in November
Fukuoka City and GBS Make Their Mark at VIS 2024
Fukuoka City and Global Business Support (GBS) participated in the Vietnam Innovation Summit (VIS) 2024, held on November 15-16 at the Rex Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time Fukuoka City engaged with this prominent platform, reflecting its commitment to fostering international collaboration and exploring Vietnam’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

A Platform for Global Innovation
The summit, themed “Innovate – Transform – Sustain: Shaping the Future Together,” attracted over 1,500 participants, including government officials, business leaders, and investors from around the globe. The event served as a vital forum for sharing insights, discussing sustainable development solutions, and exploring emerging technologies.
Fukuoka City’s involvement aimed to deepen ties with InnoLab Asia and engage with local entrepreneurs. By participating in VIS 2024, Fukuoka sought not only to showcase its initiatives but also to learn from Vietnam’s innovative practices and entrepreneurial spirit.
GBS: Bridging International Opportunities
Shun Ono, Director of Global Business Support (GBS) within Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN), represented GBS as a panelist speaker during the summit. His participation highlighted GBS’s mission to support startups in navigating international business challenges and fostering cross-border collaborations.
One of the key highlights of VIS 2024 was a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers from Korea, Japan, and Australia:

– Ms. Harriet Bartlett – Perth Landing Pad Lead, Spacecubed (Australia)
– Mr. Shun Ono – Director, Global Business Support, Fukuoka Growth Next (Japan)
– Ms. Ahram Chui – General Manager, Goyang Investment Authority (Korea)
Moderated by Mr. Huynh Cong Thang, Chairman & CEO of InnoLab Asia, this session focused on investment opportunities and market expansion strategies while exploring avenues for collaboration with Vietnam.
A Comprehensive Program
The summit featured a diverse agenda designed to foster innovation and collaboration across various sectors. Key activities included:
– Panel Discussions: Covering topics such as sustainability-focused solutions, emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, smart manufacturing, and innovations in education technology.
– Business Exhibitions: Showcasing groundbreaking technologies from countries including Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Switzerland.
– Startup Crowdfunding Activities: Providing startups the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to potential investors.
– Networking Events: Facilitating connections through private meetings with investors and one-on-one business networking sessions.
Building Lasting Partnerships
Fukuoka City and GBS aimed to explore potential partnerships that could enhance innovation across borders during VIS 2024. Their participation underscored a commitment to building lasting relationships that drive mutual growth and innovation.
In conclusion, VIS 2024 served as an inspiring gathering of minds dedicated to shaping a sustainable future through innovation. The future landscape of Vietnams startup scene is looking ever-bright, and Fukuoka City, along with GBS is looking forward to further collaboration with InnoLab. Congratulations for the successful event and till the next time Thang-san!
Meet Taipei 2024: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity in Asia’s Startup Hub
The Meet Taipei Startup Festival 2024, Asia’s largest startup event, concluded on November 23rd at the Taipei Expo Dome and Plaza. This year’s theme, “TAIWAN +1,” highlighted Taiwan’s leadership in AI applications, deep technology, and global expansion, attracting over 55,000 visitors and 460 startup teams from 18 countries.
Event Highlights
The festival featured:
– 11 themed zones covering cutting-edge sectors like AI, health technology, and blockchain/Web3
– 205 demo pitches and 376 matchmaking sessions
– The “Meet Neo Star Demo Show,” spotlighting 30 elite startups
– Participation from 9 accelerators and several government entities
Fukuoka City’s Strategic Engagement
Fukuoka City and its Global Business Support (GBS) initiative played a significant role at Meet Taipei 2024. As Japan’s fastest-growing metropolis and a National Strategic Special Zone for Global Startups, Fukuoka offered:
– Matchmaking services with key Fukuoka-based companies
– Information on startup visas and tax incentives
– Introductions to Fukuoka’s thriving Smart City initiative
Key Partnerships and Collaborations
Fukuoka City representatives extended their networking efforts beyond the main conference, holding strategic meetings with the Center for International Economic Affairs (CIEA) and the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME)[2]. These meetings aimed to strengthen cross-border startup collaborations and explore potential areas for future partnerships.
Looking Ahead
Meet Taipei 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of innovation and a testament to Taiwan’s rising global influence in the startup ecosystem. As the curtains closed on this spectacular gathering, the spirit of innovation in Taipei emerged stronger than ever, ready to shape the future of the global startup landscape.
There is no I in Fukuoka but there is a U!
Feel free to drop by anytime or shoot us a message. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on this exciting and wonderful journey.
Global Business Support
Opening hours: Everyday 10:00-17:00 (Days closed : New Year’s holidays)
Location:
Fukuoka Growth Next 1F, Global Business Support
2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0041
*The entrance to Fukuoka Growth Next is on the south side of the building. .
As there is no on-site parking or bicycle parking available, we kindly ask that you utilize nearby parking facilities or bicycle parking areas.
Contact Information:
Tel: 070‐8406-7169
Mail: info@global-fgn.com