Western Australia’s energy, science and innovation capabilities shine across Malaysia and Singapore
Western Australia’s (WA) Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson visited Malaysia and Singapore last week, showcasing the State’s capabilities across energy, science, innovation and technology, and promoting trade and investment opportunities with key ASEAN markets.
While in Malaysia, the Minister:
- officially opened Invest and Trade WA’s Kuala Lumpur Office, which will strengthen WA’s presence in the region and support investment and trade opportunities;
- promoted WA’s competitive advantages and its role as a reliable partner in supporting regional sustainability at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Kuala Lumpur;
- met with Malaysian government representatives, business leaders and industry peak bodies to discuss opportunities in the digital technology, research and innovation space between the two regions; and
- visited Sunway Education Group and learned how the institution integrates startup venture building and peer-to-peer technology learning into its holistic education system focused on sustainability.
Minister Dawson then travelled to Singapore where he:
- discussed opportunities to strengthen investment and trade between Western Australia and Singapore with Singaporean Minister-in-Charge of Energy Dr Tan See Leng, Minister of State Ms Gan Siow Huang and Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Mr Allaster Cox;
- highlighted Western Australia’s efforts to enhance the State’s energy resilience and support the energy transition of our neighbours to the north on a ministerial panel and live interview at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW);
- showcased Western Australia’s science and innovation capabilities and promoted West Tech Fest at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) alongside a delegation of WA businesses;
- engaged Singaporean government agencies, businesses and investors through meetings and a networking event to create opportunities in support of Western Australia’s decarbonisation, innovation and competitiveness; and
- visited Sembcorp’s Tengeh Floating Solar Farm, The Gear by Kajima, an open innovation platform for built environment, health and wellbeing, and the PSA Innovation Centre for port and supply chain technologies.
.jpg?sfvrsn=8afa0d5e_1 "Minister Stephen Dawson at the Built in WA: Bold Ideas from the West panel discussion at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH)")
WA innovators travelled to SWITCH as part of a West Tech Fest delegation, and included innovators in life sciences, cybersecurity, environmental solutions and digital solutions, as well as leading ecosystem supporters.
The mission also provided an opportunity to promote upcoming global events being hosted in Perth, WA in 2026.
The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification is a sponsor of West Tech Fest, Australia’s longest-running tech and innovation festival, held annually in Perth. Tickets are now available for West Tech Fest 2025, which attracts Australian and international global thought leaders, investors, founders and innovators.
Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) also returns to WA in March 2026, providing a global platform for industry and leaders across the oil, gas and energy sectors to connect and discuss future energy solutions, and showcase the State’s energy capabilities.
Minister Dawson’s visit to Malaysia and Singapore continues to build on WA’s strong connections to the ASEAN region, unlocking opportunities for collaboration and growth with these key markets.
To learn more about trade and investment opportunities with the ASEAN region, visit the Invest and Trade WA ASEAN hub page.
Published on: 31 October 2025
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER