Southeast Asian Entrepreneurs in Europe Association: Year in Review 2023

What a fantastic year it had been for us at the Southeast Asian Entrepreneurs in Europe Association (SEEA)! As 2023 draws to a close, we’d like to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on over the past year. From impactful events and fundraising initiatives to strategic partnerships and team growth, let’s explore SEEA year in review together.

Launching SEEA’s official website

We kicked off the year with the launch of our new website! Take this time (after reading this article, of course), to explore and read all about what we as an organisation have to offer, and the stories shared by fellow entrepreneurs based in Europe. The launching of our very own website marked a crucial step in enhancing our online presence and communication channels, allowing us to better connect with our community.

Collaborations with our partners

SEEA expanded our reach by establishing partnerships with various organisations and institutions, fostering a network dedicated to supporting Southeast Asian Entrepreneurs in Europe.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we collaborated with the Singapore Global Network (SGN) to co-host Trailblazers: Personal Growth and Community. The event featured inspiring panel discussions on workplace diversity and insightful sharing sessions with Judy Lux, Co-Founder of Clincase, Claudia Guerreiro, Founder of Conscious Marketing Movement, and Katya Barry, a work-life strategist for professional women and a bestselling author of ‘The Awakened Feminine’.

Most recently, in October, we organised our very first Oktoberfest get-together in Munich, the beer capital of the world. Together with SGN, the event was a genuine expression of gratitude towards our cherished partners and networks. It went beyond the joy of beer and festivities, offering a special chance to celebrate our social bonds and the warmth of shared moments.

We collaborated with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) for the Market Entry: Singapore to Europe/UK workshop. Our co-founder Junjie Kong shared his insights on entering the European market, joined by esteemed speakers Guan Seng Khoo, Gary Conroy, and Ralf Jansen.

SGInnovate and SEEA came together to provide an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs, working professionals, and students in the Deep Tech industries to connect, exchange experiences, and delve into discussions about Germany's Deep Tech ecosystem, Singaporean-style, that is, over delicious food and drinks.

Our first community gathering in Munich

December marked a significant moment for us as we hosted Glühwein and Gather, our inaugural gathering for our community, in Munich. This was an opportunity to get to know each other better, sharing insights, aspirations, and challenges, the event became a melting pot of diverse perspectives. It also served as an occasion for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the work and initiatives of SEEA, reminding us of the sense of community and collaboration among like-minded individuals.

SEEA gives back: Fundraising Initiatives

Commitment to social responsibility remained at the forefront of our mission. We successfully raised funds for IHCRO and AK Appeal’s Ramadan Kitchen, providing hot and nutritious meals to those in need during the holy month of Ramadan.

Establishing SEEA as a non-profit organisation

This year brings us one step closer to officiating SEEA as a non-profit organisation in Europe, underlining our commitment to supporting Southeast Asian Entrepreneurs in the region.

Team Milestones

At the heart of our team, you’ll find a group of dedicated individuals driving our mission forward. In 2023, we celebrated the first-year anniversaries of two incredible volunteers: Joanna Chung, our Financial Controller, and Nurintan Syafinaz, our Marketing and Communications Manager.

And, with great excitement, we welcomed Kendra Liew-Glausch as our new Community Manager - a wonderful addition to the SEEA team.

Looking forward to the future

As we close the chapter in 2023, we eagerly anticipate the exciting events that the next year will bring. Our participation in a community-building workshop, organised by SGN, further strengthened our commitment to collaborative efforts. Our journey so far has been remarkable, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, advisors, team members and most of all, everyone who has supported us this year. Thank you, you’ve all been an integral part of our success.

Embracing the spirit of progress and collaboration, we eagerly anticipate the ongoing pursuit of our mission and aim to create an even more significant impact in the upcoming year. Be sure to stay informed about our exciting developments on LinkedIn as we work together to connect Southeast Asian Entrepreneurs in Europe. Join our community today!