Entrepreneurs preparing to enter international markets need clear guidance, practical tools, and access to relevant networks. Ecosystem enablers provide this support by working with founders across different stages of business growth.
From 21 to 27 June 2026, Rizky Maulana, Entrepreneur Experience and Portfolio Lead at KUMPUL, joined entrepreneurial and technology hubs from across ASEAN at the EU ASEAN SCOPE Trade Training of Trainers Workshop in Manila, the Philippines.
The workshop focused on strengthening the ASEAN entrepreneurship ecosystem by equipping organisations that support entrepreneurs. Participants learned practical approaches to help founders assess their readiness, communicate their businesses, and prepare for regional and international market access.
Building International Business Readiness
On 22 and 23 June 2026, participants explored three tools under the Going International Frameworks:
- 360 Diagnostics: This tool helps entrepreneurs identify their strengths, business gaps, and growth priorities. The findings can guide ecosystem enablers in designing support based on each entrepreneur’s needs.
- Pitch Perfect: This framework helps entrepreneurs communicate their business models, objectives, and needs clearly to potential investors and business partners.
- Going International: This tool introduces key considerations for entering new markets, including business readiness, market objectives, and potential risks.
The three tools provided participants with a structured method for supporting ASEAN entrepreneurs as they prepare for international growth.
Applying the Frameworks with Local Enterprises
On 24 and 25 June 2026, participants applied the Going International Frameworks with local enterprises in Manila.
The practice sessions allowed participants to deliver the frameworks in a real training environment. They exchanged feedback, learned with fellow entrepreneurial and technology hubs, and reviewed how the methodology could be used within their own communities.
Working directly with local enterprises helped participants understand how each tool could be adapted to different business stages, market goals, and levels of international business readiness.
Learning from Manila’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The programme continued with visits to AIM Dado Banatao Incubator, Brainsparks, and QBO Innovation on 26 June 2026.
During the visits, KUMPUL and fellow ASEAN hubs spoke with local stakeholders about entrepreneur support, incubation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem development in Manila.
The discussions provided practical insights into how local organisations connect entrepreneurs with:
- Business knowledge and mentorship
- Investor and partner networks
- Incubation and growth support
- Regional and international market opportunities
These exchanges strengthened connections among ecosystem enablers across ASEAN. The relationships will support future efforts to identify and curate promising entrepreneurs for market access opportunities in Europe through a collaborative initiative with the International Trade Centre.
Supporting ASEAN Entrepreneurs Through Regional Collaboration
KUMPUL’s participation in the workshop contributed to regional efforts to strengthen the capacity of ecosystem enablers and entrepreneurship support organisations across ASEAN.
The tools and lessons from Manila can help entrepreneurs assess their business readiness, communicate their value clearly, and prepare for international market opportunities.
Through continued collaboration among entrepreneurial hubs, technology hubs, and local stakeholders, the ASEAN entrepreneurship ecosystem can provide founders with relevant support at each stage of international market preparation.
The workshop was part of the EU ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package, SCOPE Trade. It was funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre in partnership with ASEAN.
For collaboration opportunities on AI ecosystem building, contact us at event@kumpul.id.
