30 bold founders. 12 countries. One region, building forward.

These women are not just building startups. They are building the next generation of industries, in energy, food systems, climate tech, circular design, and digital innovation.

Delivered by HEX, and supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre, this program is designed to strengthen long-term regional ties, promote innovation-led trade, and empower a rising wave of female founders who are already driving economic impact and climate resilience.‍

A shared mission for a shared future

According to a Media Release from the office of Australia’s Foreign Minister, The Honourable Penny Wong, The ASEAN-Australia Centre’s initiatives “support the implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, through practical action that increases Australia’s business, cultural and community connections with the ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste… to strengthen shared understanding and connection between Australia and Southeast Asia.”

A word from HEX CEO, Jeanette Cheah

“We were absolutely blown away by the calibre of applicants, and we are very excited to be working with a cohort of diverse, ambitious and creative founders who are already making an impact in their chosen fields.

This program is just the beginning of ongoing, multi-lateral business relationships for many of these founders, which is fantastic for the future of the Australian economy and our ASEAN and Timor-Leste neighbours.

As someone with first-hand experience of the unique challenges women founders can face in raising capital, leading international teams, and building confidence to be seen as leaders, I’m personally very inspired to work with these founders as their Entrepreneur in Residence."

‍— Jeanette Cheah, CEO of HEX

Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen international partnerships and it’s even more powerful when driven by women who understand the local context and global opportunity.

The ASEAN-Australia Generation Next program creates a platform where innovation, gender equity, and sustainability intersect. It enables emerging leaders to build scalable ventures while fostering the connections that underpin a stable, collaborative, and future-focused Indo-Pacific region.

These 30 founders are already making real impact in their communities and now, with access to international networks, resources, and support, they’re ready to scale that impact across the region.

Meet the 2025 ASEAN-Australia Gen Next Women Founders

🇦🇺 Australia

• Roann Junio-Hartmann – Cobber Technologies
• Zoe Tiffen – Know My Fit
• Alinta Furnell – Synbiote

🇧🇳 Brunei

• Kamaliah Osman – Krafted by Kamaliah

🇰🇭 Cambodia

• Nop Chenda – Chenda Khmer Recycle Co.,Ltd
• Mechpring Sereny – Local Dry
• Chau Lon Molika – SMART (Sophea Moly Agro-Retails & Trading Co., Ltd.)

🇮🇩 Indonesia

• Maryati Maryati – Startup Campus
• Nadea N Putri – Azura IDN
• Riesa Putri – Perfectfit
• Falasifah Falasifah – ALBITEC
• Roikhanatun Nafi’ah – Crustea (PT Eco Karya Teknologi)
• Indah Astri Natalia Sinambela – Larvo
• Afifah Amaliyah – Rambah Runtah

🇱🇦 Laos

• Manithaythip Thephavanh – Mini Heart School

🇲🇾 Malaysia

• Bridgid Lai Fui Chin – Curtin University Malaysia

🇲🇲 Myanmar / Australia

• Ei Pwint Rhi Zan – Third Story Project

🇵🇭 Philippines

• Ricel Iana Marie Banayos – Ugnayan Multimedia Consultancy Services
• Joanne Flestado – SustainWrite
• Mica Martirez – Rezbin Waste Technology Inc.
• Nieramor Bernante – Arka Inc.

🇸🇬 Singapore

• Didi Gan – N&E Innovations Pte Ltd

🇹🇭 Thailand

• Pasinee Tangsuriyapaisan – Enable Earth Co., Ltd.
• Nitikan Chaiamornsub – CarbonScope Partners
• Saranchana Atipanya – Earthbound Co.,Ltd.

🇹🇱 Timor-Leste

• Ana Belo – ARXB Cloud Services
• Efa Ricarda Dos Santos – Trevo da Efa Unip. Lda.
• Claudia Ximenes – Timor Leste Innovation Hub

🇻🇳 Vietnam

• Tuong-Minh Ly-Le – EloQ Communications
• Nga Ellie Nguyen Thuy – Tue Anh Education and Technology

What happens next?

This is not a pitch competition. This is a launchpad for long-term regional influence.

Finalists will now enter a 13-week hybrid sprint that includes:

• Executive-level masterclasses in sustainability, trade, and venture growth
  
  
• Coaching from experienced mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners
  
  
• Cross-border collaboration with other founders and innovation leaders
  
  
• A capstone, week-long trade mission in Melbourne with industry, government, and academic stakeholders
  
  

This is where real partnerships begin, the kind that turn early-stage startups into regionally connected, investment-ready businesses.

Stay connected

📌 Learn more about the ASEAN–Australia Generation Next program

📌 Discover the ASEAN–Australia Centre’s regional impact initiatives

Follow along as we share founder spotlights, milestone updates, and partnership stories that are shaping the future of innovation in our region.