Emerging stronger into the post-pandemic era, the call for cutting-edge solutions has been answered as numerous startups have stepped forward, and Southeast Asia has proven itself an innovation hotspot. Many Japanese businesses and financial institutions established their footholds in the region since the 1970s, and they’ve shown increasing interest in contributing to this fast-developing ecosystem. The Japan-Southeast Asia Market Forum on Nov. 15 featured discussions on Japanese-Southeast Asian business ties by bringing together distinguished speakers from Japanese and regional government bodies, top financial institutions, and startups. Topics addressed included sustainable growth and the benefits of business and financial ties between Japan and Southeast Asia.