08 Dec 2025

UK-APAC Tech Forum 2025 | Event Round-Up


The UK-APAC Tech Forum took place on 12 November 2025, where techUK was joined by government, industry and other stakeholders to discuss the state of play in the Asia-Pacific, as well as Go-to-Market strategies, country specific insights, and opportunities for UK tech companies in the region.

Summary 

Antony Walker, Deputy CEO at techUK, opened the Forum by touching on the scale of opportunity for UK companies in the Asia Pacific as a region at the forefront of digital and industrial innovation and highlighting the UK as an ally for promoting a shared governance vision for open, free, and fair trade.  

This followed opening remarks from Martin Kent, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for the Asia Pacific region, who touched on the UK’s growing trade relationship with the APAC region and how benefits of modern trade agreements and partnerships, such as the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, are making it easier for UK businesses to expand in the region and attract significant investment to the UK’s tech sector. 

The State of Play in the Asia-Pacific: Tariffs, Tech, and Geopolitics 

The first panel focused on regional trade disruptions, such as US reciprocal tariffs, driving up costs and complicating supply chains for tech businesses in Asia-Pacific. Despite this uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the region is adapting with dual supply chains and shifts in sourcing, while digital and AI-driven growth continue to provide resilience and opportunities. Trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) offer long-term benefits, though in the case of the ASEAN bloc, companies must navigate diverse regulations and standards, especially on data. 

Speakers included: 

  • Chair: Daniel Clarke - Senior Policy Manager, International Policy and Trade, techUK 
  • Deborah Elms - Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation 
  • David Taylor - Director of Policy & Programmes - Asia House 

Go-to-Market Strategies, Talent, Operational & Technological Differences in APAC 

The second panel discussed the opportunities the CPTPP offers, including lower tariffs and market access expansion, however success in the region depends on adapting your product and communication to local regulations, marketing strategies, and cultural expectations. This panel also discussed the importance of tailoring offerings for markets like Japan and South Korea, leveraging local partners, and investing in local talent, as well as understanding formal business customs and relationship-driven practices. Choosing the right time to enter, navigating complex regulations, and building trust through on-the-ground presence were identified as key steps for scaling and winning customers in APAC. 

Speakers included: 

  • Chair: Nikki Foster Le-Grys - Public Sector Lead, Scalerr & Chair of the UK-APAC Tech Forum 
  • Leo Kellgren-Parker - CEO & Founder at LIVR 
  • Melissa Snover - CEO & Founder at Rem3dy Health, Nourish3d and Script3d 
  • Blaise Hammond -Chief Communications Officer at Informed Solutions  
  • Josephine Chan - Senior Manager, New Ventures Development at HKSTP 

Country Perspectives & Open Discussion 

During this session, we heard from stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region, who briefly updated attendees on what is happening in respective markets in terms of government policy, opportunities across their respective technology stacks, and how UK companies can get involved. We heard from representatives from: 

  • Australia - Erika Ly, Lead, International at Tech Council of Australia 
  • Philippine - Celynne P. Layug - Commercial Counsellor and Director at Philippine Trade and Investment Centre London 
  • Singapore - Yean Cheong - Executive Director at SGTech 
  • Taiwan - Melissa Leung - Public Policy Manager at GR Taiwan 
  • Malaysia - Aizat Hashim - Lead, Digital Investment at MDEC 

techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities

techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.

 

 

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Meet the team 

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK

Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK